Full Cooperation from Central Government for Development Projects: Deputy CM Ajit Pawar

Review of Projects Under the 15th Finance Commission Held in Mumbai

Mumbai : Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar stated that the Central Government is extending full cooperation in the implementation of development projects initiated in Maharashtra under the 15th Finance Commission. He emphasized that these works should be planned with a long-term vision spanning the next 100 years, completed within the scheduled timeline, and maintained with high standards of quality.

During a high-level review meeting held at the Mantralaya, Deputy CM Pawar instructed officials to coordinate with central authorities to ensure the timely disbursal and full utilization of funds allocated under the 15th Finance Commission within the current fiscal year. “Not a single rupee allotted for the state’s development should go unspent,” he asserted.

In the meeting, the Deputy CM reviewed the progress of various key projects, including:

1. Tourism Development near Sindhudurg: Use of decommissioned Indian Navy ship INS Guldar for creating artificial coral reefs, offering scuba diving, submarine experiences, and an underwater museum.
2. Unity Mall in Ulwe, Navi Mumbai: Construction near the upcoming international airport.
3. Ram-Kal-Path in Nashik: Development of a heritage corridor.
4. Hostels for Working Women: Establishment in seven urban locations—Thane, Nagpur, Navi Mumbai, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Kalyan-Dombivli, and Solapur.
5. Urban and Rural Development Initiatives: Including disaster management, public health, and other department-linked projects.
6. Preservation of Cultural Heritage.
7. Forest and Wildlife Management.
8. Rewas-Redi Coastal Highway.
9. Housing Projects for Police Personnel.

The Deputy CM assured that the government would provide all necessary support to overcome obstacles in completing these projects. He reiterated the importance of adhering to deadlines and maintaining construction quality.

He directed officials to ensure that all projects initiated under the 15th Finance Commission are aligned with the vision for the next century and executed with precision and accountability.

Present at the meeting were Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) O.P. Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary (Planning) Dr. Rajgopal Deora, Additional Chief Secretary (Urban Development) Asimkumar Gupta, Principal Secretary (Rural Development) Eknath Davale, Principal Secretary (Finance) Saurabh Vijay, Principal Secretary (Urban Development) Dr. K.H. Govindraj, Principal Secretary (Tourism) Atul Patne, Deputy CM’s Secretary Dr. Rajesh Deshmukh, Secretary (PWD) Sanjay Dashpute, Secretary (Financial Reforms) Shaila A., Secretary (Public Health) Virendra Singh, Nashik Municipal Commissioner Manisha Khatri, and CIDCO’s Joint Managing Director Ganesh Deshmukh, among other senior officials.