Heartfelt greetings to all the Marathi brothers and sisters of Maharashtra and those around the world, on the occasion of Maharashtra Day. Sincere regards to all the laborer brothers and sisters, as today is also ‘Labor Day’.Maharashtra state is not just bound by geographical boundaries but it is a confluence of history, geography and culture. Maharashtra is in fact the ‘combined thoughts’ of the inspiration of Swarajya given by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the foundation of justice and wisdom laid by Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, the divine legacy of the Abhangwani of great saints, the torch of education and equality lit by Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule, the national spirit awakened by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Swatantryaveer Savarkar. Gave the strength to endure extraordinary suffering for the country.Maharashtra is not expressed only in the geographical structure, but also manifests itself through Maharashtra Dharma. We all have the responsibility to promote this thriving Maharashtra Dharma, worldwide.Maharashtra Day is somewhat special this year as the 200th birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and the 150th birth anniversary of Saint Gadge Maharaj is celebrated this year. Similarly, the centenary of the historic battle of Chavdar Tale falls this year. We are observing this year as the year of equality and social harmony.The entire world is today suffering from the ongoing conflict in the Gulf countries. In such a situation Indian government led by our popular Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken concrete steps towards energy security, alternative oil sources and extension of solar energy and this has saved India from the situation that other countries of the world have faced.Maharashtra becomes the world’s 30th largest economy Maharashtra stands strong despite several challenges before the world. Notably, Maharashtra contributes more than 13.5 percent to the nation’s GDP. During the year 2024-25, Maharashtra attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) worth Rs 1,64,875 crore. It is 39 percent of the total FDI in the country. Maharashtra signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) worth Rs 30 lakh crore at the World Economic Forum in Davos. This will generate 40 lakh jobs. Maharashtra has leapt to become the 30th economy of the world during the time when the world is facing economic problems. This is the strength of our state. In order to achieve balanced development, cities like Gadchiroli, Dhule, Nandurbar have also been brought on the investment map of the world.Jalyukt Shivar acceleratedThe Meteorological department has predicted that the rainfall in the 2026 season will be below average due to El Nino conditions. As our kharif season completely depends on rains, it is necessary to take this prediction seriously. Do not rush for sowing. Be attentive to all the instructions given by the agriculture department. This will make it easier to avoid the possible crisis. At the same time, I would like to assure the farmers that as the state government, we have already started planning for water and fodder in the state. We have instructed the machinery to speed up the work of Jalyukt Shivar (water-rich farmland), silt-free dams and silt-rich farmland and give priority to provide funds for it. We have also asked to make maximum use of drip irrigation and ‘tushar’ (sprinkler) irrigation. By and large, it is our national duty to save water. Sufficient quantity of fertilizers and seeds are available in the state. Do not panic, the state government stands with you all.Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar farmer loan waiver scheme for cultivatorsA hefty amount of Rs 15,576 crore was deposited in the accounts of farmers affected by floods and heavy rain last year. We have announced the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar farmer loan waiver scheme for farmers. Agriculturists are being provided free electricity. Now a huge solar energy program has been taken up in the state. The development of Maharashtra will never stop, no matter how many natural calamities surface in the state. It is to be noted that we have prepared a blueprint for ‘Developed Maharashtra’. We have a dream of making Maharashtra a 5 trillion dollar economy by the year 2047 and we have already started forging ahead in that direction.Fourth Mumbai port will be developed at VadhavanToday, Maharashtra is leading the table in infrastructure development not only in the nation, but in the entire world. Presently 173 kilometers of metro lines are operational in Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur. We have planned that 50 km of metro will be pressed into service every year. The Shaktipeeth is coming up along with Samruddhi. The ‘Fourth Mumbai’ port coming up at Vadhavan will be one of the ‘top ten’ in the world. On the occasion of Maharashtra Day, today, I have very good news to share. The 13.3 km ‘missing link’ project on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway is being opened to the public from today. This will reduce the distance between the two cities by about 6 km and cut down the travel time by 25 to 30 minutes. Development, for us is not just limited to the roads and metros, but development is about improving the lives of each and every person.Plans to increase the number of Lakhpati Didis to 50 lakhIn Maharashtra, more than 40 lakh women have now become ‘Lakhpati Didis’. Under the UMED Abhiyan, bank loans have been provided to more than 64 lakh families. Plans are on to increase the number of ‘Lakhpati Didis’ to 50 lakh this year. Sisters of the state are being helped through the Ladki Bahin Yojana. There are concrete schemes for each section, may they be women or any other sections of society. The foundation of inclusivity is being laid through various organizations like SARTHI, BARTI, MAHAJYOTI, ARTI, VANARTI and AMRUT.Staunch support for entrepreneurs and startupsThe state government has undertaken a major skill training program for the youth. May they be six renowned global universities starting at Navi Mumbai or institutions like IICT on the lines of IITs, they are definitely going to add a new dimension to the skill revolution. Reputed institutions like Ratan Tata Maharashtra State Skill University have extended into areas like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science. Maharashtra has the target of supporting and assisting 1.25 lakh entrepreneurs and 50,000 startups in the next five years through its Startup, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Policy. The process of formulating a separate sports policy for the youth is in the pipeline.Various measures have been taken up for good governance. A major initiative has been taken to provide all government services on WhatsApp. Gadchiroli is now Naxal-free and is taking a leap towards becoming a steel city. UNESCO World Heritage has included 11 forts from Maharashtra in the list. This is the global recognition of the intrepidity of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Maharashtra is stronger. It is more self-reliant and more ambitious. The state government has proven its commitment towards farmers, labourers, women, youth and entrepreneurs. On the occasion of Maharashtra Day, I pledge that Maharashtra will definitely lead the table in fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream of a developed India 2047.(The writer is the chief minister of Maharashtra)
