Mumbai: In his Independence Day speech at Mantralaya on Saturday, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasised that the economic growth rate of the state was 8.8% in the first half of the year and govt was trying to make each district a growth engine, with 13 of the state’s 36 districts meeting this target so far. The state has recently come under criticism from the Opposition regarding the alleged closure of companies which Fadnavis had countered.In a statement aimed at Gen Z, Fadnavis also said that foreign universities are coming to the state through Educity and efforts are being made to raise the standard of universities. He also said that Maharashtra has become the ‘startup capital’ of the country and the state is receiving the highest investment and foreign investment. “Due to this, a large number of employment opportunities are being created for the youth,” he said.“Maharashtra is the growth engine of the country. Its role is very important in the concept of developed India,” said Fadnavis. He also said govt was committed to making Maharashtra drought-free. “The next generation in the state should not know what drought is,” he said.He said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has reached the stage of becoming the fourth-largest economy in the world in the last twelve years and the country has succeeded in lifting 25 crore citizens out of poverty.Govt is trying to make every district a ‘growth engine’ of development and so far about 13 districts have met the set target. He clarified that govt is committed to bringing development to every part of the state, including Gadchiroli, Palghar and Nandurbar.He pointed out that govt had given a loan waiver of Rs 36,000 crore to 56 lakh farmers. “We have made great progress in providing electricity to farmers during the day. Currently, 76% farmers are getting power during the day. The figure will reach 100% by next year,” Fadnavis said.He also emphasised that Maharashtra was the first state to grant the status of farmers to women. He also said that govt was trying to achieve development by implementing targeted schemes for the development of the disadvantaged sections of society, including women, and by taking everyone along.
