Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday, 21 June asserted that the Mahayuti government has taken record-breaking decisions for the state's overall development by placing the welfare of farmers, women, labourers, youth, and common citizens at the top of its agenda. Shinde made the remarks at a press conference in Mumbai on the eve of the monsoon session of the state legislature.

Key Development Schemes Highlighted

Shinde outlined a wide range of initiatives undertaken by the Mahayuti administration. He cited a ₹36,585 crore loan waiver scheme and a ₹15,000 crore relief package rolled out in 2022, along with an incentive bonus of ₹50,000 for farmers who consistently repay their crop loans on time. He also noted that assistance was extended beyond National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) norms, the two-hectare eligibility limit was increased, and compensation was disbursed for losses caused by snail infestations, continuous rainfall, and other natural calamities.

On the Ladki Bahin Yojana, Shinde assured that the scheme will not be discontinued and that eligible women will continue to receive benefits. He clarified that action is being taken only against fraudulent claims. 'Eligible Ladki Bahins will not be deprived under any circumstances,' he said.

Infrastructure and Industrial Push

Shinde pointed to significant infrastructure momentum under the Mahayuti administration. He said the Mumbai-Pune Missing Link project has been inaugurated, and over 3,500 kilometres of roads are being constructed in rural areas. The Virar-Alibaug Multimodal Corridor and metro projects worth ₹23,487 crore have been approved. A rehabilitation policy benefiting 424 cities is also underway, and the number of government departments has been increased to 46 to boost administrative efficiency.

On the industrial front, Shinde said investments worth ₹90,000 crore have been promoted, expected to generate approximately 20,000 jobs. He added that the state plans to implement an Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy as part of its contribution to the vision of a Viksit Bharat. He also highlighted that the Centre has allocated ₹76,000 crore for the Vadhavan Port project, which he described as set to become a world-class facility.

Call for Opposition Engagement

Shinde used the occasion to appeal to the opposition to abandon boycott politics and participate constructively in the legislature. He alleged that the opposition has consistently used boycotts as a political tool, even as the government remains prepared to answer every question in the House. 'Even amidst the conflict between Iran and America, a ceasefire was achieved, but the opposition's boycott never seems to end,' he quipped.

He said the government wants detailed House discussions on monsoon preparedness, farmers' issues, development projects, and public welfare. He noted that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has already presented detailed data on farmers, rainfall, and related issues, reflecting what Shinde described as the government's transparent approach.

Agricultural Outlook and El Niño Warning

Shinde acknowledged that farmers face additional challenges due to the El Niño effect and advised them not to rush sowing operations. He urged farmers to follow guidelines issued by the Agriculture Department to avoid the risk of double sowing, and expressed confidence that good rainfall would bring relief. He reiterated that the government has never held back in supporting farmers, saying: 'The first right over the state treasury belongs to our farmers. The farmer is our parent; they will never be left in the lurch.'

With the monsoon session set to begin, the Mahayuti government's performance on farmer welfare and infrastructure is expected to be a central point of debate on the floor of the House.