27.02.2023 : Address by Hon Governor to the Joint Session of Maharashtra State Legislature, 2023.

Address by Hon Governor to the Joint Session of Maharashtra State Legislature, 2023.

HON’BLE CHAIRMAN, HON’BLE SPEAKER AND HON’BLE MEMBERS OF THE STATE LEGISLATURE,

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to the first session of the State Legislature in the year 2023.
2. My Government will continue to follow the high ideals set by exemplars such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, Bharatratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, and other great visionaries and social reformers.
Jay Jay Maharashtra Maza,
Garja Maharashtra Maza
3. My Government has adopted “Jay Jay Maharashtra Maza” song as State anthem with effect from 19th February, 2023. With this our quest for a state anthem has been fulfilled.
4. My Government has strongly presented the case of Maharashtra in the Original Suit filed in the Supreme Court regarding Maharashtra Karnataka Border Dispute and we will continue to do the same.
My Government has decided to provide various welfare schemes to the Marathi speaking people living in the border areas and it’s implementation is also started.
5. After assuming office, my Government’s first priority is to revitalise the post covid economy of the state and provide jobs to the youth.
As a first step, we have started the process of recruiting 75,000 government employees on the occasion of 75 years of the Independence of India.
6. After assuming office, the Government has fulfilled its promise to protect the appointees under the Maratha reservation by enacting a special law to create 1 thousand 553 supernumerary posts for the Maratha candidates who were affected by the court judgement.
7. The state would like to place on record its gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Union Government for allocating over Rs. 8 thousand crore as a special assistance to the state for capital investment in the year 2022-23. I am pleased to share with you the fact that as of date, Rs. 5 thousand 884 crore has already been sanctioned and the projects are well under way.
8. My Government will organize 600 job fairs in the financial year 2022-23. Memorandum of Understanding were signed with 45 companies to create 1 lakh 25 thousand jobs. Twenty-four project proposals have been approved which amount to an investment of Rs. 87 thousand 774 crore, creating 61 thousand jobs.
9. My Government has signed Memorandum of Understanding with 19 companies for an investment of Rs. 1 lakh 37 thousand crore at the Davos World Investment Conference in January 2023.
10. My Government has successfully organized training for 4 lakh 85 thousand 434 youth and 2 lakh 81 thousand 541 farmers under “Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana”.
11. My Government has started two Industrial Training Institutes in Gondia and Gadchiroli Districts to skill youth and generate employment. A state-of–the art faculty development programme for training for more than 1000 ITI teachers has been started.
12. My Government has doubled the pension of freedom fighters and their spouses, from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 20,000 per month. It will benefit to 5 thousand 406 freedom fighters of the state.
13. My Government also doubled the pension of the legal heirs of Maharashtra Karnataka border dispute martyrs from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 20,000 per month.
14. My Government has re-launched the scheme of “Honouring of the persons who fought during the emergency period”. Total 4 thousand 438 beneficiaries have been included in this scheme.
15. Maharashtra is a leading Industrial State of the country, contributing 14.2 per cent of India’s GDP and is also a leader in exports with 17.3 per cent of India’s total exports. Continuous efforts are being made for maintaining its leading position in the country’s economy. My Government is committed to achieve One Trillion Dollar economy of the state to align with Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of achieving Five Trillion Dollar economy by the year 2026-27.
16. My Government successfully hosted the first meeting of G-20 summit at Mumbai during 13th to 16th December, 2022 and the meeting of Infrastructure Working Group of G-20 summit at Pune during 16th and 17th January, 2023.
The participating delegates highly appreciated the summit.
17. My Government has made available 119 services online which are necessary for industries through a single window portal called “Maitri” for promoting Ease of Doing Business for industries.
18. With an aim to boost the textile industry, my Government is formulating “Integrated and Sustainable Textile Policy 2023-28” to set up new cotton processing units and to provide value added benefits to silk cultivators with usage of solar energy in the textile industry. It will also create new job opportunities in the State.
19. My Government has decided to implement Mumbai Metro Line – 11 from Wadala to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus project with a length of 13 km comprising two elevated and eight underground stations.
20. With emphasis on Gati Shakti, my Government has started metro lines in three cities – Mumbai with 30 km, Nagpur with 40 km and Pune with 32 km.
21. My Government has launched “Swachh Maharashtra Mission (Urban) 2.0 ”, based on the lines of “Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0”.
22. My Government has opened 72 “Hindu Hridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray – Apala Davakhana”, to provide comprehensive health care services in Mumbai and it is proposed to start 18 new polyclinics and diagnostic centres and 123 “ Apala Davakhana ” in Mumbai by March 2023.
23. My Government has established Maharashtra Institution for Transformation – MITRA on the lines of NITI Aayog to achieve rapid and comprehensive development of the State through the participation of private sector and non-governmental organizations. MITRA will be a think-tank providing strategic, technical as well as functional direction to the development of the state.
My Government has also constituted an “Economic Advisory Council” to advise the State Government on financial and other ancillary matters.
24. On 11th December, 2022, Hon’ble Prime Minister inaugurated the Mumbai Nagpur Hinduhriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg Expressway, of 521 km between Nagpur and Shirdi. From its inauguration to 31st January 2023, a total of 7 lakh 84 thousand 739 vehicles have travelled on this Mahamarg.
25. My Government is committed to complete the Versova Bandra Sea link project expeditiously. The road building programme in the state is being expedited through the Union Government’s Special Assistance Scheme for Capital Expenditure, loans from Asian Development Bank and the Hybrid Annuity scheme.
Under the “Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana”, so far 26 thousand 731 km of road work has been completed.
26. My Government has decided to implement the “Jalyuktta Shivar Abhiyan 2.0” in about 5000 villages through convergence of various schemes. We will continue the scheme of “Galmukta Dharan ani Galyukta Shiwar” to increase water storage capacity as well as improve soil quality of farm land.
27. My Government has sanctioned 27 projects under centrally sponsored “Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayai Yojana” and 91 projects under “Baliraja Jalsanjeevani Yojana”. The completed projects have created 3 lakh 27 thousand hectares of irrigation capacity under “Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayai Yojana” and 1 lakh 73 thousand hectares of irrigation capacity under “Baliraja Jalsanjeevani Yojana”. Pipe Distribution Network on command area of 2 lakh 95 thousand 127 hectares has been created till date.
28. My Government has given revised administrative approval to 29 irrigation projects having estimated cost of Rs. 33 thousand 400 crore. After completion of these 29 projects, 5 lakh 86 thousand 439 hectares land will be irrigated.
29. To provide day time power to farmers, my Government has taken up a “Mission-2025” programme whereby 30 per cent agricultural feeders will be solarized in the next three years.
30. “Amrut Maha Awaas Abhiyan” has been launched for implementation of “Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin” and State Sponsored Rural Housing Schemes with aim to complete more than five lakh houses.
31. The Government is committed to speed up the implementation of “Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana” both in rural and urban areas to fulfil the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of a roof over every head.
32. My Government is taking up long term, medium term and immediate measures to make available sufficient quarters for police staff and has taken decision to redevelop the police quarters in Mumbai with the help of MHADA.
33. My Government has taken decision to allot redeveloped tenements of 500 sq. feet on ownership basis to police employees and their heirs who were residing in B.D.D chawl till 1st January, 2011 at the construction cost of Rs. 15 lakhs.
34. My Government has provided 1 crore 5 lakhs 73 thousand household connections in rural areas under “Jal Jeevan Mission” in State. “Atal Bhujal Scheme” is being implemented in 1 thousand 442 villages for sustainable groundwater management.
35. My Government has taken decision to provide a financial assistance of Rs. 25 lakhs in case of death and Rs. 3 lakhs in case of permanent disability to the heirs of the officers and employees working in the forest department in wild animal attacks while protecting forest or wildlife. The amount of financial assistance to be paid in case of human casualties due to wild animal attacks has been increased from Rs. 15 lakhs to Rs. 20 lakhs.
36. Ramsar Convention has declared the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary as a “Ramsar Site” for the purpose of conservation of wetland and wildlife in said area. Under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, my Government has notified 11 new Conservation Reserves in the state for the purpose of protecting the wild animals and plants and their habitats in the areas owned by the Government.
37. My Government has established Balasaheb Thackeray Haridra (Turmeric) Research and Training Centre in Hingoli district to increase the productivity of turmeric in the state. A provision of Rs. 100 crore will be made available for this centre.
38. United Nations has declared 2023 as the “International Year of Millets”. My Government has launched “Maharashtra Millet Mission” with the provision of Rs. 200 crore to popularize millets among farmers and to increase the area and productivity of millets. A Centre of Excellence for millets will be set up at Solapur with the cooperation of Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad.
39. My Government has approved the Cashew Fruit Crop Development Scheme in the entire Konkan division as well as Chandgad and Ajra Talukas of Kolhapur District and for that purpose Rs. 1 thousand 325 crore are proposed for 5 years.
40. My Government gave incentive benefit upto Rs. 50,000 to farmers who are regularly repaying their short-term crop loans, under the “Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Shetkari Karjamukti Yojana”. Under the scheme, Rs. 4 thousand 683 crore was credited online directly in the accounts of 12 lakh 84 thousands beneficiaries.
My Government also waived outstanding loan of Rs. 964 crore taken by 34 thousand 788 farmers from 29 Land Development Banks.
41. My Government has provided cent per cent free preventive vaccination to the cattle at farmers’ doorstep, assistance to farmers and livestock owners who lost their cattle due to lumpy skin disease, funds of Rs. 3 crore per district for medicines, vaccines, and equipment to combat this epidemic.
42. My Government has decided to start production of Lumpy Skin Disease Preventive Vaccine at Animal Husbandry Departments Institute of Veterinary Biological products, Pune.
43. The Government of India has accorded administrative approval to nine Fish Landing Centers under the “Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana” and also five Fishing Harbors under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund giving a fillip to marine economy.
44. My Government will launch GIS based portal for survey and city survey maps linked with Records of Rights i.e. Village Form No. 7th 12 extract and property card for the convenience of people.
45. To settle disputes between farmers regarding possession and title of agricultural land and to create amity in society, my Government has approved the implementation of “Salokha Yojana” reducing stamp duty to a nominal Rs. 1000 and registration fee to Rs. 1000 for the exchange deed of land documents.
46. My Government is implementing Central Government’s “Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission” in the State to make available affordable health care services to the common citizen. Under this flagship programme, 18 thousand 976 Health professionals and 13 thousand 473 Health facilities are registered and 19 lakh 48 thousand 517 citizens have been issued Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts Cards in the state.
47. My Government has launched the special campaign “Mata Surakshit Tar Ghar Surakshit” for comprehensive health check-up of women above 18 years, pregnant women and mothers from 26th September, 2022. Under this campaign, various health check-up programmes for women are being conducted all over the state.
48. My Government has set up a new Government Medical College having capacity of 100 students along with an attached hospital at Osmanabad.
49. My Government has successfully implemented the 7th phase of “Pradhanmantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana”. Under the Scheme, additional 5 kg food grains (wheat and rice) per person per month has been provided free of cost to more than 7 crore beneficiaries of Targeted Public Distribution System.
Ration cards will be given to transgender persons to bolster their food security.
50. Under “Balsangopan Scheme”, my Government has increased incentives of guardians per child per month from Rs. 1100 to Rs. 2250 and of NGOs from Rs. 125 to Rs. 250 for nurturing of child.
51. My Government has taken a decision to start a separate toll free number “181 Mahila Helpline” to provide urgent information and assistance to distressed women in the state.
52. My Government has taken decision to create 72 government hostels in 36 districts on rental basis. One hostel for boys and one hostel for girls per district with capacity of 100 students in each hostel for students pursuing post-matric vocational education belonging to Other Backward, Vimukt Jati, Nomadic Tribes and Special Backward Classes categories.
53. My Government, during 2022-23 paid for 500 Maratha Community students’ preparation for Competitive exams in Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Research, Training and Human Development Institute (SARATHI) and selected 25,000 students of 9th to 12th classes for Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj Scholarship.
54. My Government has disbursed Rs. 153 crore for interest reimbursement to 13 thousand 689 beneficiaries of Maratha community through Annasaheb Patil Arthik Magas Vikas Corporation.
55. My Government has sanctioned different schemes for Maratha Community students. Under, “Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh subsistence allowance scheme”, 1 lakh 74 thousand 085 students have benefitted. Under, “Rajshree Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Tution Fee Allowance Scheme”, 12 lakh 54 thousand 145 students have benefitted. Under “Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Hostel Scheme”, hostels are proposed in 10 districts.
My Government is committed to continue follow up in Supreme Court with all efforts to restore reservation for Maratha community.
56. My Government has started “Nipun Bharat Yojana” in the state in order to increase the educational quality of the students in VJNT category ashram schools and to give training to teachers, principals and hostel superintendents.
57. In order to address the special needs of the Divyangs an independent Divyang Department has been created.
58. My Government has provided financial assistance at the double rate of the norms of the State Disaster Response Fund to persons for the damage caused to life, cattle, agricultural crops, houses and public properties due to heavy rainfall and floods in the state. The State Government has released fund of Rs. 7 thousand 312 crore to the affected persons.
59. My Government is implementing “Shabari Adivasi Gharkul Yojana” in the State to provide houses to the Scheduled Tribes. For Financial Year 2022-23, under the Scheme, 24 thousand 75 houses will be built and the entire fund required for it has been provided.
60. My Government has declared 121 ashram schools as ideal ashram schools and will start digital classrooms, virtual classrooms, tab labs, computer labs in these schools.
61. My Government has sanctioned an administrative approval for 18 construction works of Court Buildings amounting to around Rs. 772 crore and 23 works of Residential Quarters for Judges amounting to around Rs. 110 crore in the year 2022-23 under centrally sponsored scheme “Development Infrastructure Facilities for the Judiciary”.
My Government has sanctioned an administrative approval to establish new Family Court at Belapur, Navi Mumbai in Thane District.
62. My Government has prioritized conservation and protection of the heritage forts to make new generations aware of the inspiring life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
63. On the occasion of 75 years of Indian Independence, my Government is organizing many special events, activities, schemes and various programs till 15th August 2023 under the “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”. More than 1 lakh 75 thousand programs and activities have been registered on the website created for the said purpose.
64. On the occasion of completion of 75 years of Marathwada Liberation Day, my Government is celebrating from 17th September, 2022 to 17th September, 2023 as the Amrit Mahotsavi Year of Marathwada Liberation Day. My Government is organizing various programs in eight districts of Marathwada division.
65. My Government has approved the implementation of “Suvidha Sampanna Kutumb Mission and Sarvangin Gramsamruddhi Yojana” through convergence of various departmental schemes with “Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme”.
66. My Government has increased the cost limit for irrigation well under “Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme” from Rs. 3 lakhs to Rs. 4 lakhs. Government has included small farmers in the reformed “Amrit Mahotsavi Fruit Tree, Tree Planting and Floriculture Planting Programme” under “Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme”. Under the Programme, additional crops, namely Banana, Dragon fruit, Avocado, Grapefruit, Sonchafa, Clove, Cinnamon, Pepper and Nutmeg have been newly included.
67. My Government has increased the financial assistance admissible to government recognized public libraries by 60 per cent from year 2022-23.
68. As per the National Education Policy 2020, engineering degree and diploma students have been given the option to pursue their study in bilingually in Marathi and English. For this purpose, the educational material has been made available in Marathi.
69. Bharatratna Lata Dinanath Mangeshkar International Music College started various music courses.
70. Maharashtra Higher Education Atlas web portal has been made. Information related to universities and colleges will be made available on a single click soon.
71. My Government is implementing the centrally sponsored PM SHRI schools scheme in 846 schools. Under the scheme, Rs. 1 crore 88 lakhs will be given to each school during the next 5 years.
72. My Government will give grant in aid to primary, secondary and higher secondary schools as per eligibility criteria. A fund of Rs. 1 thousand 160 crore has been sanctioned for its implementation. It will benefit more than 60 thousand teaching and non- teaching staff.
73. My Government has more than doubled the honorarium of Shikshan Sevak in primary, secondary and higher secondary schools.
74. I congratulate athletes of Maharashtra for securing first position in 5th Khelo India Youth Games held in Madhya Pradesh.
75. My Government intends to build a new office for Maharashtra Rajya Marathi Vishwakosh Nirmiti Mandal at Wai, District Satara and erect a memorial of Tarkteertha Lakshman Shastri Joshi at this place.
76. My Government has decided to bring all four allied offices under Marathi Language Department under one roof in Marathi Bhasha Bhavan, Charni Road, Mumbai.
77. In order to propagate and popularise Marathi language at global level, my Government has organized “Marathi Tituka Melvawa”–“Vishwa Marathi Sammelan” for the first time in Mumbai from 4th January to 6th January, 2023. My Government intends to organize such an event every year.
Hon’ble Members, in this session, Budget proposals for the new financial year, Appropriation Bills and other legislations will be put forth for your consideration. I am confident that, Hon’ble Members will participate and give their well-considered inputs on those proposals to propel Maharashtra towards greater prosperity.
Once again, I extend my warm greetings.

JAI HIND! JAI MAHARASHTRA!