Thane, May 1 (IANS) On the occasion of the 67th Foundation Day of Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has presented a detailed roadmap for the state’s comprehensive growth. He expressed a firm resolve to build a “New Maharashtra” anchored in development, digital transformation, inclusive progress, and public trust.

The Deputy CM performed the ceremonial flag hoisting at a grand ceremony held at the Police Sports Complex in Thane on Friday.

Addressing the gathering, he outlined the strategic vision for the state’s future. Reiterating his confidence in making Maharashtra the nation’s first $1 trillion economy, Dy CM Shinde noted that the state remains India’s leading manufacturing hub and the top destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

He emphasised that mega-infrastructure projects like the Samruddhi Highway, Metro networks, and Coastal Roads are accelerating growth, positioning Maharashtra to compete on a global scale within the next two to three years.

He said that the state has taken a major leap with the HPV vaccination campaign for girls. Twelve new dialysis centres are being established, and the “Healthy Village” (Aarogyasampanna Gaon) campaign is in full swing.

He further added that the focus remains on modern farming techniques alongside the conservation of traditional seeds. The Jalyukt Shivar scheme has been fast-tracked to expand irrigation and watershed areas.

Dy CM Shinde highlighted that students are being provided opportunities to reach premier institutions like ISRO. For women’s safety and education, the “Pink Room” initiative has been launched. He also noted that the Ladki Bahin Yojana has significantly boosted the confidence of women, enabling them to contribute to the economy through small-scale industries.

Commemorating International Labour Day, he lauded workers, stating, “Maharashtra has been built on the sweat and toil of its labourers.”

On the environmental front, the state has resolved to plant 300 crore trees by 2047, with an annual target of one lakh trees, he noted.

Dy CM Shinde paid floral tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj, Jyotiba Phule, Savitribai Phule, and Dr B.R. Ambedkar. Remembering the martyrs of the Samyukta Maharashtra movement, he described Maharashtra Day as a symbol of self-respect, sacrifice, and determination.

The Deputy CM made a special mention of Thane district, highlighting the 337 km Metro Network, enhanced connectivity across Ghatkopar, Thane, Mira Bhayandar, Bhiwandi, and Kalyan, implementation of Pod Taxis and Coastal Roads to ease commuting and effective steps to divert heavy traffic through peripheral routes.

In a push for digital governance, Dy CM Shinde announced that the Thane District Collector’s Office has ranked third in the state for 100 per cent digital operations. Over 1,000 services are now available to citizens online through 160 connected Gram Panchayat service centres. Under the “Government at Your Doorstep” initiative, more than 5,500 services have been delivered directly to citizens’ homes.

Concluding his address, Dy CM Shinde urged citizens to participate in the nation’s first Digital Census by providing information online. He clarified that the administration’s agenda is strictly “Development, not Politics”.

“On this Maharashtra Day, let us all pledge to work together to make our state more advanced, capable, and prosperous,” he said.

–IANS

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