Mumbai, June 21 (IANS) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday said that, by giving utmost priority to the welfare of farmers, women, labourers, youth and common citizens, the Mahayuti government has taken record-breaking decisions for the overall development of the state.
He said Maharashtra has made significant strides across various sectors, including loan waivers, financial assistance for farmers, the Ladki Bahin Yojana, industrial investments, metro networks, airports, highways, ports and housing.
He urged the opposition to abandon the politics of boycott and participate in the House for constructive discussions.
Shinde was speaking at a press conference on the eve of the monsoon session of the state legislature.
Commenting on the opposition’s stance, DCM Shinde said that legislative sessions are meant to discuss issues concerning the state’s citizens and deliver justice to them.
However, he alleged that the opposition has consistently used boycotts as a political tool.
“Even amidst the conflict between Iran and America, a ceasefire was achieved, but the opposition’s boycott never seems to end,” he quipped.
He reiterated that the government is fully prepared to answer every question and urged the opposition to attend the House and participate in debates.
He made it clear that the government wants detailed discussions on monsoon preparedness, farmers’ issues, development projects and public welfare.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has already presented detailed data regarding farmers, rainfall and various other issues, demonstrating the government’s transparent approach, he added.
Refuting allegations of neglect, DCM Shinde emphasised that the Mahayuti administration has extended financial assistance to farmers on a scale never before witnessed in the state’s history.
He said the government has launched a Rs 36,585 crore loan waiver scheme alongside a Rs 15,000 crore relief package in 2022.
An incentive bonus of Rs 50,000 has been provided to farmers who consistently repay their crop loans on time.
“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 said assistance was provided beyond National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) norms and that the two-hectare eligibility limit was increased.
Compensation was also distributed for losses caused by snail infestations, continuous rainfall and other natural calamities.
“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.
He also noted that farmers require additional support due to challenges arising from the El Niño effect.
Regarding sowing operations, DCM Shinde advised farmers not to rush and to follow guidelines issued by the Agriculture Department to avoid the risk of double sowing.
He expressed confidence that there would be good rainfall, bringing relief to farmers.
He said that the Mumbai-Pune Missing Link project had been inaugurated and that a rural water supply policy had been implemented.
He added that over 3,500 kilometres of roads are being constructed in rural areas.
The Virar-Alibaug Multimodal Corridor and Metro projects worth Rs 23,487 crore have been approved.
A rehabilitation policy benefiting 424 cities is also underway.
To boost efficiency, the number of government departments has been increased to 46.
DCM Shinde said industrial investments worth Rs 90,000 crore have been promoted, which are expected to create around 20,000 jobs.
He added that the state will implement an Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy to contribute to the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
DCM Shinde said that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Maharashtra’s development has received a major boost.
He noted a stark contrast in the pace of development before and after 2014.
The Central Government has allocated substantial funds to Maharashtra, including Rs 76,000 crore for the Vadhavan Port project, which is set to become a world-class facility.
Addressing the Ladki Bahin Yojana, DCM Shinde assured that the scheme would not be discontinued and that eligible women would continue to receive benefits.
He said action was being taken only against cases where benefits had been claimed fraudulently.
“Eligible ‘Ladki Bahins’ will not be deprived under any circumstances,” he said.
He added that the implementation phase of the loan waiver scheme is underway, proving that the government stands by its commitments.
Criticising the opposition, DCM Shinde said that the Mahayuti’s success in local body, municipal and other elections was the result of the government’s performance.
He added that the withdrawal of opposition candidates from the Legislative Council elections indicated the need for introspection within the opposition.
“We have prioritised development, not the Prime Minister’s or Chief Minister’s chair. The double-engine government of Mahayuti is driving Maharashtra forward at a rapid pace, with full backing from the Central Government. Instead of staging stunts on the legislative steps, the opposition should come to the House, engage in debate and adopt a constructive stance on public issues. Even though their numbers are low, we believe in democracy and treat them with full respect,” DCM Shinde said, appealing for constructive cooperation.
