23.02.2026: Governor Acharya Devvrat Addresses First Session of 2026
Infrastructure, Investment and Effective Implementation of Welfare Schemes: Focus of the State Government
Governor Acharya Devvrat Addresses First Session of 2026
Mumbai, Feb 23 : The State Government is proactively working to expand Maharashtra’s economy to USD 5 trillion by 2047, with a strong emphasis on infrastructure development, attracting investment, and effective implementation of welfare schemes, Governor Acharya Devvrat said today. He appealed to members of the Legislature to hold constructive discussions on the Bills to be tabled during the Budget Session.
The first session of the Maharashtra Legislature for the year 2026 commenced with the Governor’s address. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar, members of the Cabinet, and legislators from both Houses were present on the occasion.
Firm Steps to Resolve Border Dispute
Governor Devvrat stated that the government remains committed to the comprehensive, inclusive and sustainable development of the State and is steadily advancing towards a ‘Viksit Maharashtra 2047’. The government is determined to resolve the Maharashtra–Karnataka border dispute and has appointed eminent lawyers to present the State’s strong case before the Supreme Court. He also noted that education, healthcare and welfare schemes are being effectively implemented for Marathi-speaking citizens in border areas.
Maharashtra Leads in Investment
Maharashtra contributes over 13.5% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product. In 2024–25, the State received ₹1,64,875 crore in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), accounting for 39% of the nation’s total FDI. In the first half of 2025–26, investments worth ₹91,337 crore were recorded.
At the 2026 Davos summit of the World Economic Forum, Memoranda of Understanding worth approximately ₹30 lakh crore were signed, with an expected generation of 40 lakh jobs. A Vision Management Unit has been established to achieve the goals of ‘Viksit Maharashtra 2047’.
New Industrial Policy and Boost to Startups
Under the ‘Maharashtra Industry, Investment and Services Policy 2025’, the State has set a target of ₹17.50 lakh crore in investment and 50 lakh jobs. Policies for bamboo, gems and jewellery, AVGC-XR, and Global Capability Centres have been announced. Gadchiroli is planned to be developed as a Steel Hub, while East Vidarbha will be developed as a Steel Corridor.
Through the ‘Maharashtra Startup, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Policy 2025’, the government aims to support 1.25 lakh entrepreneurs and 50,000 startups over the next five years.
Top Rank in Export Preparedness Index
In the ‘Export Preparedness Index 2024’ published by NITI Aayog in January 2026, Maharashtra secured the top position. The State has also approved the transfer of select infrastructure projects of Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation and Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation to Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) to mobilize funds from public and private investors, thereby reducing debt burden and boosting new infrastructure investments.
Infrastructure and Maritime Development
To accelerate economic and industrial growth, 147 major road projects worth ₹4,478 crore have been approved. During ‘India Maritime Week 2025’ held in Mumbai, agreements worth ₹56,000 crore were signed. A Shipbuilding, Repair and Recycling Policy has also been announced.
Focus on Agriculture and Farmer Empowerment
The ‘Maharashtra Agriculture Artificial Intelligence Policy’ has been implemented to enhance productivity. Natural farming is being promoted across 3.22 lakh hectares through 7,000 farmer groups. Direct assistance of ₹15,576 crore has been extended to farmers for cotton and soybean procurement, crop insurance and disaster relief.
Under the ‘Chief Minister Baliraja Free Electricity Scheme’, free electricity is being provided to agricultural pumps up to 7.5 HP, benefiting 44 lakh farmers with relief worth ₹25,087 crore. Maharashtra has set a record in solar pump installations, acknowledged by Guinness World Records. The State also received the first prize as the Best State in the Sixth National Water Awards for excellence in water conservation and management.
Between June and October 2025, farmers affected by floods and heavy rains received ₹15,576 crore directly into their bank accounts.
Commitment to Women and Tribal Empowerment
Under the ‘UMED’ campaign, 6.60 lakh women Self-Help Groups have accessed bank loans, and over 26 lakh women have become ‘Lakhpati Didis’. The ‘Rani Durgavati Women Empowerment Scheme’ has been launched for tribal women.
Education, Skill and Health
Ratan Tata Maharashtra State Skill University has expanded into fields such as Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. Educational content for 154 diploma subjects has been made available in Marathi. A special policy has been implemented for students’ mental health.
A comprehensive Cancer Care Policy is being implemented, and a decision has been taken to provide rare organ transplant surgeries free of cost.
Cultural Heritage and Tourism
Eleven forts in Maharashtra have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. A film will be produced to commemorate the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar. Administrative approval worth ₹3,661 crore has been granted for the development of various pilgrimage sites.
Recognition in Sports
Chess World Champion Divya Deshmukh and Indian women cricketers Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues and Radha Yadav, along with head coach Amol Muzumdar, were felicitated. Ganga Kadam from Hingoli was also honoured for leading India to victory in the first T20 Blind Women’s World Cup, Governor Acharya Devvrat said in his address.
000