Will not bow before any power – Self-reliant India and Maharashtra – Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde

Under the auspices of Deputy Chief Minister and Thane District Guardian Minister Eknath Shinde, the main government flag hoisting ceremony on the occasion of India’s 79th Independence Day was completed.

Thane, Aug 2025 :Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, though the country’s steps are moving quickly in terms of development today, one cannot remain careless. A superpower like America has tried to create a challenge before India by increasing import duties. But now, India, which is on the path of becoming the world’s economic superpower, cannot be stopped by any leader in the world. No one will be able to stop this great chariot of progress and development. Self-reliant India will not bow before any power, I say this with certainty. India will not bow, and Maharashtra will also not bow, so stated Deputy Chief Minister and Thane District Guardian Minister Eknath Shinde here today.

On the occasion of India’s 79th Independence Day, the main government flag hoisting ceremony was held in the premises of the Thane District Collector’s office by Deputy Chief Minister and Thane District Guardian Minister Eknath Sambhaji Shinde. He was speaking at that time.

On this occasion, MP Naresh Mhaske, MLA Sanjay Kelkar, former MLA Ravindra Phatak, District Collector Dr. Shrikrishna Panchal, Thane Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao, Thane Police Commissioner Ashutosh Dumbre, Zilla Parishad CEO Rohan Ghughe, Director of Directorate of Vocational Education and Training Madhavi Sardesmukh, District Superintendent of Police Dr. D. Swami, Additional Commissioner of Police Dr. Dnyaneshwar Chavan, Additional Commissioner of Police (Administration) Shrikant Pathak, Vinayak Deshmukh, DCP Dr. Pavan Bansod, Pankaj Shirsat, Subhash Burse, Additional Superintendent of Police Anmol Mittal, Additional District Collector Harishchandra Patil, Resident Deputy Collector Dr. Sandip Mane, Deputy Collector (General Administration) Rupali Bhalke, Deputy Collector Sarjerao Maske-Patil, Deputy District Election Officer Vaishali Mane, Prant Officer Urmila Patil, District Planning Officer Vaibhav Kulkarni, District Superintendent Land Records Nitin Patil, Regional Transport Officer Hemangini Patil, Thane Municipal Deputy Commissioner Madhukar Bodke, District Mining Officer Vivek Ghule, Deputy Director of Health Dr. Ashok Nandapurkar, Joint Director of Industries Viju Shirsath, Deputy Director Seema Pawar, District Civil Surgeon Dr. Kailas Pawar, Dr. Archana Pawar, District Malaria Officer Dr. Santoshi Shinde, Deputy CEO of Zilla Parishad Pramod Kale, District Health Officer Dr. Gangadhar Parge, Deputy Superintendent Land Records Sachin Wagh, Assistant Commissioner of Police Priya Dhakane, District Sports Officer Suvarna Bartakke, General Manager of District Industries Centre Sonali Devre, Tehsildar Sandip Thorat, Umesh Patil, Sachin Choudhar, Revan Lembhe, Pradeep Kudal, Ujjwala Bhagat, Smita Mohite, Amol Kadam, Naib Tehsildar Rahul Suryawanshi, Gorakh Phadtare, Girish Kale, Umesh Mahala, Dattatraya Berde, Assistant Director (Town Planning) Disha Sawant, Manager Ashwini Kokate, other officers-employees from the district administration, officers of the police department, freedom fighters, ex-servicemen, senior citizens, students, media representatives were present.

At the beginning, Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister Eknath Shinde first paid triple respects to the martyrs and freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the country, and extended Independence Day greetings to all citizens, and to every Marathi person achieving new horizons in their field in the country and abroad. He said that today is the most sacred festival in democracy. We are all witnesses of the Amrit Kaal of Indian independence. It has been 79 years since our country broke the chains of subjugation and became independent. Had the freedom fighters not sacrificed their lives, had they not shed blood, we would not have been able to see this day, nor the footprints of progress and this race of development. Therefore, not only on Independence Day but we should always remember the martyrs.

He said that the country is changing, winds of development have started blowing. Ten years ago, our country’s economy was not even in the top ten; today it is counted among the top five, and soon it will emerge as the world’s third largest economy. The world has recognized India’s strength. Today, our India stands proudly, looking eye to eye with the superpowers! “Our country is developing, every sacrifice bears fruit, we proudly introduce ourselves, we are all Hindustani…” The progress of the country is intolerable to many, and thus even our enemies have increased. But we have shown that we are second to none. The Indian Army broke the backbone of Pakistan, which dared to wipe the vermillion from our mothers’ and sisters’ foreheads, through Operation Sindoor. Six Pakistani planes were shot down in minutes by the Sudarshan system. Pakistan’s backbone has been crushed so it can never raise its head again. At the country’s borders, our troops guard with vigilance, and I salute them too.

Maharashtra’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle and the subsequent development journey is immense. Maharashtra is emerging as a one-trillion-dollar economy. Maharashtra has enthusiastically implemented the people-centric schemes of the central government. Not only that, but in the last three years, Maharashtra has implemented record welfare schemes, bringing happiness into people’s lives. Maharashtra has engraved its name on the map of India with its achievements—whether it be large-scale foreign investment or innovative schemes for the underprivileged and poor—Maharashtra has proven its commitment. When we speak of a developed India, we must recognize that Maharashtra’s contribution to it will be very significant, said Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Shinde.

He further said that when we speak of Maharashtra, the contribution of rapidly developing districts like Thane is equally important. In the past seven to eight years, Thane district has been brought to the forefront. During my tenure as Chief Minister, a fund of ₹3,000 crore was allocated for development works in Thane, which accelerated development. Today, Thane district has the highest population in the state. It has a large pool of both skilled and unskilled manpower. This district is the most urbanized after Mumbai. It has the highest number of urban local bodies—six municipal corporations, two municipal councils, and two nagar panchayats. Thane’s face is changing today. Not only Thane city, but the entire district will become the new central hub within the MMR (Mumbai Metropolitan Region). For these projects, an investment of ₹4 lakh crore is expected. This includes everything from new metro lines to the bullet train, and from express highways to flyovers and tunnels. We have announced a revolutionary new housing policy. We are working at war footing to ensure that senior citizens, working women, police personnel, journalists, and mill workers get houses. Many redevelopment projects are pending; we are removing obstacles and speeding up the work.

He further said, yesterday in the BDD Chawl at Worli, we handed over keys to new houses to the residents. When I was Chief Minister, I had accelerated this work. The last phase of the Samruddhi Expressway in Thane district has been completed. As a result, superfast transport from Mumbai to Nagpur has started. We are connecting the Vadhavan Port and Samruddhi Expressway at Bharvir. The Eastern Freeway extension will now reach Thane. From there onwards to Gaimukh, we are constructing a coastal road. The twin tunnel from Thane to Borivali will ease the traffic congestion at Ghodbunder. In addition, metro trial runs will start in September, and by the end of this year, you will be able to travel by metro. The Thane internal metro project has also been approved by the central government. Wide roads, large gardens, and projects like the Gaimukh Chowpatty are underway. In the form of cluster development, everyone from the 2020 list will get houses.

Mr. Shinde said that Thane has always preserved art and culture. The pride of Thane, the Ram Ganesh Gadkari Rangayatan, is starting today in its new modernized form. Many central and state government schemes are being implemented effectively. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana is also progressing rapidly, with houses being constructed for the poor with very low income. Under the Pradhan Mantri Employment Generation Programme, about ₹2 crore in margin money has been given to 60 people in Thane district for starting industries and businesses. From September 17, the Chief Minister’s Samruddhi Panchayati Raj Campaign will also begin. In rural areas, gram sabhas (village assemblies) will be held, awards will be given to outstanding institutions, and the efficiency of local self-government bodies will be increased. In October and November, the Sant Gadge Baba Village Cleanliness Campaign will be implemented effectively. As always, Thane district must remain a leader in the state. Schemes like Laadki Bahin have been implemented successfully. The “Deputy Chief Minister’s Healthy Women Campaign” has started, under which women are being screened for cervical cancer. From this year onwards, we will be implementing the Adishakti Abhiyan in the state. This campaign will raise public awareness in society about women’s economic, social, educational, and health-related issues. Committees have been set up in Thane district for the effective implementation of this campaign. In the government’s 100-day action plan, Thane Municipal Corporation has secured the first rank. Due to the e-office system, there is now orderliness and transparency in the corporation.

Use of modern technology in government work should be increased. Now that technologies like Artificial Intelligence are available, government departments should make maximum use of them. Citizens should be provided services and facilities based on such technology. Making this appeal, he said that the Thane District Collector’s office has provided a facility for citizens to register complaints through WhatsApp. The maximum number of citizens should take advantage of this facility. At the same time, it is necessary for the district administration to respond quickly to complainants.

Speaking about the work of the Thane Municipal Corporation, Mr. Shinde said that the organic farming project at Patlipada has become a model for others. The organic produce grown on this farm is given to orphanages and old-age homes, thus upholding a sense of social responsibility by the Thane Municipal Corporation. The 155 sanitation workers who were appointed to the Thane Municipal Corporation service by hereditary rights have been made permanent employees.

We will upgrade the Dadoji Konddev Sports Complex to international standards. In addition, we are establishing Urban Lifespan Centres. By setting up a shooting range, we are providing athletes with international-level facilities. The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation has set up education, training, and service centers for differently-abled persons, and the ETC department has provided them with financial assistance. Educated unemployed youth are being given seed capital to start businesses. The Chief Minister’s Employment Scheme has gained significant momentum in the past two and a half years. In the last year and a half alone, more than 550 young men and women have been provided with self-employment opportunities. In Mira-Bhayander, civil court work has started in a new building. The grand building of the Thane District Sessions Court has also been inaugurated. In Ambernath, the civil court has started functioning in a new building as well.

Thane should be ranked first not only in the state but in the entire country in every field. Today, the tremendous energy, strength, and willpower required for this is something we continuously receive from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, adding that we must build a new Maharashtra. We must make a progressive Maharashtra even more dynamic. From agriculture, soil and irrigation, to education, health, industry, energy, information technology, and the new industrial revolutions, we must advance in every field. The peace, harmony, mutual affection, and respect in the state must grow. Efforts should be made to conserve and preserve the environment. Support from all—workers, farmers, and laborers—will help in this endeavor. May the coming year bring happiness, contentment, and prosperity, and may the flag of Maharashtra’s progress continue to fly high. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country will achieve new heights of progress in the coming decade, Mr. Shinde expressed his confidence.

Finally, he said that while celebrating Independence Day, preserving freedom is also our responsibility. Let us all come together, take a pledge to make Thane district the number one district in the country, and move forward. Nestled in the lap of the Sahyadris, Thane—its history, culture, and song of progress; its seas, hills, and green pride—my Thane’s prestige in India is unmatched! May our tricolor continue to flutter proudly for thousands of years to come. Long live Indian independence.

A WhatsApp Message… for Your Satisfaction…

On the occasion of this program, the WhatsApp Number Complaint Redressal Initiative was launched by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde through the District Collector’s office to ensure that citizens’ complaints and grievances are resolved promptly. The WhatsApp number is 9930001185, and citizens can register their complaints on this number.

While giving the introductory remarks, District Collector Dr. Shrikrishna Panchal assured that by using this initiative — “A WhatsApp Message… for Your Satisfaction…” — effectively, the district administration will remain committed to resolving citizens’ issues.

Honoring Officers and Individuals with Outstanding Achievements in Various Fields

After the main ceremony, officers and individuals who had performed excellently in various fields were honored by dignitaries at the District Planning Building.

For quality service, the President’s Correctional Service Medal was awarded to:

1. Prison Officer Grade-1 Sunil Yashwant Patil, Central Prison, Thane
2. Prison Officer Grade-1 Shivaji Pandurang Jadhav, Central Prison, Thane

Under the District Industries Centre, Thane, in the District Award Scheme for 2022–23:

• First Prize (Small Entrepreneur): Pradeep Prabhakar More, Ambernath
• Second Prize: Mohammad Hamid Khan, Gotheghar, Navi Mumbai

For the District Award Scheme 2023–24:

• First Prize: Vinod Gopal Vishe, Asangaon, Shahapur
• Second Prize: Raunak Praveen Kothari, Sonale village, Bhiwandi Taluka

In the 2025 Scholarship Examination, the following students featured in the State Merit List and were honored:

• Miss Jay Abhay Shirose, Zilla Parishad School, Kukambe, Tal. Shahapur
• Miss Ajay Satish Ghangale, Father Agnel English School, Vashi, Navi Mumbai

Under the District Sports Officer’s office, the District Youth Award for 2022–23 was given to Swami Vivekananda Sanstha, Mouje Pali, Tal. Shahapur, with a certificate of honor, memento, and a cash prize of ₹50,000.
For 2023–24, the award went to youth – Ashutosh Vijay Singh, and for 2024–25, to youth – Pranav Pradeep Desai, each receiving a certificate of honor, memento, and a cash prize of ₹10,000.

From the District Civil Surgeon’s office, renowned cardiologist Dr. Vijay Surase was honored for his significant contribution in the medical field.

Certificates were awarded to offices selected in the 100-Day Office Reform Special Campaign – Phase Two.

In Group Ranking – First Place:

1. Additional Commissioner, Tribal Development Department, Thane
2. Divisional Deputy Commissioner, Women & Child Development, Konkan
3. Divisional Deputy Director of Agriculture, Konkan
4. Divisional Assistant Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Konkan
5. Chief Engineer, Public Works Department, Navi Mumbai
6. Regional Transport Office, Thane
7. Regional Water Conservation Officer, Soil & Water Conservation Department, Thane
8. Joint Director of Industries, Konkan

In Group Ranking – Second Place:

1. Deputy Director, Land Records, Konkan
2. Joint Director, Town Planning, Konkan
3. Regional Director, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd., Konkan

In Group Ranking – Third Place:

1. Chief Engineer, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd., Kalyan
2. Chief Engineer, Public Works Department, Konkan
3. Deputy Director, Tourism, Konkan

At the district level in Thane, First Place in the 100-Day Office Reform Special Campaign – Phase Two went to:

1. District Treasury Officer, Thane
2. Superintendent Engineer, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd., Kalyan Division 1
3. District Women & Child Development Officer, Thane

Second Place (District Level):

1. Superintendent, District / Central Prison, Thane Central Prison
2. Executive Engineer, Water Resources Department, Bhatasa Dam Management Division, Thane

Third Place (District Level):

1. District Water Conservation Officer, Thane
2. Superintendent Engineer, Public Works Department, Thane

To ensure the successful completion of the ceremony, under the guidance of District Collector Dr. Shrikrishna Panchal, officers and staff from the Revenue, Public Works Department, Police, Health, and District Information Offices worked tirelessly in coordination. The program was compered by Medical Officer Dr. Tarulata Dhanke.