Corporates Should Work in Remote and Backward Districts: CM Devendra Fadnavis

Government and Private Partners Must Come Together for Rural Development, Calls for CM

Mumbai, Aug 2025 : Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has urged corporate and private institutions to focus their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives on remote and backward districts instead of concentrating only on urban areas. “In the new phase of Maharashtra Village Social Transformation (VSTF), let us all come together to bring about broad and impactful change,” the CM appealed.

He was speaking at the 5th Governing Board Meeting of Maharashtra Village Social Transformation Foundation (VSTF). Present on the occasion were Siddhivinayak Temple Trust Chairman Sada Sarvankar, Chief Secretary Rajesh Kumar, Principal Secretary (Rural Development) Eknath Davle, VSTF MD Pravin Singh Pardeshi, Tata Group Chairman Noel Tata, JSW Group’s Sangita Jindal, IDBI MD Rakesh Sharma, GIC MD Ramaswamy Narayanan, along with members of the Governing Council.

During the meeting, the CM released a report on water conservation works prepared by STL Ltd. He also virtually inaugurated the warehouse of Raosaheb Patil Farmers’ Producer Company in Latur. MoUs were signed between Quality Council of India and VSTF on quality management, and between STL, VSTF, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation and the Social Forestry Department for the ‘Harit Sambhajinagar’ initiative.

Fadnavis said that the first phase of VSTF had shown positive and encouraging results in many villages. While some gaps were noted, these would be corrected to make the second phase stronger and more successful. “One of the challenges observed was that when VSTF fellows moved out, the pace of transformation slowed. Hence, we must now create local, community-based institutional structures. Every village’s needs are different, and customizing schemes will accelerate transformation,” he added.

He emphasized that in the first phase, many private companies and CSR partners not only provided financial assistance but also contributed policy innovations, technology, data-driven processes, and innovative solutions, thereby strengthening the government’s efforts. “The transformation was not just about schemes; it was about having dedicated fellows, committed individuals, and setting up local institutions,” he said.

Acknowledging the crucial role of private partners, the CM highlighted how their deep engagement had ensured meaningful outcomes. “Because of VSTF and corporate partners, rural transformation has been effective,” he noted.

Fadnavis also cited the success of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme, under which 50 lakh women in Maharashtra became financially empowered within just two years. “The government only created opportunities, but the true credit goes to these women,” he remarked.

Tata Group Chairman Noel Tata assured continuous support for Maharashtra’s sustainable development. He said that 20–25% of Tata Group’s CSR funds are allocated for backward regions like Vidarbha, covering areas such as rural development, water conservation, health care, and education. The Group is also assisting the CM’s Relief Fund, cancer hospitals in Chandrapur, and government hospitals in Amravati and Solapur.

JSW Group’s Sangita Jindal said Maharashtra remains a priority for the Group. “We will work in 50 villages in Gadchiroli district and also take up CSR initiatives in places like Alibag and Chandrapur,” she added.

IDBI MD Rakesh Sharma highlighted Maharashtra’s vital role in the bank’s operations. “With VSTF’s support, we are implementing social initiatives in 104 villages across five districts. Each branch will adopt one school, while every zonal office will adopt one hospital,” he said.

VSTF MD Pravin Singh Pardeshi presented a detailed review of the first phase’s outcomes. He also proposed extending the Mission Maha Karmayogi initiative, currently active in Solapur and Dharashiv districts, to all districts of Maharashtra. The mission focuses on training government officers and employees at the village level.