Maharashtra: The Growth Engine of the Country; Welfare Schemes Benefit the Last Mile for People’s Development – CM Eknath Shinde

Mumbai : Maharashtra has become the leading state in the country, serving as the growth engine of the nation. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde emphasized that the state government is implementing various welfare schemes for all citizens, including women, youth, farmers, and senior citizens.

Speaking on the topic of “Progressive Maharashtra” at the Diamond State Summit organized by News 18 India at ITC Grand Central Hotel, Mumbai, Chief Minister Shinde stated that, for the empowerment of women in the state, two installments of Rs. 50,000 are being provided, and a plan to offer three free gas cylinders under the Annapurna Yojana has been initiated. The state government is working to make women self-reliant through free higher education for girls and travel concessions for women. He added that the Chief Minister’s Women’s Empowerment Campaign is dedicated to fulfilling the Prime Minister’s vision.

Maharashtra will play a significant role in the national goal of creating 3 crore ‘Lakhpati Didis’ (wealthy women entrepreneurs). Of these, 50 lakh Didis will be from Maharashtra. As India moves towards a 5 trillion-dollar economy, Maharashtra is poised to make a substantial contribution, with efforts underway to achieve a 1 trillion-dollar economy within the state.

Various development projects are currently progressing across Maharashtra, including the Samriddhi Highway, Coastal Road, and Metro projects. The metro network is rapidly expanding in Mumbai, contributing significantly to the state’s infrastructure. In the past two years, Maharashtra has made considerable contributions to the country’s development. Many Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed in Davos, fueling rapid industrial growth and employment generation in the state.

The Union Cabinet has approved the development of Dighi port in Raigad district, with a budget of Rs. 5,500 crores. The port, which will cover approximately 6,000 acres, will receive a central government investment of Rs. 76,000 crores for its development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will perform the Bhumi Pujan (groundbreaking) ceremony for this project. This initiative is expected to create numerous employment opportunities as a significant number of industries are set to establish themselves in the state, with various facilities provided to them, according to Chief Minister Shinde.

Chief Minister Shinde also mentioned that basic infrastructure has been significantly developed across the state, including the Samriddhi Highway, Atal Setu, and Coastal Road, which have been made available for public use. These projects have saved citizens time and money, while also aiding in pollution control.

Recognizing the challenges faced by women in managing households, the state launched the ‘Chief Minister-Ladki Baheen’ scheme, which has benefited over 1 crore women so far. Alongside this, the Ladka Bhau Yojana (Youth Training Scheme) has been initiated, providing education stipends of Rs. 6,000, Rs. 8,000, and Rs. 10,000 to students, and creating employment opportunities through skill development.

The government has also introduced various concessions and schemes for farmers. A crop insurance scheme has been launched for just one rupee, and electricity bills for farmers with up to 7.5 HP have been waived. Additionally, the government is assisting farmers who wish to install solar pumps, with several decisions taken to support them.

Significant efforts are being made to eradicate Naxalism from Maharashtra. Chief Minister Shinde expressed confidence that Naxalism will be eliminated from the state, thanks to the development of facilities such as schools, colleges, and hospitals in Naxal-affected areas.