Viksit Maharashtra: CM Fadnavis orders plan to cut regional disparity​

Mumbai, April 20 (IANS) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed all departments to finalise a concrete action plan within the stipulated timeframe, focusing on reducing regional disparities and ensuring balanced development across all districts.​

During a review meeting of the ‘Viksit Maharashtra 2047’ Vision Management Regulatory Board, he reviewed the progress of various departments and instructed them to focus on effective implementation in the next phase.​

He asked the departments to focus on underperformed districts, saying that while the state’s per capita income is higher than the national average, it remains lower in 11 districts. He emphasised treating these districts as “Engines of Growth” to bring them into the mainstream.​

Following the Central Government’s model, the state has identified 10 Aspirational Districts and 174 Aspirational Tehsils to ensure development at the micro-level.​

To reclaim Maharashtra’s leading position in Sustainable Development Goals indices (where it ranked fourth in 2018-19), the Chief Minister ordered the preparation of department-wise action plans. He said the Planning Department must immediately issue guidelines for the first phase, while the Finance Department must complete the financial evaluation of projects by April 30.​

He stressed the ‘Ease of Doing Business’ and directed the departments to take strategic decisions to boost private investment, exports, and private consumption. He added that to effectively utilise alternative funding sources, the state must leverage Public-Private Partnerships and land value capture policies. It is crucial, he said, to submit utilisation certificates to the Central Government on time to secure maximum funds.​

According to the government release, all new government proposals must now include an explanation of how they align with the ‘Developed Maharashtra’ vision. A regular evaluation system will be developed to track the progress of all projects. The Revenue Department is expected to reduce the number of pending hearings through systemic reforms.​

Minister of Other Backward Classes and Bahujan Welfare Atul Save requested the Finance Department to provide specific norms to ensure funds are spent within the stipulated time.​

Minister of Fisheries Nitesh Rane suggested Foreign Direct Investment based on future growth sectors and urged follow-ups with the Centre for the maintenance of forts.​

Minister of State for Finance Ashish Jaiswal proposed that District Development Committee funds be allocated based on district-wise population and the specific needs of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.​

The meeting concluded with presentations from various departmental secretaries regarding their development roadmaps for the next four years.​

–IANS

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