Pursuing an Inclusive and Developed Maharashtra: Governor Emphasizes Fadnavis Administration's Efforts

Mumbai, March 3 (NationPress) The Governor of Maharashtra, C.P. Radhakrishnan, articulated in his joint address to both Houses of the state Legislature that Maharashtra has emerged as a preferred hub for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and accounts for over 14 percent of India's total GDP, establishing itself as one of the foremost industrial states in the nation.

He emphasized that the government is dedicated to fostering a progressive, inclusive, and developed Maharashtra by uniting all communities.

During the World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland, in January 2025, the government secured Memorandums of Understanding worth approximately Rs 15.72 lakh crore with 63 national and international firms. This initiative is set to create over 15 lakh jobs within the state. Additionally, the government plans to allocate an Investment Promotion Subsidy of about Rs 5,000 crore to various industries, aimed at attracting investments, boosting industrial growth, and fostering job creation.

The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation has resolved to allocate roughly 3,500 acres of industrial plots to promote and support industrialization in the state. Acknowledging the rising demand for industrial land, 10,000 acres will be designated for industrial use.

The government is set to develop 10 Integrated Industrial Parks and Integrated Logistics Parks to stimulate industrial growth, enhance supply chain efficiency, and establish a world-class business ecosystem.

To strengthen the textile sector, the government has sanctioned the Maharashtra Technical Textiles Mission, marking Maharashtra as the first state in India to launch such an initiative, aligning with the Centre’s National Technical Textiles Mission and reinforcing its leading role in the textile industry.

The construction of the Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway will proceed, with assurances of involving all stakeholders. This expressway will connect significant religious sites along its route, substantially reducing travel time and promoting economic growth in the area. The estimated project cost is Rs 86,300 crore,” stated the Governor. This decision is made amidst protests from farmers and opposition regarding potential adverse impacts on agricultural activities in Kolhapur and surrounding regions.

The government has also announced plans to construct 7,480 km of cement-concretized roads under various Public Works Department schemes to enhance road durability, connectivity, and ensure safer transportation across the state. From April 1 this year, toll collection will transition to FASTag only at all toll plazas to improve efficiency and reduce congestion.

Under the Centrally Sponsored PM E-Bus Seva Yojana, in the first phase, 1,290 buses have been approved for 20 Municipal Corporations, alongside financial aid for developing bus depots in these areas.

The government will implement a fresh Maharashtra Electric Vehicle Policy, commencing April 1 for the next three years. This policy includes incentives for electric vehicles and promotes the scrapping of older vehicles, aiming to diminish the state’s carbon footprint and enhance eco-friendly transportation.

The government has entered into agreements with 13 agencies for electricity storage and grid stability by executing Pumped Storage Projects through Public-Private Partnerships for 38 projects. These initiatives are expected to yield 55,970 megawatts of power, attracting investments of around Rs 2.95 lakh crore and generating over 90,000 jobs.

In line with India’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2070, the state government has installed 3,12,000 solar pumps under the 'Magel Tyala Saur Pump Yojana' to provide farmers with solar-powered irrigation solutions. The goal is to distribute 10 lakh solar pumps within five years. “Maharashtra aims to be the first state to solarize all agricultural feeders under the PM-KUSUM and Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana initiatives. A total of 119 feeders with a combined solar power capacity of 147 megawatts have been commissioned in just nine months,” the Governor remarked.

A new initiative called 'Agristack-Digital Public Infrastructure for Agriculture' has been launched to expedite the delivery of various government schemes to farmers via digital services. Over 95 lakh farmers have been identified as beneficiaries under the 'Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sanman Yojana', with more than 87 lakh farmers receiving Kisan Credit Card facilities from banks. This initiative aims to empower farmers with financial support and credit access.

The government is also promoting the 'Lakhpati Didi' initiative aimed at enhancing women’s household income. So far, 17 lakh women have successfully increased their household income to Rs one lakh or more. The objective is to empower 26 lakh rural women to achieve Lakhpati Didis status by the conclusion of 2024-25, as stated by the Governor.

“The government is implementing the National Education Policy 2020, and we are committed to providing necessary financial provisions for its execution. The Ghar 'Ghar Constitution Programme' has been initiated to raise awareness among citizens regarding the Constitution of India and their rights and duties,” he said.

Following the central government’s decision to grant Classical Language status to Marathi, the state government will launch several programs, including Classical Marathi Language Day, Classical Marathi Language Week, honors for distinguished individuals in Classical Marathi research, producing a documentary on the history of Classical Marathi, and establishing a Centre of Excellence and Translation Academy.

The Governor affirmed the state government's commitment to resolving the Maharashtra-Karnataka border dispute, appointing expert advocates to represent Maharashtra in the Supreme Court.

The government is executing educational, healthcare, and various welfare schemes for Marathi-speaking communities in border regions, the L-G noted.