Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday asserted that the Mahayuti government has placed the welfare of farmers, women, labourers, youth and ordinary citizens at the centre of its governance agenda, while undertaking major development initiatives across the state.
Addressing a press conference ahead of the monsoon session of the state legislature, Shinde said the government has implemented a series of landmark decisions aimed at accelerating Maharashtra’s growth. He highlighted measures such as farm loan waivers, direct financial support for farmers, the Ladki Bahin Yojana, industrial investment promotion, and large-scale infrastructure projects, including metro networks, airports, highways, ports and housing developments.
Calling on the opposition to participate actively in legislative proceedings, Shinde said the Assembly and Council are platforms for discussing public concerns and ensuring justice for citizens. Criticising the opposition’s repeated boycotts, he remarked, “Even amidst the conflict between Iran and America, a ceasefire was achieved, but the opposition’s boycott never seems to end.”
He reiterated that the government is prepared to respond to all issues raised during the session and encouraged opposition members to engage in meaningful debates on monsoon preparedness, agriculture, development and public welfare.
Highlighting support extended to farmers, Shinde said the government has implemented a Rs 36,585 crore farm loan waiver programme along with a Rs 15,000 crore relief package announced in 2022. He also noted that farmers who regularly repay crop loans have been given an incentive of Rs 50,000.
“We have delivered justice in many matters that were left pending during the Maha Vikas Aghadi government’s tenure. The government has never held back when it comes to helping farmers,” DCM Shinde said.
He added that compensation has been provided beyond National Disaster Response Fund norms, while assistance has also been extended for crop losses caused by excessive rainfall, snail infestations and other natural disasters.
“The first right over the state treasury belongs to our farmers. The farmer is our parent; they will never be left in the lurch,” he said.
Shinde further said that farmers should follow guidance issued by the Agriculture Department while undertaking sowing activities and avoid rushing into cultivation decisions. He expressed optimism about favourable monsoon conditions in the coming weeks.
On the infrastructure front, the Deputy Chief Minister cited the inauguration of the Mumbai-Pune Missing Link project, the implementation of a rural water supply policy, and the construction of more than 3,500 kilometres of roads in rural Maharashtra. He also said the Virar-Alibaug Multimodal Corridor and Metro projects worth Rs 23,487 crore have received approvals, while a rehabilitation policy covering 424 cities is being implemented.
Shinde said the state has facilitated industrial investments worth Rs 90,000 crore, which are expected to generate approximately 20,000 jobs. He also announced plans to introduce an Artificial Intelligence policy as part of Maharashtra’s contribution towards the vision of a developed India.
Referring to support from the Centre, he said Maharashtra’s development momentum has accelerated under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He pointed to major allocations for projects such as the Vadhavan Port, which has received Rs 76,000 crore in funding and is expected to emerge as a world-class port facility.
Addressing concerns around the Ladki Bahin Yojana, Shinde assured beneficiaries that the scheme would continue uninterrupted.
“Eligible ‘Ladki Bahins’ will not be deprived under any circumstances,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Shinde defended the Mahayuti government’s development record and urged the opposition to engage constructively in legislative discussions rather than resorting to protests and boycotts.
Source: Lokmat Times
