Top Priority to the Development of Urban as well as Rural Areas – Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule

Nagpur, January 2026 : Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said today that various development works are underway across all sectors in the district and that a comprehensive development plan for the district up to 2028 has been envisioned. Giving the highest priority to the development of both urban and rural areas, he appealed to all government officers and employees to discharge their responsibilities as servants of the people.

He was speaking at the main state-level Republic Day ceremony held at Kasturchand Park Ground. The event was attended by Member of Parliament Shyamkumar Barve, Principal Secretary Vinita Ved Singhal, Divisional Commissioner Vijayalakshmi Bidari, Police Commissioner Dr. Ravindra Kumar Singhal, Special Inspector General of Police (Nagpur Range) Sandeep Patil, Municipal Commissioner Dr. Abhijit Chaudhari, MahaMetro Managing Director Shravan Hardikar, Nagpur Improvement Trust Chairman Sanjay Meena, District Collector Dr. Vipin Itankar, Superintendent of Police Harsh Poddar, and other dignitaries from various fields.

Highlighting development initiatives in the district, Guardian Minister Bawankule said that Savner village has now gained recognition as a “secure village,” with extensive CCTV surveillance helping to significantly control crime. Measures undertaken by Nagpur Rural Police in collaboration with Save Life India have resulted in a noticeable reduction in accidents and fatalities in rural Nagpur during 2025. Nagpur City Police are committed to keeping the city safe through the use of modern technology and strict legal action. Initiatives such as ‘Operation Thunder’ to curb narcotics and ‘Garud Drishti’ to identify objectionable content on social media are being effectively implemented, he added.

Referring to the recently concluded World Economic Forum at Davos, Bawankule said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has written a new chapter in Maharashtra’s development story by attracting global investments for the people of the state, including farmers, women, youth, and industries. Maharashtra has set a target of becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2030, and the foundation for this goal is being laid. The state is now moving steadily toward becoming a developed Maharashtra. He also noted that Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari’s focus on metro rail and transport infrastructure has transformed Nagpur into a city with an increasingly international character.

He further informed that the first phase of India’s Census will begin on April 1, 2026, marking the country’s first fully digital census. A mobile app and a central portal will be used for household enumeration. Emphasizing the significance of the moment, he said that citizens are not merely celebrating Republic Day but are also witnessing the dawn of a golden era of development.

Bawankule stated that the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Maharajsw Abhiyan is being implemented across the state. The long-pending issue of farm access roads, crucial for agriculture and farmers, is now being resolved through the Chief Minister Baliraja Farm Access Road Scheme. Approximately 1,250 kilometers of roads have been approved under District Planning Committee funds and mining resources. A pioneering project has been launched in Nagpur district to strengthen these roads using processed ash obtained from various thermal power stations in the district. He also mentioned that 2,205 slum dwellers from 15 slum areas in Nagpur city have recently been allotted land leases. In rural and tehsil areas, more than 30,000 leases have been distributed so far, while around 6,000 leases have been granted at private and municipal levels under the Nagpur Municipal Corporation. Keeping future expansion in mind, an outer ring road of approximately 148 kilometers has been developed, he said.

The Guardian Minister also highlighted development works undertaken by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation. With improved traffic management, the availability of new electric buses, and metro services, the city now has a robust public transport system. PM e-Bus services will further ensure smooth traffic flow. Reviewing the municipal corporation’s progress, he said the city’s development footprint has expanded significantly. Planned transport plazas at Turagondi on Amravati Road, Shirur near Butibori, Palsad on Bhandara Road, and Itgaon near Parseoni will enhance transportation facilities for industrial areas.

International Business Center under ‘New Nagpur’
An International Business and Finance Center will be developed under the ‘New Nagpur’ project in Hingna taluka. This project will play a crucial role in transforming the city into a commercial hub. For women in need across the district, the Navsakhi Udyogini Scheme has been launched through the Zilla Parishad to promote self-employment. Considering the pace of development, Bawankule reiterated that the comprehensive district development plan up to 2028 has been clearly envisioned. During his address, he also commended senior administrative officers of the district for their effective implementation of various schemes and initiatives.

Republic Day Celebrations at the High Court
On the occasion of Republic Day, the national flag was hoisted by Justice Mukulika Javalkar at the premises of the Bombay High Court. Following the National Anthem, the band performed the Maharashtra State Song. The event was attended by Justices Anil Pansare, Nitin Chandwani, Nivedita Mehta, Ujjwala Phalke, Prafulla Khubalkar, Pravin Patil, Nerlikar, Raj Wakode, Registrar Bhushan Khirsagar, High Court Bar Association President Adv. Abhay Sambare, Vice President Adv. Ganesh Khanzode, Secretary Adv. Shrirang Bhongade, and others.

Flag Hoisting at the District Court
At the district court, the national flag was hoisted by Principal District and Sessions Judge Dinesh Surana on the occasion of Republic Day. Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority Pravin Unhale, District Bar Association President Roshan Bagde, judges, advocates, officers, and staff were present. The program began with a guard of honor by the police department, followed by the performance of the National Anthem and State Song by the police band. Judge Dinesh Surana extended Republic Day greetings to all present.