01.05.2025: “Let’s Build a Progressive Maharashtra for a Developed India” – Governor
“Let’s Build a Progressive Maharashtra for a Developed India”
– Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan
Main State Flag Hoisting Ceremony held at Shivaji Park, Mumbai on Maharashtra’s 66th Foundation Day
Mumbai, May 1: The state government is committed to creating an inclusive, progressive, and developed nation by involving all segments of society. As India moves toward becoming a developed nation during the Amrit Kaal, Maharashtra’s contribution will be significant. Let us all work together to make Maharashtra a modern, strong, and progressive state, appealed Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan during the main official flag hoisting ceremony held at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Ground, Dadar, on the occasion of the 66th Maharashtra Foundation Day.
Present on the occasion were Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Assembly Speaker Adv. Rahul Narwekar, Legislative Council Chairman Prof. Ram Shinde, Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif, local representatives, Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, Director General of Police Rashmi Shukla, Additional Chief Secretaries of various government departments, Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, Additional DGP (Administration) Mallikarjun Prasanna, Chief Protocol Officer Manisha Mhaiskar, Principal Secretaries of various departments, senior civil and police officers, senior officers of the three armed forces, and senior diplomats from various countries. The event included the singing of the National and State anthems.
Paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the Governor said the state government swiftly took measures to safely bring back stranded tourists. Departments have been instructed to prepare a 100-day action plan focused on public welfare, which is being implemented effectively.
Safe and Business-Friendly Maharashtra
The Governor stated that Maharashtra has launched a Cyber Security Project and formed a special task force to develop the Maharashtra Cyber Security Board, Cyber Security Policy, and Artificial Intelligence Policy. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is moving towards becoming a 5 trillion-dollar economy, and Maharashtra has set a goal of achieving a 1 trillion-dollar economy. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, the Maharashtra government signed 63 MoUs worth ₹15.72 lakh crore, potentially generating 15.96 lakh jobs.
These MoUs cover sectors such as steel, IT, green energy, automobiles and EVs, textiles, data centers, electronics, aerospace and defense, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, drone manufacturing, and education. Gadchiroli is being developed as a ‘Steel Hub’ with 9 approved steel projects expected to bring ₹1.60 lakh crore investment and create around 50,000 jobs. A total of 78 industrial units have received approval, resulting in ₹6.55 lakh crore investment and employment for about 2.47 lakh people.
Welfare Schemes and Relief to Farmers
The state has decided to provide three free gas cylinder refills annually under the Chief Minister Annapurna Scheme for beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana and the Mazi Ladki Bahin Scheme. Registered paddy farmers in distress will receive ₹20,000 per hectare as an incentive in the 2024–25 season.
Over 31.36 lakh farmers affected by natural disasters have received ₹3,389 crore in aid. Under the CM Solar Agricultural Pump Scheme, 1 lakh solar pumps have been installed, and 45 lakh farmers with pumps up to 7.5 HP will get free electricity. Maharashtra purchased 11.21 lakh metric tonnes of soybeans in the last season — the highest in the country.
The Maharashtra Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board will provide ₹12,000 yearly pensions to registered workers above 60 years of age. The ‘Namo Divyang Abhiyan’ is also underway for the rehabilitation of the differently abled.
Housing, Heritage & Cultural Development
Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural) Phase 1, 12.69 lakh (93.6%) houses have been completed. In Phase 2, 18.47 lakh houses are under progress. The state has also recently announced a revised sand excavation policy.
The state will build a Cultural Building and Museum in Mumbai and is actively working to get UNESCO World Heritage status for Maharashtra’s sea forts. Memorials will be built at Panipat in Haryana and in Agra at the site where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was imprisoned.
Education and Sports
The National Education Policy 2020 is being implemented effectively. At the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand, Maharashtra won 201 medals. To encourage athletes, 31 sportspersons have been appointed to government jobs, and prize money for Asian Games medalists has been significantly increased.
Under the Babasaheb Ambedkar Swadhar Scheme, financial aid is directly deposited in the bank accounts of Scheduled Caste and Neo-Buddhist students who are not admitted to government hostels.
Chief Protocol Officer Manisha Mhaiskar read the Marathi translation of the Governor’s speech. The ceremonial parade included contingents from the State Reserve Police Force, BMC Armed Police, Riot Control Force, Women Police Force, Railway Police, and others, along with flag squads and brass/pipe bands.
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