NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS OF MINISTERS INTERVIEW: … · NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS OF MINISTERS INTERVIEW:...

NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS OF MINISTERS � INTERVIEW: NITIN GADKARI � MAHABALESHWAR STRAWBERRY

V O L . 4 I S S U E 1 � J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 5 � ` 5 0 � PA G E S 5 2

Environment approval to erect a grandmemorial of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj inthe Arabian Sea has been given by the

Ministry of Environment, informed UnionEnvironment Minister, Prakash Javadekarrecently. The memorial, a huge statue, of greatMaratha fighter Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj willbe built at about 1 to 3 km from Marine Lines inthe Arabian Sea. A one-of-its-kind, world-classmonument of India, the memorial will beanother tourist attraction in South Mumbai. Itwill have a museum, gallery, amphitheatre,marine aquarium and lots more.

The new memorial will be built at an investmentof over `2000 crore, taller than the Statue ofLiberty, and completed within five years. TheGovernment will invite tenders from companiesacross the globe for building the structure.

The upcoming memorial will house about 3000people at a given time. The sea will get theproject a beautiful landscape. The special ShivajiMuseum at the memorial will showcase artifactsand items used by Chattrapati Shivaji Maharajduring wars. One will also see originally writteninspirational quotes by the Maratha warrior. Agallery inside or near Museum will showcase thebrave life of Shivaji Maharaj through his stories.Surrounding the memorial will be activitiesof water sports and adventure, and sound andlight show for onlookers.

As an eco-friendly structure, the memorial willbe an energy saver with efficient electricityfittings, which will also use solar energy andutilise storm and rainwater effectively. Waterrecycle, water reuse and water treatment arealso part of the plans.

THE NEW MEMORIAL WILL BEBUILT AT AN INVESTMENT OF OVER `2000

CRORE AND WILL BE TALLER THAN THESTATUE OF LIBERTY. THE PROJECT, TO

BE COMPLETED IN FIVE YEARS, WILLINVITE TENDERS FROM CONSTRUCTION

COMPANIES ACROSS THE GLOBE

WORLD-CLASSCHHATRAPATI SHIVAJIMAHARAJ MEMORIALTO COME UP IN THE ARABIAN SEA

A representation ofthe upcoming memorial.

Located into Arabian Sea,the structure will be

connected with jetties

MAHARASHTRA AHEAD � JANUARY 2015 03

VOL. 4 ISSUE 1 � JANUARY 2015 � `50 � PAGES 52

It gives us immense pleasure to relaunch our niche publication,Maharashtra Ahead, a monthly magazine devoted to Maharashtra’sdevelopment and people. From its very first issue in March 2009, themagazine has received enthusiastic response from esteemed readers. Our

stories present a unique mix of detailed reporting, in-depth interviews, andvibrant features on art, culture, tourism and heritage. In its new avatar, the52-page magazine with its lively style and straightforward approach highlightsthe new projects implemented by the State Government and monitors CentralGovernment schemes for the State.

Maharashtra has remained the first choice of investors and multinationalcompanies for years. The State has been the most favoured destination for bothdomestic and foreign direct investments, and has been a reflection of India’sgrowth. Its geography, resources, culture, connectivity and international statusof cities like Mumbai and Pune have helped the State register steady industrial

growth. The State has the second highest number offactories in the country, with manufacturingcontributing a significant 18.51 per cent to its grossstate domestic product.

The latest chapter in State’s industrial growth is Make InMaharashtra, a programme that encourages nationaland international companies to set up shop inMaharashtra. Under new Industrial Policy 2013, megaand ultra mega projects can qualify for fiscal incentivesup to 100 per cent of the fixed capital investment.Moreover, a 10 per cent additional incentive on top ofthe above incentives is provided by the State if theproject creates double the employment requiredfor the eligibility.

The said move and other details given in the current issue of MaharashtraAhead make the magazine a handy booklet for businesses keen to ‘Make InMaharashtra.’ The State, under the able leadership of Chief Minister DevendraFadnavis, is welcoming industries with new incentives and promise of single-window clearance and transparency.

The issue also highlights the resolutions of State Ministers for an all-inclusivedevelopment in Maharashtra, and contains features on drought reliefpackage, new projects of MMRDA, warp and weft of Paithani, and a visit toTadoba tiger reserve, among others. I am sure our endeavours will beresponded by your suggestions.

Happy New Year!

Manisha Patankar-MhaiskarEditor-in-Chief, Maharashtra Ahead, DGIPR

THE MOST APTPLACE TO MANUFACTURE

‘Make InMaharashtra’welcomesbusinesses withnew policies,more incentives,and promise ofsingle-windowclearance andtransparency

EDITORIALEDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Manisha Patankar-Mhaiskar

MANAGING EDITORChandrashekhar Oak

ASSIGNMENT EDITORSuresh Wandile

EDITORKirti Pande

EXECUTIVE EDITORKriti Lalla

ADMINISTRATIONDigamber Palve

(Sr. Assistant Director)

SALES AND CIRCULATIONVilas Bodke

(Assistant Director)

MEDIA TRANSASIAASSOCIATE EDITOR

Jyoti Verma

ASSISTANT EDITORNikunj Sharma

DEPUTY ART DIRECTORSachin Jain

CHAIRMANJ.S. Uberoi

PRESIDENTXavier Collaco

Maharashtra Ahead is printedon behalf of the Directorate Generalof Information and Public Relations,

Government of Maharashtra,at LAST MILE (Sonigraphics Group

Company), 417, Bussa Udyog Bhavan,T.J. Road, Sewri West,

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E

04 MAHARASHTRA AHEAD � JANUARY 2015

16COVER STORYMAKE INMAHARASHTRAThe new programme by the StateGovernment offers incentives,single-window clearance andtransparency to encouragemanufacturing in Maharashtra.

32IN PERSONNITIN GADKARIUnion Minister, Road Transport,Highways and Shipping, NitinGadkari shares with MaharashtraAhead his plans for Maharashtraand Centre’s role in State’sdevelopment

34INFRASTRUCTUREMUMBAION FAST TRACKMMRDA clears DCBM and WGTKMetro projects and flyovers todecongest BKC-Kalanagarjunction. Latest on the newprojects and those in the pipeline

36FACE-TO-FACEEKNATHRAO KHADSE The Cabinet Minister is in chargeof diverse portfolios, rangingfrom Revenue to Agriculture. Inan interview with the magazine,he talks about Government’splans and challenges

RESOLUTIONS

“GOOD GOVERNANCE ISOUR FOUNDATION”It’s New Year, time to ring in the new. It is also theoccasion to make resolutions. Maharashtra Ministers aregetting into the act, insisting on transparency, quality, speed,innovation and better use of resources. MaharashtraAhead brings you an exclusive on some of their resolutions

05

CONTENTSWHAT’S INSIDE

D ISCLA IMER : V I E W S A N D O P I N I O N S E X P R E S S E D I N T H E M A G A Z I N E A R E T H O S E O F W R I T E R S

42CULTURE CURRYA TIMELESS BEAUTYThe silken gold-embroideredPaithani saree is one of the mostprecious and celebrated items ofIndia and Maharashtra. A featureon the heritage craft from itsnative place

44WANDERLUSTLET’S GO WILDTadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve,Maharashtra’s largest national park, has one of thehighest tiger densities in thecountry. The team takes asafari to the jungle

46NUMBER ONESTRAWBERRYCOUNTYMahabaleshwar is knownfor its iconic brand of strawberry.The city and its nearby areasgrow 80 per cent of totalstrawberry produced in India

48INFORMATIONTHE WAY WECOMMUNICATEDGIPR is the nodal agency fordisseminating information onGovernment policies. Today, itsvarious channels are successfulplatforms recognised by all

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NEW MINISTERSNEW RESOLVES

It’s a new year, time to ring in the new. It is also thetime to make resolutions. Maharashtra cabinet ministers are

getting into the act, insisting on transparency, quality,speed, innovation and better use of resources. Here is an

exclusive look at some of their resolutions

“Good governance isour foundation”DEVENDRA FADNAVIS

Chief Minister General Administration, Urban Development Home,Law & Judiciary, Ports, Tourism, Information& Public Relations, Ex-Servicemen’s Welfare,Protocol, Employment & Self-Employment andDepartments or parts thereof not specificallyallocated to any other Minister

At the outset, I would like to extend my bestwishes and a Happy New Year to the readers ofMaharashtra Ahead. With this I would like to

guarantee you a gift from the Government in terms ofpositive administrative changes and new decisionsin various fields. I would like to firmly state that therewould be no difficulty for us in bestowing youwith a Government which you need.

The Government will positively perform its duties suchas supporting farmers, enhancing irrigation, encouragingindustries, improving education and health sectors,empowering women, planning cities and others.However, I would like to convey that “good governance”will be our foundation while performing these duties.

In view of this, our first step ahead will be in thedirection of reducing the void between Government,administration and people. We have decided to decentraliseadministrative powers and shifting powers to regional level.

Another equally important step ahead will be torestrict corruption, which has proliferated in many areasof the State, be it inadequacy of irrigation and education,decaying roads or exploitation of labour. Corruptionhas engulfed every area. Wiping out corruptionand creating a strong system is our goal.

Increasing administrative accountability will be the


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third step. It is essential to accelerate decision-makingprocess and create an emotional bonding with the peopleof the State to make it ‘Our Government’. We plan tocelebrate the birthday of former Prime Minister AtalBihari Vajpayee as ‘Good Governance Day,’ andthe mission of good governance will not be limited tothat day alone. We have actually started good

governance with theimplementation of an Actfor ‘guaranteed service’to the people.

By declaring 2015 as“digital year”, we haveinitiated the fourth stepconnected to technology, soas to provide time-boundservices to citizens.E-governance has beenstarted at Mantralaya andRegional Offices, andwe shall strive to make our

work paperless. The online portal of the StateGovernment will be utilised effectively.

For years together, we have been talking aboutdeveloping backward areas of the State. Now all thedecisions required to achieve the same will beimmediately arrived at and implemented in a time-boundmanner. We have resolved that regions such as Vidarbhaand Marathwada, where development has not reached sofar, will be our focus.

—As told to Aniruddha Ashtaputre

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/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// “Drought-proof

Maharashtra is our aim”EKNATHRAO KHADSE

Minister, Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, EarthquakeRehabilitation, Minorities Development and Walf, Agriculture& Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development& Fisheries, State Excise

Myeffort willbe to reduce thevoid betweenGovernment,administrationand people.Equallyimportant is tocurb corruptionin the State

Agriculture, which isconsidered as the backboneof Indian economy, is going

through a tough time at themoment. Natural calamities,inadequate facilities for irrigationand electricity are challengesbefore us. Born in an agriculturalfamily and after striving in thefields, I can fully understand thecondition of farmers in the State.As Vidarbha, Marathwada andother parts of the State are reelingunder drought, the decisionsproviding some respite to thepeople will be given priority. TheGovernment will provide allsupport to farmers affected due toconstant crop failure, loan burdensand natural calamities. Ourobjective is to make Maharashtra adrought-free State.

In order to accelerate, bring intransparency and moderniserevenue administration, emphasiswill be laid on computerisation.The citizens will be provided allfacilities under a single roof.Efforts will be concentrated on

making revenue administrationtransparent and speedy. TheGovernment stands committedand will remain committed toprompt and rightful support toevery part connected with theadministration.

The Government will work as acatalyst between horticulturefarmers and modern technology.The Government is making allefforts to provide expert advice formaintaining the farms, reductionof losses during natural calamity,making available markets basedon production expenses andother difficulties.

There are huge agriculture lossesduring hailstorms and storms. Anew insurance scheme providingcompensation proportional tolosses and expenses will bebrought. Initiatives will also betaken for modernisation of dry landfarming. Our other focus iseducation of minority communitiesfor which various schemes will beimplemented.

—As told to Ganesh Funde

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All is just not well when it comes to the economy ofthe State, and efforts will have to be made onpriority in the New Year. As empowering the

economy will mainly be the responsibility of the FinanceMinistry, I have resolved to plan the journey of the StateTreasury from bankruptcy to brimming on the eve of theNew Year. The priorities are employment generation andenhancement in the GDP. The Government desires todevelop the State by creation of a positive environmentfor farmers, businessmen and entrepreneurs. Emphasiswill be laid on implementing Central Governmentschemes to a maximum extent, so as not to burden theState exchequer. Maharashtra is reeling under severedrought and some areas have suffered huge losses due tountimely rains. We aim to help the farmers even byseeking a loan and buidling the confidence of farmers.

The Government is committed to the comprehensivedevelopment of the State and the role of FinanceMinistry would be pivotal. The schemes will be draftedconsidering the interests of common people, and thedepartment will plan them during the coming years.Encouraging environment will be created at thisdepartment, which fills the treasury of the State. Withcomputerisation wherever necessary, emphasis will be oneffective implementation of Centrally sponsored schemes.

To achieve the tasks, we will have to seek loans.Loans are not bad provided used in a proper way. Mydepartment will always observe this. My priority during2015 will be to complete development schemes andworks in coordination with various departments.

—As told to Ravi Gite

“Empowering Stateeconomy is our focus”SUDHIR MUNGANTIWAR

Minister, Finance and Planning, Forests

As a Minister, I have beenhanded over importantportfolios such as School

Education, Sports, Cultural Affairsand Marathi language, whichmerit societal change. In thecoming year, I have decided tobring certain important changes inthese departments.I would like tosee the change begin from thebase of the society ladder, schooleducation department.

Out of the total expenses oneducation in the State, 60 per centgoes to faculty development. Often,this is considered unproductive.However, in my opinion, this is aninvestment. The return on thisinvestment is in the form of qualityeducation and creation of skilledmanpower. This is why I emphasisethat in return of the salary, theteachers must have a definiteresponsibility towards society.

My department will try to seethat the syllabus emphasises moreon practical knowledge and is

more employment oriented. Myefforts will also be towardsbringing transparency in collegeand professional courses, so thatmeritorious students get theopportunities they deserve.

I would like to reconstitute theMarathi Language Departmentand increase active participation ofauthors to bring prosperity to thelanguage. The 60-odd dialectsneed to be preserved and areference volume needs to becreated for them, besidesproviding a script for some ofthese dialects.

Until now, the film andtheatre awards were bestowed bydignitaries from other fields or aminister. Doing away with thispractice, the awards will now begiven by renowned peoplefrom the same field. We havealready brought this changefrom the Lata MangeshkarAward ceremony.

—As told to Yuvraj Patil

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// “The change must begin

from school education”VINOD TAWDE

Minister, School Education, Sports & Youth Welfare, Higher& Technical Education, Medical Education, MarathiBhasha and Cultural Affairs


Maharashtra Housing and Development Authority(MHADA) was created for affordable homes.The Government is making efforts to make a

policy so that MHADA homes are affordable for commonpeople and middle class. During the coming five years,11 lakh tenements will be constructed. The projectduration will be fixed accordingly. If the projects arecompleted within scheduled period, the prices of homeswill also be under control. I have resolved to make aplan for the same. The policy will be to have MHADAcolonies in each district.

Bringing more transparency to Slum RehabilitationAuthority (SRA) and infusing confidence in slum dwellersare the challenges of my department. We also aim to stopall the illegal activities in the SRA scheme and create amore accelerated, transparent, frictionless programme toachieve a slum-free city. Another important point is thatthe people for whom SRA scheme has been drafted are notaware of the same. I would like to undertake innovativepublicity schemes for this.

A new and independent policy will be drafted forwelfare of the unorganised sector workers such assugarcane cutters, people employed in coal industry andbrick kilns, sanitation workers, and others.

With a view to accelerate Make in Maharashtraprogramme just the way Make in India programme by theCentral Government, needed improvements will be broughtin the labour laws and labour inspection methods.In addition, a new scheme, Rozgar Call Centre will bestarted at the Employment Exchanges. The scheme will usemodern technology tools such as SMS, e-mail and website.

—As told to Akash Jagdhane

“Five years,11 lakh tenements” PRAKASH MEHTA

Minister, Housing, Mining and Labour

“Toll-free Maharashtra isthe mission for 2015”CHANDRAKANT (DADA) PATIL

Minister, Cooperation, Marketing & Textiles, Public Works(excluding Public Undertakings)

Our priority will be to see thatMaharashtra attains freedomfrom potholes under any

circumstances. To bringMaharashtra together throughimproved transport facilities,development of Mumbai-Pune-Nashik, Pune-Aurangabad, Jalgaon-Amravati, Aurangabad-Nagpur andother routes will be undertaken.Remedial measures to improve the

lifespan of roads through moderntechnology and concretisation ofroads are also thought of.

In the interest of farmers andworkers, it is essential to reconstructcooperatives. Bringingcomprehensive reforms in matterssuch as elections of cooperativesocieties, their working style andprevention of corruption is essentialand the same will be prioritised.

Efforts will be made towardsproviding better rates to sugarcanefarmers. Co-generation ofelectricity will be accelerated. Awelfare board for sugarcane cutterworkers will be established.Through the board, variousinsurance schemes for workers andtheir families/wards, scholarships,and accident insurance schemeswill be implemented.

As the first phase of aprogramme for providing hugemarket for agricultural produceand bestowing a better rate foragro-products, a qualitativeterminal market will be establishedat Nagpur. Similar terminal marketswill be established in other cities toprovide the same facilities forother produce such as vegetables,fruits and flowers.

To enhance quality textileproduction, improvements will bemade in the textile policy. TheGovernment also plans for betterlocation of cotton processingindustries in Vidarbha,Marathwada and Khandesh bybuilding huge textile parks atNagpur and Amravati.

—As told to Irshad Bagwan

To enhance qualitytextile production,changes will be made inthe textile policy, whichwill then be put inaction effectively

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My dream is to equip every GramPanchayat of the State withcomputer facilities such as

Internet, create a drought-freeMaharashtra through small/mediumwater conservation projects in villages,effectively implement the employmentguarantee scheme, ensuring safety ofevery woman in the State and create amalnutrition-free Maharashtra. Variousschemes will be implemented by theState Government in this regard andcomprehensive development of ruralareas will be achieved.

Under the able leadership of PrimeMinister Narendra Modi, Sansad AdarshGram Yojana is being implemented inthe country. Each Member of Parliamenthas adopted a village with an aim todevelop it comprehensively. Similarly, Iam planning of initiating MLA GramYojana in the State. I expect that everymember of the Legislative Assembly will

adopt a few villages and bring a radicalchange to them. With a view to connectall villages by roads, on the lines ofPradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana(PMGSY), the State will implement aChief Minister Gram Sadak Yojana.

I would like to bring a waterrevolution in every village by waterconservation experiments on small andlarge scale, especially in drought-proneareas. The Vaidyanath Pattern that I haveimplemented at Parli and Ambajogaitalukas of Beed will now be implementedall over the State. We have carried outmany works such as deepening of wellsand lakes, construction of small and largedams through people participation,excavation of nallahs, water reconstruction,improving the ground water level, etc.,to create 10 totally water-empoweredvillages. I have a dream to implementthis pattern across the State.

—As told to Irshad Bagwan

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“Water-empowermentis my mission”PANKAJA MUNDE

Minister, Rural Development & Water Conservation, EmploymentGuarantee Scheme, Women & Child Development

Tribal community is extremelysimple and hardworking. Due toeconomical, social and

educational backwardness, manytribal people are away from themainstream. It is essential to bringstability to their life and to improvetheir standard of living. I havethus resolved to bring them tomainstream, while providing themcomprehensive prosperity.

A blueprint for tribal villages isready in my mind. While providingthem constitutional security, I shallwork for providing them self-administration facilities. First of all, Ishall streamline the schemes fromvarious departments for tribal welfare,and start schemes to empower mytribal brothers. Special efforts will bemade for stopping migration of tribalpeople for employment. The local

youth will be provided with usefuland employment-oriented vocationaltraining for their livelihood. Emphasiswill be on innovative ideas forcreation of employment in tribal areasalone. The Jeevandayee scheme fromthe earlier coalition government willbe relaunched in order to wipe outmalnutrition from tribal areas.

There is a huge problem ofelectricity in tribal wadas and padas.Therefore, a crash programme forelectricity will be started to bring lightto tribal homes. A special waterconservation programme will beundertaken under MGNREGA inMelghat area. By creation of a groupof tribal villages and by providingtechnical information, essential workssuch as village lake repairs andagricultural lakes, etc., will be done.

—As told to Santosh Todkar

“Bringing tribals to mainstream”VISHNU SAVRA

Minister, Tribal Development


After the formation of a new ministry in the State, Iwas saddled with important ministries anddepartments that are closely related to common

people. I am keen to see how justice can be bestowed oncommon people through these departments.

Through the medium of Food & Civil Suppliesdepartment, I have an important responsibility to providefood to poorest of the poor under various schemes beingimplemented in the State. Food is being distributed allover the State in a big way. We have issued a variety of

ration cards to thebeneficiaries. Everybeneficiary should receiveadequate food grain asneeded.

There is always adiscussion on black market indistribution of food grains.There are also complaintsabout distribution of foodgrains. With a view thatdistribution should betransparent, we have startedefforts to create an

environment, which will be without middlemen and takefood directly to the beneficiaries. We shall create asystem where no one will dare to venture into blackmarketing of food grains or medicines.

The Government will ensure good quality andaffordable foodgrains and medicines for people.

—As told to Mangesh Warkad

“I’m for a transparentdistribution system”GIRISH BAPAT

Minister, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Protection,Food & Drugs Administration, Parliamentary Affairs

To provide benefits toirrigation and agriculture, ourtopmost priority will be to

complete delayed water projects.For saving water, I will emphasiseon enlarging the area under microirrigation. Emphasis will also be onbetter administration, for which Iwill encourage efficient officersbecome people oriented.

Many dam projects in theState have remained incompletedue to non-availability of funds. Iwill give priority to completion ofdams that are 75 per cent or morecomplete. Incomplete projects willalso be completed. A huge projectsuch as Gosi Khurd has beencompleted. However, the work oncanals and distributaries is stillincomplete. The land, as per plans,has not come under irrigation.These works will be completedduring the next five years. Thematters will be followed up andefforts will be made to receivemore funds for such projects.

As a matter of fact, the farmerswhose lands are acquired for damsfail to receive compensation even

after many years, often forcingthem to undertake futile journeys.From now on, the RehabilitationOfficers will meet farmers on aweekly basis to solve their issues.The policy will be that thedam is constructed only afterrehabilitation of people isachieved. Considering recurringdroughts and receding waterlevels in dams, saving water hasbecome the need of the hour.We will, therefore, make efforts toenhance the area under sprinkleand drip irrigation. This will alsoimprove crop quality andproductivity. Emphasis will belaid on construction of small, aswell as large dams.

We have an eminenthigh-technology institute such asMaharashtra Engineering ResearchInstitute (MERI) whose researchhas been very useful. Efforts willbe made to enhance the qualityof such institutes and toencourage more and moreefficient young officers to workat such institutes.

—As told to Harshwardhan Pawar

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// “Delayed water projects

will be completed”GIRISH MAHAJAN

Minister, Water Resources

Weshallcreate asystem whereno one willdare to ventureinto blackmarketingof food grainsor medicines

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With a view to make the work at transportdepartment transparent, CCTV cameras will beplaced at all transport offices. This will also help

the department work fast and smooth.All the transport offices in the State have been

computerised and driving licenses are now sent to theconcerned persons at their home addresses. A scheme hasbeen started for informing vehicle owners about the statusof their license through SMS. Action will be taken on guiltyofficers found cooperating with unauthorised middlemen.

As the number of vehicles in the State is rising atbreakneck speed, the responsibilities of the transportdepartment have increased. The department carries outwork under Motor Vehicles Act 1988. Government of Indiahas already started reforms in the said Act, and the Statetransport department too expects changes.

As the number of railway tracks in the State are lessthan other States, the Government has decided tofinancially participate in the new Railway projects. We arelooking at and following up with the Centre (Ministry ofRailways) to implement these projects at Government ofIndia costs. This will reduce the financial burden of theState by an estimated `5000 crore.

To accelerate the work of the department, efforts willbe made to fill up the vacant posts as soon as possible. Wealso plan to increase the charge to get a driving license.The current charge of `15 was set around 15 years agoand has become negligible today. We believe, the chargemust increase, but remain affordable. The move will addto Government’s revenues. Another way to increase therevenue is by issuing independent permits to shared taxiand shared rickshaw in urban areas. We plan to providesuch independent permits in coming years.

—As told to Vilas Bodke

“Transport mustbe fast and smooth”DIWAKAR RAOTE

Minister, Transport

“Maharashtra will alwayslead in industries”SUBHASH DESAI

Minister, Industries

It is an uncontested fact that thelargest part of the FDI arrives atMaharashtra. The proportion of

starting actual projects after anMoU is highest in Maharashtra at62 per cent in comparison to otherStates. The State has 417 megaprojects. Professional project groupssuch as IT, chemicals, floriculture,wine park, food park, textile park,silver zone are being developed inthe State. Marathwada will bereaping the benefits of Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor throughproject at Shendra.

A target of minimum 13 percent has been set for carrying theState to industrial prosperity. Thetarget for State contributing 28per cent of the GDP and throughthe same creating 20 lakhemployment opportunities andinvestment target of `5 lakhcrore has been set. With this,Maharashtra will be a leader inthe country again. If ‘Make inMaharashtra’ is successful, we areconfident that ‘Make in India’ willalso be successful.

Many incentives such as groupdevelopment scheme and seedcapital have been announced for

small industries. We have a goal toimplement Prime Minister RozgarVriddhi Yojana effectively. In orderto encourage industries,concessions in areas such asinterest, stamp duty, VAT,electricity tax, water supply arethere. For huge projects, we haveannounced special attractiveschemes, including 100 per centconcession in stamp duty andelectricity tax. The concession inVAT and CST is being providedbetween 60 and 100 per cent.

A target of total developmentof 38 large and 36 small scaleindustrial areas from Vidarbha hasbeen set and special efforts are onso that Butibori and Amravati-Nandgaon Peth centres should beat full capacity. Two IT parks, anapparel park and a food park havebeen developed at Nagpur. Tostrengthen industrial density inVidarbha, efforts are being madeto start important projects such aspetroleum refinery, ordinancefactory, auto component hub, steelplant, fertiliser plant, textileindustries and mineral-basedindustries in Vidarbha.

—As told to Nandu Pujari


///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////“Development must

balance nature” RAMDAS KADAM

Minister, Environment

“Quality infrastructurein set time is my objective”EKNATH SHINDE

Minister, Public Works (Public Undertakings)

My efforts will be towardsacceleration ofdevelopment in the State

through improvements in theavailable infrastructure, as well astaking up some innovative projectsso that excellent infrastructure

facilities are available to bothcitizens and industrialists. We haveplanned to undertake constructionwork of roads, flyovers,underground and elevated roadsand water transport projects.Planning a 20-year-longdevelopment programme and

initiating an action plan toaccomplish the programme withinscheduled time limit is a priorityfor us. We are also contemplatingconstruction of internationalquality flyovers similar to those inMumbai and Thane. My effortswill be to take the present SeaLink from Worli to Bandra up toVersova. I am seriously looking atdeveloping water transport on theeastern shore of Mumbai. In thesecond stage, efforts will be tohave water transport betweenNariman Point and Borivali.

Certain new projects will beundertaken to develop roadsjoining pilgrimage and touristlocations. This will help pilgrimageand tourism at these locations.Modernisation of check-postsjoining Maharashtra with otherStates, construction of flyoversand bypass, and road wideningwill be undertaken in otherdeveloping cities of the State.

—As told to Vishnu Kakade

My efforts willbe to take the Sea Linkfrom Worli toBandra up to Versova. I am seriouslylooking at developingwater transport onMumbai shores

Konkan has a sea shore of 720 kilometers. The entirestretch brings huge opportunities of tourism andemployment to Konkani people. Going ahead, we will

try to permit tourism projects at Konkan in a way thatnature is not disturbed and biodiversity of the region ismaintained. In short, I shall strive for balancingenvironment and development.

There have been complaints of pollution at ParshuramLote, MIDC. This is a serious matter and pollutingcompanies have already been issued notices. Otherindustries in the State are also found to be polluting theatmosphere. We will try to stop this. I plan to tour theentire State with officers in order to track the industrialestablishments responsible and prevent pollution.

Solid waste management is another major issue. In thisconnection, a solid waste policy will be decided. Theproblem of dumping grounds for Mumbai will be solved bydiscussions between Mumbai Municipal Corporation andMMRDA, holders of the dumping grounds.

There is a large employment avenue in sand, stonesand boulders. Closing these industries will not only takeaway livelihoods of many families, but also result indifficulties in getting the construction material. We aregoing to deal this with care so that pollution is preventedand employment is not lost. I shall strive to work out ascheme so that the pollution of the rivers and waterreservoirs is reduced, and clean and clear water flows inthe rivers. My resolve is to give a great gift to Mumbai byremoving pollution in the Mithi River.

Conservation of mangroves at Konkan seashore inMMRDA region and their scientific management is on ouragenda to accelerate and encourage tourism in the State.

—As told to Akash Jagdhane

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In Maharashtra, lines used forelectrical transmission are 30-40years old and are responsible for

energy losses. Our objective is toprevent these losses by repairing oldlines and creating new lines. In order toreduce the number of long-distance

lines, we have resolved to create five toseven sub-stations in each taluka duringthe coming year. Implementation of thiswill help curb energy losses duringtransmission. In remote places, weintend to use underground linesinstead of overhead. If we are ableto reduce the losses, the benefit can

be passed onto the customers. Mahavitaran (MSEDCL) has already

initiated two ambitious infrastructureprojects in the State. The first phase ofthese projects has already begun.Currently, transmission losses inMaharashtra have been reduced to14.5 per cent, which is lowest nationally.Phase II of the development plan hasalready started under which additionalsub-stations and HT and LT lines will belaid out. This will further help reducetransmission losses. Considering theenvironment in Vidarbha is conducive tonon-conventional energy and solarpower can be harnessed on large scale,we plan to develop Nagpur as a ‘solarcity.’ Today, each person uses 1.25 unitsof electricity. Hence, it is essential tomonitor energy consumption for betterutility. If a mobile application or internetcan show the use of electricity in termsof units and the amount one needs topay, one can help control its usage.

—As told to Anil Thakare

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“My focus is on renewableenergy sources” CHANDRASHEKHAR BAWANKULE

Minister, Energy, New and Renewable Energy

Everyone has a right to pure andclean water. My department willstrive to get every citizen pure

water. We have resolved to providejoint supply along the lines of Gujarat.Through this scheme, pure and cleanwater will be supplied to each home.Currently, water supply is beingorganised through Gram Panchayat,Municipal Councils and MunicipalCorporations. Co-ordination will bebrought within these bodies.

Some water-related schemes in theState are closed for last 5-15 years andsome have been transferred to GramPanchayats. Then, some projects areclosed due to absence of repairs.These repairs will be given priority. Anaction plan under National Rural

Drinking Water Project for 2014-15has been prepared for 13,267villages/wadis and a target for 4200has been set at an expenditure of `66crore. Through this scheme, it isenvisaged to provide pure, safe andadequate water at a reasonabledistance from homes, so as to keeppeople free from diseases.

Common citizen is conscious aboutpersonal hygiene, but he is equallyindifferent about social sanitation. Ifwe try to keep our areas clean, it willnot take long before we find everyplace clean and tidy. By generatingsocial sanitation awareness amongpeople, we are striving to attain thegoals of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

—As told to Mukund Chilwant

“I’ll ensure pureand clean water to all”BABANRAO LONIKAR

Minister, Water Supply and Sanitation

We have resolved tocreate five to sevensub-stations in each taluka.Implementation of thiswill help curb energylosses during transmission


My priority will be to takecare of the health ofpeople and implementing

schemes and remedial measuresneeded for the same. I would liketo review health services in theState and improve them.

Currently, Maharashtra is inthe grip of contagious diseases. Iam going to emphasise ontreatment and remedial measuresfor these diseases and undertakeextensive public awarenesscampaigns. There is always acomplaint that rural areas andremote locations are notprovided quick and adequatemedical services.

We plan to take a review ofthe health services provided at theprimary health centres, sub-centres, cottage hospitals andGovernment district hospitals inthese areas. Priority will be toremove inadequacies of thesehospitals. A special campaign willbe organised against malnutrition.

I will concentrate on givingmomentum to these schemes,initiating a dialogue with otherdepartments through the mediumof National Health Mission (NHM).

Blindness due to diabetes anddiseases of the retina are otherareas of concern. I would like toequip Government hospitals withmodern machines to treat theseailments. Reforms are alsonecessary at the mental hospitalsin the State. I would like to bringaspects like autism, learningdisabilities under the realm ofNHM and to encourage childrenaffected with these diseases. Forpatients living in remote locations,medical consultations from expertswill be made available throughtelemedicine. This will ensureaccurate diagnosis and treatmentas per the advice of experts. Ishall honestly try to takethe services of expert medicalspecialists to the last mile.

—As told to Prakash Malewadkar

“My mission is to takehealthcare to the last mile”DR DEEPAK SAWANT

Minister, Public Health and Family Welfare

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The resolve of my department is, social justice tothe deprived constituents, as penned byDr. Babasaheb Ambedkar in the Constitution. The

word ‘social justice’ should be imbibed realistically. There are many schemes for bringing the deprived

and weaker sections of society into the mainstream.To ensure that benefits of these schemes go to thebeneficiaries, the schemes must be made visible toweaker sections. For this, required steps such as propertraining of officers and staff must be taken.

Dadasaheb Gaikwad Swabhiman and SashaktikaranYojana is being implemented for landless people belowpoverty line. However, for a few years now, the lands arenot being made available under this scheme. The schemewill be suitably amended.

For students from SC community staying in hostels fortheir education, hostels will be created on the district andtaluka level. Dalit Vasti Sudhar Yojana will be relaunched.A social audit will be undertaken for the work done inthis scheme and the scheme will be improved.

The addiction among youth has been increasing inrural as well as urban areas. Various public awarenessprogrammes will be organised through youth organisationsand institutes. There are educated unemployed youth ofScheduled Castes, Nav-Budhhas, Other Backward Classes,Vimukta Jatis, Nomadic Tribes and Special BackwardClasses. My attempt is to make them industry oriented. Forthis, ineffective schemes will be re-evaluated and effortswill be made to start new employment-driven schemes. Itis also necessary to establish competitive examinationguidance centres at taluka and district level, so thatstudents can prepare better for these examinations.

—As told to Vivek Khadase

“Justice tothe deprived”RAJKUMAR BADOLE

Minister, Social Justice and Special Assistance

F

RESOLUTIONS2015


FOR A STRONGER,BETTER MAHARASHTRA

The Ministers of State are committed to “development for all” in Maharashtra. Theyjoin their Cabinet colleagues in the ultimate resolve of building the State. Warm wishes for

the New Year from them and all esteemed members of the Legislative Assembly

DILIP KAMBLESocial Justice &Special Assistance

VIDYA THAKURWomen & Child Development,Food & Civil Supplies andConsumer Protection, Food &Drugs Administration

RAM SHINDEHome (Rural), Marketing, PublicHealth and Tourism

VIJAY DESHMUKHPublic Works (PublicUndertakings), Transport,Labour and Textiles

SANJAY RATHOD

Revenue

DADAJI BHUSE

Cooperation

VIJAY SHIVTAREWater Resources, WaterConservation

DEEPAK KESARKARFinance, Rural Development

RAJE AMBRISHRAO ATRAMTribal Development

RAVINDRA WAYKARHousing, Higher & TechnicalEducation

DR RANJIT PATILHome (Urban),Urban Development, GeneralAdministration, Law &Judiciary, Parliamentary Affairs

PRAVIN POTE-PATILIndustries & Mining,Environment, Public Works(excluding Public Undertakings)

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///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

RESOLUTIONSMINISTERS OF STATE

N

16 MAHARASHTRA AHEAD � JANUARY 2015 M

Manufacturing is considered to be the backbone of a GDP-basedState economic model. Growth of manufacturing in a city, state or countryis directly proportional to region’s growth in terms of economy,infrastructure, industry and employment. Make In Maharashtra, aninitiative by the new Government in the State, aims to bringgrowth through production of multiple goods. It also aims to strengthenthe concept of Magnetic Maharashtra

UnlimitedOpportunities

COVER STORYMAKE IN MAHARASHTRA

T


LEADERS SPEAK...

Kokuyo Camlin Ltd startedoperations in Maharashtra in1931. It has grown tremendouslyin the last 85 years and hasbecome a household name inIndia. The success that we enjoyis due to our strong industrialbase in a front-ranking State likeMaharashtra. At present, we have

two manufacturing centres in Tarapur and Taloja.A new centre is being set up in Patalganga. —Dilip Dandekar, Chairman, Kokuyo Camlin Ltd

I would like to see moreinvestments between Maharashtraand South Carolina, and improvejob prospects. The States of SouthCarolina and Maharashtra couldsuccessfully engage in the sectorsof pharmaceuticals, IT, energy,manufacturing, waste manage -ment and services. We would alsofocus on cooperation in the education sector andbuild collaborations between universities andtraining centres for skill development.” —Nikki Haley, Governor of South Carolina, USA

Maharashtra is a largeState with enormous potential forindustrial development. Mumbai,the financial capital of India, hasthe potential to be ranked amongthe best cities in the world tolive and do business in. With thesame formation in power both atthe Centre and in Maharashtra,infrastructure will get a huge boost. The powersector in Maharashtra needs to be reformed.Maharashtra has a very low plant-load factor, lowerthan the national average, and a high per unitcost of generation. The new dynamic Chief Ministerhas indicated his priority to increase theease of doing business in Maharashtraand improve the power scenario. The future ofMaharashtra is very bright indeed.—Adi Godrej, Chairman, Godrej Group

aharashtra has remained the top desti -nation and first choice of investors andmultinational companies since India’sindependence. The State has been themost favoured destination for bothdomestic and Foreign Direct Investmentand a reflection of India’s growth fordecades. The geography of the State,

agriculture pattern, coastal line (720 km) and Mumbai’sinternational status have further boosted the numbers ofindustries located in the State.

No doubt, it shows on country’s gross domestic product(GDP), to which Maharashtra contributes the maximum. TheState, at 15.6 per cent share, is followed by Andhra Pradesh (8per cent), Gujarat (7.4 per cent), Tamil Nadu (8.4 per cent) andKarnataka (5.5 per cent).

Industrial growth in Maharashtra has been speedy andremarkable. However, the new Government in the State nowaims to take it ahead, to achieve industrial growth rate of 13.2per cent by 2018. The share of production sector in this will be28 per cent and the goal is to attract about `20 lakh crore ofinvestment. In near future, some reputed companies areexpected to bring their mega projects to the State. Theseprojects will fetch investment of about `14 thousand crorecreating 12,000 employment opportunities.

The past decade has seen steady increase in theestablishment of mega projects with the year 2011-12registering the highest number with 82 projects. Around 400of the projects have been granted mega project status as onSeptember 2014. Maximum number of mega projects (125) isin Pune. As of now, average timeline for setting up of industryin Maharashtra is around six to 24 months. Micro industriestake six to eight months, whereas small and mediumenterprises may take anywhere between 15 and 18 months.Large or mega industries take more than 24 months.

The Government led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavisis determined to bring more projects to the State. The ChiefMinister and his team is also working on problems of landacquisition, power supply, water, environment, taxes, and otherhurdles responsible for the delays in industrial expansion in theState. The Government has proposed a review of the StateIndustrial Policy, which aims to rectify existing flaws and makethe entire process hassle free and time saving. Departmentssuch as finance, energy, environment, industry, labour, revenue,urban development, public works, food supply and consumerprotection, among others are expected to undergo changes tomake their operations smooth and far reaching. New policiesand schemes are lined up and will be announced by March2015. The major ones include Agro and Food Processing Policy,State Procurement Policy, State Manufacturing Policy, StatePolicy for SEZs and Export Oriented Units, new IT and ITeSPolicy, State Electronics Policy, State Retail Trade Policy anddiscontinuation of the existing Location Policy for MumbaiMetropolitan Region.

M

M The Government wouldemphasise on bringing moretransparency and accountabilityin the functioning of theadministration. Mechanismwould be put in place to makeadministrational proceduresimpler and industry and peoplefriendly. The Government

would appoint one officer who would beentrusted with the task of coordination to ensureimportant decisions do not remain in pipelineand delay the process of project clearances.—Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister, Maharashtra


General Motors plant,Talegaon, Maharashtra

MMUUMMBBAAII

� IT and ITeS� Gems and

Jewellery� Logistics

PPUUNNEE

� Chemical� Engineering� IT/ITeS� FMCG� Electronics� Auto and

Auto ancillary� ESDM� Defence

AAUURRAANNGGAABBAADD

� Auto andAuto ancillary

� Engineering� Chemical/

Pharma

LLOOTTEE PPAARRSSHHUURRAAMM

� Pharmaceuticals

MMUUMMBBAAII

� Textiles

NNAANNDDUURRBBAARR

LLAATTUURR

� Apparel� Food Processing

MMUUMMBBAAII

� Ginning/Pressing� Soap

BBUULLDDAANNAA

� Textile and Apparel� Food Processing

MMUUMMBBAAII

� Dal Mill/Oil Mill� Plastic

Processing

AAKKOOLLAA

� Steel� Commercial Trucks� Sugar

MMUUMMBBAAII

� Food Procesing� Logistics� IT� Textiles� Steel

NNAAGGPPUURR

GGOONNDDIIAA

� Rice Mill� Solvent

Extraction

AAMMRRAAVVAATTII

� Textiles

� Textiles� Cement� Food

Processing

� Steel� Dal Mill/Oil Mill� Ginning/Pressing

MMUUMMBBAAII

YYAAVVAATTMMAALL BBHHAANNDDAARRAA

CCHHAANNDDRRAAPPUURR

WWAARRDDHHAA

Early DMIC influence zoneNOTE: ABOVE LIST IS A REPRESENTATIVE LIST AND INDICATIVE IN NATURESOURCE: MIDC AND EY ANALYSIS

AN INDUSTRIAL LEADERWITH DIVERSE AND ESTABLISHED MANUFACTURING SEGMENTS....


C

MAKE IN MAHARASHTRAMaharashtra is a State with diverse and establishedmanufacturing segments, ranging from IT/ITeS to gems andjewellery, logistics, chemical, engineering, auto and autoancillary, and food processing. The State is an industrial leaderwith diverse and established manufacturing segments spreadacross its region. Industrial activity has been dominant inselect locations in Maharashtra. Emerging developmentsadding to the diversity are industries such as ESDM, RE,food processing, textile and defence that have the potential ofbuilding this balance further, all of which are receiving strongpush from the Centre.

The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation

(MIDC) was established to provide the infrastructural facilitiesfor promotion of industries in the State. MIDC has succeededlargely in creating the useful platform for industrial growth. Thebody is also working on the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor(DMIC). MIDC and DMIC Trust has formed a joint venture toexecute the project, in which MIDC will hold 51 per cent stake,while the remaining will be held by DMIC.

The vision of the new Government, enthusiasm of people,possibilities of growth in the State, and support of Centralprogrammes such as ‘Make In India’ have helped ‘Make InMaharashtra’ a smart move for any company aspiring to grow.

The State aims to simplify theprocedure for establishment of anew project. Decision has beentaken to reduce the number ofno-objection certificates (NOCs)required for commencement of aunit. The Government hasdecided to reduce the numberof approvals and licences fromthe current 70 to 25, along withthe development of sector-specific zones and clusters,release of new IT and ITeSpolicy by next financial year,and achieve 13 per centindustrial growth.

Transparency in land allot -ment system and fixed timelimit for land allotmentprocedure are other areaswhere the Government isaggressively working. A high-level committee will be cons -tituted before March 2015 toexpedite inter-departmentalconsultations and approvals.For permissions and otherfacilities, Maharashtra Indus -tries Trade and InvestmentFacilitation Cell (MAITRI) will

be formed. Companies investing more than `100 crore willhave the facility of single-window clearance under theMAITRI. Priority is on online processing of approvals andclearances by all the concerned departments. A high-poweredcommittee can be constituted for streamlining and reduction ofprocesses in investment approvals. There will be some changesand modification in river regulatory zone. Procedures in MIDCwill be simplified and will be made industry friendly. The basicfocus of ‘Make In Maharashtra’ is to have maximum industriesand projects in the State and provide them with facilities forgrowth. After all ‘Make In India’ can succeed only when ‘MakeIn Maharashtra’ succeeds.

—Archana Shambharkar


Andhra Pradesh Gujarat Karnataka Maharashtra Tamil Nadu

8.8%7.4%

5.5%

8.4%

4,57,351.14

4,27,219.28

3,14,355.54

8,97,785.79

4,80,618.05

At 15.6%, Maharashtrais the highest contributorto Indian GDP

GSDP % Share to India

Figures in INR crores

SOURCE: STATES OF INDIA, CMIE ACCESSED ON 28 OCTOBER 2014

9.3%

11.26%

4.82%6.18%

8.71%8.6%

6.7%

4.5% 4.7%

8.9%

FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14

GGSSDDPP VVIISS--AA--VVIISS GGDDPP GGRROOWWTTHH RRAATTEESS Figures in INR crores

GSDP Maharashtra growth rate India growth rate

Maharashtra GSDP CAGR: 7.74%

The GSDP has grown at 8.71per cent in FY14, far higher than the

national average of 4.7 per cent

CCOOMMPPAARRIISSOONN OOFF GGSSDDPP 22001133--1144 (AT CONSTANT PRICES 2004-05)

15.6%

The visionof the newGovernmentand Centralprogrammessuch as ‘Make InIndia’ havehelped ‘Make InMaharashtra’ asmart move forany companyaspiring to grow


m

In an exclusive interviewwith SSaannjjaayy JJoogg,, the Ministerspeaks about State’s strategyon becoming a preferreddestination to manufacture

MMIINNIISSTTEERR,, IINNDDUUSSTTRRIIEESS

SSUUBBHHAASSHH DDEESSAAII

Q: What is Government’s strategy for furthergrowth of industries in Maharashtra?A: The State Government proposes to attractinvestment to the tune of ̀ 5 lakh crore and creationof 20 lakh jobs in near future in the State. Ourobjective is to roll out a red carpet and remove red-tapism, make procedures simple. Our target is toachieve 13 per cent industrial growth and increaseshare of industries to 28 per cent in the Gross StateDomestic Product (GSDP). Additional push will begiven to promote manufacturing.

The Government has no plans to bring newindustrial policy but make improvements in theexisting one to make it further investor friendly. Ourfocus will be to promote sector-wise specialisationzones and clusters. This means food-relatedindustries will come up in one specialised zone andso will textile parks, wine parks, chemicals andpetrochemicals industries, information technologyand others.

The Government is making all efforts toexpedite the development of Dighi Port in Raigaddistrict and Shendre-Bidkin Industrial Park nearAurangabad in Marathwada. These projects are

being developed under the much ambitious DelhiMumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC). A muchneeded impetus will be given to the developmentof these areas and they are expected to spurindustrial growth in the State.

The Government plans to revive the closed andsick textile mills in the State. However, we will notfollow the model implemented for the sugar sector,wherein closed and sick mills were acquiredlargely by the private sector. The issue of revival oftextile mills has been discussed with the ChiefMinister and it was decided that department oftextiles and industries will work in closecoordination for the same. The textile departmentwill soon conduct survey of closed and sick unitsand suggest their revival. These mills are situatedin cotton-growing areas, including Khandesh,Vidarbha. Experts are of the view that focusshould be on the revival of spinning mills firstand then for textile processing ones.

Q: Are all these initiatives proposed to retainMaharashtra’s number one position?A: Maharashtra is number one. The State is the

I want tomake it clear thatno cultivable orfertile land willbe acquired, andpriority will begiven to barrenand waste land.MIDC is providingquite highercompensationto land ownersand farmers

COVER STORYONE-ON-ONE

“OUR TARGET IS TOATTRACTINVESTMENTOF `5 LAKH CRORE TOCREATE 20 LAKH JOBSIN MAHARASHTRA”

C


most favoured destination for domestic andforeign direct investments and also in industrialdevelopment. Our objective is to retainMaharashtra’s pre-eminence in future too. TheGovernment will not only enter into amemorandum of understanding (MoU), but makeall efforts for its conversion into projectdevelopment. There are several States where alarge number of MoUs are signed but theimplementation rate is quite low. We will see thatevery MoU is implemented in the shortest possibletime. The Government will focus on the dispersaland decentralisation of industrial developmentacross the State and not just restrict it to Mumbai,Pune, Nashik and Aurangabad.

Q: Maharashtra has been a leader in infor -mation technology. Do you propose to comeout with a new policy?A: The Government has already given an extensionup to March 2015 to the policy for IT and informationtechnology-enabled services (ITeS) sector. However,the Government has already begun work to roll outa new policy to retain State’s pre-eminence,especially in the software, hardware, consultancyand BPO sectors. Further, the Government intendsto promote animation, visual effects and gaming(AVGC) to provide considerable value addition.

The draft policy, which will be part of Govern -ment’s Digital Maharahstra initiatives, will alsoaddress areas such as IT hardware and telecommanufacturing in order to strengthen synergies inthe ICT sector. The new IT and ITeS policyenvisages drastic reduction in various clearancesand approvals from the Government and itsundertakings and also providing a slew ofincentives to the investors. The incentives will bein addition to existing sops such as exemption instamp duty, additional floor space index (FSI) forIT parks and VAT on sale of IT products charged atthe minimum floor rate.

Q: Still investors complain about the timeand cost overruns due to delays in gettingvarious approvals and clearances. IsGovernment addressing this issue?A: The Government plans to reduce the number ofapprovals and clearances to 25 from the present 75.You will experience the positive results in next sixmonths. I want to give one recent example here.Leading tyre manufacturer CEAT gave its proposalto set up project in the Butibori industrial estate,Nagpur. On the same day, the MaharashtraIndustrial Development Corporation (MIDC) gave

letter of intent to CEAT. Just a couple of days ago,the company laid the foundation stone.

Q: Investors also complain about corruption.How will this be tackled?A: All officers have been sent loud and clearmessage that corruption and such malpracticeswill not be tolerated. There is a change in the rulein Maharashtra. Stern action will be taken againstthose who indulge in such activities.

Q: Besides, high-power tariff is a majorconcern expressed by the investors. What isyour comment?A: I agree tariff charged to industrial consumers (inthe State) is high compared to other States. It will bemy sincere efforts to reduce it. The issue has alreadybeen discussed with the Chief Minister DevendraFadnavis who is also quite positive in this regard.

But let me tell you, I keep on getting feedbackfrom industries that although power tariff is highin the State, the power supplied to them is quitereliable and quality power compared to otherStates where power tariff is low.

Q: Environment clearance is yet anotherhurdle. What will be your move?A: I have already discussed this issue with theChief Minister requesting his intervention. Afterthe winter session, he has agreed to sit with meand discuss various steps needed to make theentire process of getting environment clearanceseasy and less time consuming. I am sure that newindustries will not face difficulties in future.

Q: Land acquisition is another major issue.How the Government plans to tackle it?A: I want to make it clear that no cultivable orfertile land will be acquired, and priority will begiven to barren and waste land. MIDC is providingquite higher compensation to land owners andfarmers. We don’t want to deprive the people fromdue compensation. The Government will requestthe Centre to exempt MIDC from the provision ofseeking 70 to 80 per cent consent of the landowners for acquisition.

Q: What is your message for investors?A: The Government is quite committed to make theinvestment process hassle free and thereby retainMaharashtra’s pre-eminent position. I will inviteinvestors to be part of Make In Maharashtra. Iassure you, the Government will continue to be thefacilitator and partner.

Our targetis to achieve13 per centindustrial growthand increaseshare ofindustries to 28per cent in theGSDP. Additionalpush will begiven to promotemanufacturing

There areseveral States where a largenumber of MoUs are signed but the implementationrate is quitelow. We willmake sure thatevery MoUis implemented in the shortestpossible time


a

he State of Maharashtra owns a variedprofile of manufacturing industries,ranging from traditional automobile andtextile sector to new-age ITeS and biotech.The State has established strengths in

every sector, from engineering to automobiles andauto components, chemicals, drugs andpharmaceuticals, textiles, information technology,biotechnology and many others. Since 2007-08,the State’s share has remained at 27 per cent inthe total exports from India, mainly from sectorsof gems and jewellery, software, textiles and

readymade garments, metal and metal products,engineering goods, plastics and pharmaceuticals.

The State boasts of one of the best financialinfrastructures in the country and is commonlycalled an economic powerhouse. Importantfinancial institutions such as the Bombay StockExchange, the National Stock Exchange andReserve Bank of India are located in the State.Maharashtra has consistently been ranked the bestamong major Indian States in World Bank’sInvestment Climate Assessment surveys, especiallyin terms of better infrastructure, less corruption

PowerhouseAn Economic

AUTOMOBILE

BIOTECHNOLOGY

IT AND ITeS

ESDM

GEMS ANDJEWELLERY

TEXTILES

T

Maharashtrais a bonafidecandidateto become apowerfuleconomy.Blessed withfeatures suchas resources,capacity toexpand, globalconnectivityand severaleducationalhubs to supplyhuman resource,the Statehas enormouspotential togrow. Nikunj Sharmacapturessome of the keyindustrialsectors thathelp the Statebecome a power

DEFENCE

FOOD ANDAGRICULTURE

PHARMACEUTICAL


C


and a relatively deregulated business environment.

AUTOMOBILEMaharashtra has registered a CAGR of 26.94 percent for industrial output of auto sector in theState from 2008-09 to 2011-12. Automobileproduction in India has doubled from 2007-08 to2012-13, exhibiting a CAGR of 17.75 per cent forgross turnover of the automobile industry inIndia. By 2020, India’s share in global passengervehicle market is expected to double to 8 per centfrom 4 per cent in 2010-11. Automobile demand inIndia is set to expand rapidly on the back of rising

income, growing middle class, and a youngpopulation. Currently, the auto componentindustry manufactures a wide range of productsin India for both domestic consumption andexports. The total size of the auto componentindustry is close to $14 billion, out of which $9.4billion is the domestic OEM market, $2.6 billion isthe domestic aftermarket and $2 billion are thedirect exports of components. Maharashtra’s autosector has witnessed stupendous growth in recentyears and its industrial output has more thandoubled over the period 2008-09 to 2011-12. TheState has also witnessed immense growth in

foreign direct investments in the auto sector. Easy availability of raw materials, a large

supplier vendor base and a strategic location thatprovides access to European and Middle-Eastmarkets attract auto majors to the State.Maharashtra’s world-class multi-cultural socialinfrastructure supports expatriates from othercountries to easily settle down in the State. Under itsIndustrial Policy 2013, mega and ultra mega projectscan qualify for fiscal incentives up to 100 per cent ofthe fixed capital investment. Moreover, a 10 per centadditional incentive on top of the above incentives isprovided by the State if the project creates double theemployment required for the eligibility. Apart fromfiscal incentives, the State supports the auto sectorthrough non-fiscal incentives such as industrialinfrastructure development, skill developmentinitiatives, single-window clearance and investorfacilitation, among others.

BIOTECHNOLOGYAn increase in basic production of chemicals andR&D expertise has led biotechnology sector in Indiagrow by leaps and bounds. One of the fastest growingsectors in the country, biotech was estimated to beworth $4 billion in 2012. Maharashtra’s industrialoutput of pharmaceuticals, medicinal, chemical andbotanical products has grown by more than 100 percent over 2008-09 to 2011-12. The Indian bio -technology sector exports have crossed the domesticsales in eight out of the last ten years. Maharashtra’stwo major ports—Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust(JNPT) and Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT)—accountfor 22.45 per cent of the total traffic at all majorports in India. The modern infrastructure in these

h

FACT FILEAUTOMOBILE� Maharashtra’sauto sector has oneof the highestindustrial outputsin the nation. TheState’s auto sectorhas witnessedstupendous growthin the recent yearsand its industrialoutput has morethan doubled overthe period 2008-09to 2011-12. � In 2009,Volkswagen’sChakan facilitybecame the onlyplant operated by aGerman automakerin India thatcovered the entireproduction process. � The State alsohas dedicatedinstitutions topromote the autosector. Theseinclude India’spremiereautomotive R&D,testing andcertificationorganisationAutomotiveResearchAssociation of Indiaand India’s firstAuto ClusterDevelopment &Research Institute.

Total size of the autocomponent industry is close to$14 billion, out of which$9.4 billion is the domesticOEM market, $2.6 billion is thedomestic aftermarket and $2billion are the direct exports

Workers in an automobile factory in Maharashtra


s

ports makes it easier and faster for biotechcompanies to export goods. The increased supportfrom the Government to the sector has facilitatedrapid development in the recent past.

Looking at the growth, the State has createdindustrial hubs for the biotech sector.International Biotech Park (IBP) is one such hub.Currently, 75 per cent area of the Pune-based Parkhas been developed, and is occupied by leadingpharmaceutical and biotechnology companies forR&D and manufacturing. IBP is the first public-private biotechnology park in Maharashtra. A jointventure between MIDC and Chatterjee Group, ithas a bioresource centre and incubation centrewith shared analytical and instrumentationfacilities. MITCON Biotech Park in Pune isanother hub, which is equipped with a full-fledgedlaboratory, library and training facilities.

Maharashtra also has an agri-biotech park inJalna. The park has facilities for gene discovery,bioremediation, fermentation technology, postharvest technology, bioinformatics and diagnostics.Another agri-biotech cluster was announced forPune in the 2014-2015 budget speech by UnionFinance Minister Arun Jaitely. The new clusterwould facilitate increased investments fromcompanies engaged in food processing, bio polymer,

bio fuel, bio protein, functional food and geneticallymodified seed. The cluster approach will helpensure that academia, researchers and companiesengage closely to create strong synergies for growth.

IT AND ITeSMaharashtra IT industry has been the leader inreceiving foreign direct investment (762 projects)and highest investment of `12,765 crore (fromAugust 1991 to March 2012). The IT sector is one ofthe top-notch sectors in the State with maximumthrust, development and investment. The sectorhas increased its contribution to India’s GDP from1.2 per cent in 1997-98 to 7.5 per cent in 2011-12.During 2011-12, Maharashtra accounted for around23.2 per cent of the country’s software exports(made by registered units through STPI). Softwareexports were estimated to be at around $7.6 billionduring 2011-12.

To bolster the sector, Maharashtra Governmentis focusing on providing infrastructure, fiscalincentives and an institutional framework to thesector. The State has 37 public IT parks establishedby MIDC and CIDCO. A total of 479 private ITparks have been approved, of which 122 arefunctional with an investment of $499.3 million,thereby creating employment of about 3.2 lakh (0.32million). The remaining 357 IT parks, with aproposed investment of `13.2 lakh crore ($2,208million), have been given letters of intent, and areexpected to generate 1.6 crore (1.6 million)employment opportunities. Greater Mumbai, Pune,Thane and Nashik are prime IT/ITeS clusters.

Under the IT/ITeS Policy 2009, additional floor

FACT FILEBIOTECHNOLOGY

� Serum Instituteof India is the

world's largestproducer of

measles and DTPgroup of vaccines,

and the firstbiotech company in

India to cross the`2,000 crore mark

in annual revenues � Haffkine Bio-

Pharmaceutical isthe 17th largest

biotech company inIndia. The

Mumbai-basedcompany is a

Government ofMaharashtra

undertaking. Amajor contributorto the Pulse Polio

ImmunizationProgramme,

Haffkine bagged anumber of

contracts from theIndian Government

as well as UNagencies


C


space index for IT parks and recreational, residentialand other support facilities are promised. EligibleIT/ITeS units covered under the Package Scheme ofIncentives (PSI) are exempted from the payment ofelectricity duty. In addition, IT units are suppliedwith power at industrial rates with levy on propertytax on IT/ITeS units at par with residential rates.Besides, VAT on the sale of IT products is generallycharged at a minimum floor rate.

ESDMWith a share of almost 20 per cent in India’s total,Maharashtra has the highest industrial output inthe computer, electronic and optical products.Electrical equipment manufacturing sector of the

State has grown at a healthy CAGR of 19.04 percent over 2007-08 to 2011-12. Electronic SystemDesign and Manufacturing Sector (ESDM)industry in India is estimated to have clockedrevenues of `4 lakh crore ($68.3 billion) in 2012.The ESDM industry in the country is expected togrow at a CAGR of 9.9 per cent from 2010 to 2015,to reach $94.2 billion. This is more than twice thegrowth rate of the global ESDM market.

The prime ESDM centre in Maharashtra is

Pune. The city is one of the best industriallydeveloped districts in India. Supported by strongeducational infrastructure and abundant avail -ability of skilled labour, it has attracted manyelectronic manufacturing companies. Pune’s con -necti vity to JNPT and MbPT has facilitated it tobecome an export hub for these companies. Talegaonand Khed are the two ESDM hubs in Pune.

In February 2014, the Government of Indiaapproved setting up of two semiconductor units bytwo consortia—one led by Jaiprakash Associatesand the other by Hindustan Semiconductor—entailing investments of `51,550 crore. TheCabinet also approved that incentives that will bemade available to the above consortia will also beextended to other players who show interest insetting up of similar semiconductor plants.

Seven electronics manufacturing clusters havebeen notified by the Government of India inMaharashtra. All units within these clusters willbe eligible for benefits under the Modified SpecialIncentive Package Scheme (M-SIPS). The schemeaims to promote large-scale manufacturing andprovides incentives such as capex subsidy of 25per cent in non-SEZ and 20 per cent within SEZ,reimbursement of CVD/excise for capital equip -ment for non-SEZ units, reimbursement of Centraltaxes and duties for 10 years in select high-techunits like fabs (semiconductor manufacturingplants). The above incentives are available to unitsall across the value chain.

GEMS AND JEWELLERYMaharashtra is one of the key states with gemstone

p

FACT FILEIT and ITeS� Maharashtra has37 public IT parksestablished byMIDC and CIDCO.A total of 479private IT parkshave beenapproved in theState, of which 122are functional withan investment of$499.3 million,thereby creatingemployment ofabout 0.32 millionpeople.

Seven electronicsmanufacturing clusters havebeen notified by theGovernment of India inMaharashtra. All units withinthese clusters will be eligible forbenefits under the M-SIPS

FACT FILEESDM� India currentlyimports more thanhalf of itsrequirement forelectronicequipment.Maharashtra’sdeveloped industrialinfrastructure,a large supplier/vendor base and anexcellent inter-stateconnectivityhas attractedinvestments frommany companiesthat aim to tap thenation’s growingdemand forelectronicequipment.

IT hub atHinjewadi, Pune


areserves and mining potential. Mumbai is one ofthe most important diamond cutting and polishingcentres in India. The Santacruz Electronics ExportProcessing Zone (SEEPZ) is a special economic zonein Mumbai that has gems and jewellery as primaryindustry. Gitanjali Gems Ltd has valid in-principalapproval for gems and jewellery SEZs in Nandedand Aurangabad.

Besides SEEPZ, Hupri is another industrialhub coming up in the State. A specialised silverzone in Kolhapur, Hupri will be spread across 200acre and will have a centralised facility forrecycling and purifying the effluent.

Apart from the existing incentives, the StateGovernment offers a 10 per cent additionalincentive if the project creates double theemployment required for the eligibility. The sectoralso enjoys 100 per cent foreign direct investment,exemption from obtaining an industrial license tomanufacture, exemption from service tax onexport-related services, and duty drawback toneutralise duty incidence on gold jewellery export.

DEFENCEAbout 2.5 per cent of India’s GDP goes to thedefence sector. With 12 per cent of world’s totalimports over 2008-12, the country is the largestimporter of defence equipment in the world.Maharashtra’s share in India’s total industrialoutput of manufacture of defence machinery andequipment is 27.56 per cent. The State has 16 per

cent share in India’s total industrial output ofmanufacture of basic metals and fabricated metalproducts. The defence sector in India has seenunprecedented growth and with the FDI ceiling inthe defence sector being relaxed to 49 per centfrom the earlier 26 per cent, the country is set towitness a huge growth in the number of greenfielddefence equipment manufacturing facilities.

Maharashtra’s existing industrial base,abundant availability of raw materials, andavailability of low-cost skilled labour, make it theperfect destination for defence equipmentmanufacturing industries. The gross industrialoutput of Maharashtra’s basic metals andfabricated metal products sector has grown by

With FDI ceiling in thedefence sector being relaxed to49 per cent from the earlier 26per cent, the country is set towitness a huge growth in thenumber of greenfield defenceequipment manufacturing

FACT FILEGEMS AND

JEWELLERY� Maharashtra is

one of the key stateswith gemstone

reserves and miningpotential. The

SEEPZ is an SEZ inMumbai that has the

sector as primaryindustry. Gitanjali

Gems Ltd has validin-principal approval

for Gems andJewellery SEZs in

Nanded andAurangabad.

� GemmologicalInstitute of India and

Indian Institute ofGems & Jewellery,

both based inMumbai, have beenset up to encourage

the gems andjewellery industry.

FACT FILEDEFENCE

� DRDO’s researchlab in Pune has

provided selfsufficiency in

indigenousdevelopment of

CombatEngineering

Equipment. Overthe years, this

establishment hasacquired expertise

in ground systemengineering for allthe major weapon

programmes. � Maharashtra has

the presenceof defence

public sectorundertakings,

ordinance factoriesand private

companies. Themajor public sector

manufacturingunits are BDLmissile unit in

Nandgaon Peth,Amravati, Bharat

Earth Movers Ltd,Pune and Mazgaon

Dock, Mumbai.

F


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almost 100 per cent from 2007-08 to 2011-12. Prime defence hubs in Maharashtra are at

Aurangabad and Pune. In an effort to streamline theindustrial licensing process for defence equipment,the Government recently notified the list of defenceitems requiring industrial licences. A licence isimportant for an item to be manufactured in India.

FOOD AND AGRICULTURESugarcane, cotton, onion, soya bean, banana, jowar(sorghum) and rice are some of the key crops ofMaharashtra. The State’s gross cropped area(GCA) under irrigation is 18.9 per cent. During2012-13, the total production of pulses and oilseedsin the State was 2.4 million tonnes and 5 milliontonnes, respectively. Its total food grain productionwas about 10.7 million tonnes during 2012-13,while fruit production was around 9.8 milliontonnes, respectively, during 2012-13.

Nationally, performance of food processingindustry (FPI) improved substantially in 2011-12registering a record growth of 21.6 per cent.Contribution of food processing sector to GDP hasbeen growing faster than that of the agriculturesector indicating increased agricultural productsbeing converted (in value terms) to food productsirrespective of agricultural production rate.

An opportunity for the State, Maharashtra hasresponded to it by setting up eight specialised foodparks with facilities such as cold storage,warehousing, advanced packaging, tetrapackaging and food testing laboratory at locationslike Butibori in Nagpur, Shendra in Aurangabad,Nevasa and Shrirampur in Ahmednagar, and

r

FACT FILEFOOD ANDAGRICULTURE� Thoughsugarcane, cotton,onion, soya bean,banana, jowar(sorghum) and riceare some of the keyagricultural productsof Maharashtra, theState is respectedfor its Alphonsomangoes, grapesand strawberry.� World’s leadingsupplier of high-quality chocolateand coco, BarryCallebaut choseMaharashtra toestablish its newmanufacturing unit.This will be the firstof its kind factory inIndia, and willsupply chocolates togiants like CadburyIndia, NestleIndia, Ferrero andothers locally.

Banana plantation,Maharashtra


Latur, Osmanabad, Nanded and Chiplun inRatnagiri. MIDC has also set up three wine parksat Vinchur and Addn Vinchur near Nashik, andPalus near Sangli.

The State also has three floriculture parksdeveloped as world-class facilities for production offlowers of different types and varieties. MIDCprovides nursery, post-harvest infrastructure andlogistics facilities to these parks located in Talegaonin Pune, Mudkhed in Nanded and Osmanabad.

Centrally sponsored scheme, National Missionon Food Processing aims to create additional foodgrain storage capacity in the country. Subsidies areprovided for effective administration of theproposed Food Security Legislation. Hundred percent FDI under automatic route (except for alcohol,beer and sectors reserved for small scaleindustries) and repatriation of capital and profitsare permitted. Units completely focused on exportsare allowed to sell up to 50 per cent of their producein the domestic market and their export earningsare exempted from corporate taxes. For theseunits, import duty is scrapped on capital goodsand raw materials. Complete tax exemption forfive years followed by 25 per cent tax exemption forthe next five years for new agro-processingindustries and full excise duty exemption for goodsthat are used in installation of cold storagefacilities are also in place.

PHARMACEUTICALThe Indian pharmaceuticals market grew at aCAGR of 17 per cent in 2012 from only $6 billion in

2005 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.1 percent to reach $45 billion in 2020. By 2020, Indiais expected to be within the top 3 pharmaceuticalmarkets by incremental growth and sixth largestmarket globally in absolute size.

Maharashtra accounts for approximately 18.4per cent of country’s pharmaceutical output byvalue. Major pharmaceutical units such as Pfizer,Johnson & Johnson, GlaxoSmithKline, Abbottand Sun Pharmaceutical have presence inthe State. The sector also offers significant

o

FACT FILEPHARMACEUTICAL

� Maharashtraaccounts for

approximately 18.4per cent of the

country’spharmaceutical

output by value. � Major

opportunities haveemerged in thepharmaceutical

sector, primarily, inthe areas of contract

research, contractmanufacturing and

clinical trials.� Maharashtra

has 3,139pharmaceutical

manufacturing units.� The State has 445

Government,Government aided

and unaided pharmainstitutes with a

intake capacity of25,318 students.


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opportunities, primarily, in the areas of contractresearch, contract manufacturing and clinicaltrials. To tap this potential, the State has a well-developed laboratory, research and developmentinfrastructure, and a strong resource pool.

Maharashtra has a strong R&D base with majorcentre such as Bioresearch Centre, BioinformaticsCentre and Serum Institute. The State alsohouses 3,139 pharmaceutical manufacturing unitssupported by 445 Government, Government-aidedand unaided pharmaceutical institutes with a totalintake capacity of 25,318 students.

As per the existing State pharmaceutical policy,greenfield investments in the sector will bepermitted up to 100 per cent FDI under automaticroute, while brownfield projects will be allowed upto 100 per cent FDI with FIPB approval. Budget2010–2011 reduced the customs duty from 10 percent to 5 per cent on imports of select life-savingdrugs, conjugate vaccine and Micafungin sodium forinjection. Patent and proprietary medicinesincluded under chapter 30 of the Customs TariffAct, 1975 which are imported for retail sale are

exempted from special additional duty.

TEXTILESMaharashtra has one of the highest industrialoutputs in the textile sector and contributes asignificant 13 per cent to India’s total output. TheState has the largest area under cotton cultivation(34.01 per cent) and is one of the largest cottonproducers in the country. In 2012-13, a total 79lakh bales of cotton was produced in Maharashtrathat amounted to 21.64 per cent of India’s totalcotton production. The domestic textile and apparelindustry in India is estimated to reach `846thousand crore ($141 billion) by 2021 from `348thousand crore ($58 billion) in 2011. Textile andapparel exports from India are expected to increaseto $82 billion by 2021 from $31 billion in 2011.

To boost production, MIDC has developed sevenexclusive textile parks with facilities such as R&Dlabs/institute, trade centre, management andtraining centre, and product/process developmentlaboratory. The State offers a capital subsidy of 10per cent to new units coming up in Vidarbha,Marathwada and North Maharashtra, as well as formodernisation of powerloom units of SC/ST andminority communities. In addition to this, interestsubsidy of up to seven per cent are given to spinningmill, garmenting, ginning, pressing and processingunits, six per cent to technical textile and compositetextile, and five per cent to other support units.

—Source: Mahaconnect, MIDC newsletterand Economic Survey, DES Maharashtra

FACT FILETEXTILES

� Maharashtra isIndia’s leadingcotton producer.The Statecontributes 21.6per cent of thecountry’s totalcotton production.� In 1990, BombayRayon set up thefirst fabricmanufacturingfacility inMaharashtra. In2007, the companycommenced themega $250 milliontextile andgarment projectunder a specialMoU signed withthe StateGovernment. In2010, the companyachieved world’slargest fabricprocessingcapacity of 5 lakhmeters/day atTarapur.

TEXTILE POLICYENVISAGES� Investment of`40,000 crore($6.66 billion)� Addingprocessingcapacities to 4.5million surpluscotton balesproduced� To create newjobs for 1.1 millionpersons

As per the existing Statepharmaceutical policy,greenfield investments will bepermitted up to 100 per centFDI, while brownfield projectswill require FIPB approval toavail 100 per cent FDI


Cyrus Mistry, Chairman, TataGroup recently met withChief Minister Devendra

Fadnavis and discussed com-pany’s proposal to sponsor theeducation of one crore children inthe State. The Tata Group is soonlaunching its ambitious educationplan aimed at providing scholar-

ships and job-oriented learning toMaharashtra’s children.

The Chief Minister andChairman, Tata Group discussedthe scope of corporate social re-sponsibility (CSR) initiatives.Mistry briefed the Chief Ministerabout company’s plans andasked the Government to providesupport for the same. On hispart, the Chief Minister assuredhim State Government’s co-oper-ation for the project. This project

is envisioned to include childrenstudying in the primary grades.The aim is to impart skills train-ing, so that children are betterequipped for the job market.

Principal Secretary to the ChiefMinister, Praveen Pardeshi,Principal Secretary, Industries,Apurva Chandra, Secretaries tothe Chief Minister’s Office, MilindMhaiskar and Pravin Darade, andMadhu Kanan from Tata Groupwere also present.

The Chief Minister DevendraFadnavis recently laid the cor-nerstone for `400 crore CEAT

Tyre plant in Butibori, Nagpur. Theplant will give impetus to indus-trial development of Nagpur. Withthe implementation of the project,more than 2,500 youth from thearea will get employment.Maharashtra will be developed, ascountry’s most progressive State,with no hindrances in terms ofrules and regulations. “A single-

window system will give impetusto make all facilities easily avail-able to industrialists,” said theChief Minister.

Minister for Industries,Subhash Desai; Minister of State,Industries, Praveen Pote; ExecutiveDirector, CEAT Tyres, AnantGoenka; MLAs Sameer Meghe,Sameer Kunawar and AshishDeshmukh; Chief ExecutiveOfficer, MIDC, Bhushan Gagrani;Principal Secretary, Industries,

Apurva Chandra, and otherswere present on the occasion.

Giving the letter of intent to acorporate project within a day isa first in the history of India, saidthe Chief Minister. The land forthe project was given within amonth and after giving all clear-ances, the cornerstone was laid.

The state-of-the-art tyre plantin Butibori will be set up inthree phases. In the first phase(2014-2016), `400 crore will beinvested. Post the completion offirst phase, the first tyre will rollout by April 2016.

Spread across 60 acres ofland, the plant is expected tomanufacture 1.2 million tyres.

The plant will have the best in itsclass technology and will manu-facture two and three-wheelertyres. The production process willhave the certification of ISO14001 for environment manage-ment system and OHSAS 18001for safety, health and environ-ment. The new plant, with highlyautomated manufacturing ma-chinery, expects to bank on grow-ing two-wheeler sales, AnantGoenka of CEAT Tyres said.

CSR SUPPORT TO EDUCATION

NEW CEAT TYRES PLANT IN BUTIBORI

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Chief Minister DevendraFadnavis has said the statehas immense scope for in-

vestment and his Government willexpedite issuing of licenses to setup industries and extend allneeded cooperation and industry-friendly atmosphere to the in-vestors. A delegation from the USconsulate, comprising 22 majorindustries, headed by ConsularGeneral Thomas Wajda met theChief Minister at Ramgiri, Nagpur.

The Chief Minister welcomedthe investors to set up businessin Maharashtra, be it MIHAN or

SPEEDYDECISIONS AND AN

INDUSTRY-FRIENDLYATMOSPHERE

Chief Minister DevendraFadnavis has announcednew policy decisions to ap-

prove construction plans withinseven days by the local civic bodyor planning authority. He also an-nounced an increase of floorspace index (FSI) for educationalinstitutions, roadside amenitiessuch as petrol pumps, traumacare centres, police housing

MORE FSI FOR INDUSTRY, TOURISM,

EDUCATION

COVER STORYRECENT MOVES

N


anywhere else. He assured allinfrastructure facilities to them.

Minister, Industries, SubhashDesai; Chief Secretary, SwadhinKshatriya; Additional Chief Secre-tary, Dr. P. S. Meena; AdditionalChief Secretary (Protocol), SumitMalik; Additional Chief Secretary(Finance), Sudhir Shrivastava;Principal Secretary, Industries,Apurva Chandra; CEO, MIDC,Bhushan Gagrani; ManagingDirector, Maharashtra AirportDevelopment Corporation, TanajiSatre and other senior officerswere present on the occasion.

The delegates expressed theirsatisfaction about investment inMaharashtra. They alsoexpressed their satisfaction onthe programme, Make InMaharashtra to create an indus-try-friendly atmosphere and

expressed their willingness to setup or extend their industries.

Sukanti Gosh, Ashish Dube(APCO), Mohit Bansal (Amazon),Varun Khanna (Becton), PratiyushKumar (Boeing), Prasad Shivalkar(Hindustan Coca-Cola), NiketGhate (Colgate), Rustom Desai(Corning), Rajiv Singh (Datacard),Vishal Verma (Edgewood), P Bal-endran (General Motors), VarunJain (Honeywell), Anup KumarMehrotra, Sunil Naik, VV Naik(Jabil Circuit), Javed Ahmed(Caterpillar), Mahesh Krishna-murthy (RGP), Giridhan Iyyer(Varian Medical), Krish Iyyer,Rajneesh Kumar (Wal-Mart),Ajay Singha, Surabhi Wahel(AMCHAM) and other businessleaders were presenton the occasion.

Make In Maharashtra isour goal and the Govern-ment is keen to extend

all necessary support to facilitateinvestment and act as partner toenthuse entrepreneurs’ confi-dence in the ambitious project,”said Chief Minister DevendraFadnavis, while inaugurating amultipurpose port terminal andlogistic infrastructure project atKaranja in Raigad, at SahyadriGuest House, recently.

Principal Secretary, Transportand Ports, SK Sharma; PrincipalSecretary, Industries, ApurvaChandra; CEO, Maharashtra Mar-itime Board Parag Jain; Chair-man, Karanja Terminal andLogistics, Nikhil Gandhi and oth-ers were present. MLA PrashantThakur was also present on theoccasion.

The Chief Minister said that projects like these could step up industryboom in Maharashtra which is important in generating opportunitiesfor direct and indirect employment. Maharashtra has been blessed with720 km long coast and is looking out for investors to beef up portfacilities. The investment worth around ̀ 1000 crore is committed to theproject, and the terminal project will be completed in the next twoyears, transforming the area in and around Karanja, he said.

Government has decided to reduce the number of licenses requiredfor establishing new businesses, and is preparing an e-platform toaccomplish this objective. Government has taken a decision to mandatecommittee of secretaries to expedite quick permissions in business andinfrastructure projects. “For that, we will bring all the permissionsneeded for industries and investment on fast track, and the Governmentwill play the role of partner in these projects,” said the Chief Minister.

While welcoming investors to the State, the Chief Ministeradded that priority would be given to entrepreneurs who invest inenvironment-friendly business projects. Nikhil Gandhi expressedgratitude for Government’s cooperation in obtaining speedyclearances for the project. “We remain committed to the developmentof Karanja area. Our determination is to see the project implementedin two years,” he said. The Managing Director of the company,Pawan Bakshi gave a vote of thanks.

GOVERNMENT IS KEEN TO EXTEND SUPPORT TOFACILITATE INVESTMENT: CHIEF MINISTER

schemes and industries locatedin agricultural zones.

Industries can further expandtheir installations as they willnow be able to use an extra FSI,ranging from 0.1 to 0.9. If thedeveloper applies as per any ofthe standard designs prepared bylocal authorities, one will get per-mission in seven working days,said the Chief Minister.

Educational institutions willnow get an additional FSI of 1.Starred hotels and hospitals alonghighways too will be able toextract additional FSI of 1. Hous-

ing schemes for police andsanitary workers employed withlocal bodies will get an FSI of4. The FSI for an industry locatedin agricultural zone or no devel-opment zone now stands at 1.

For expansion of factories, theapplications for zone change oradditional FSI move from districtauthorities to Director, TownPlanning to Secretary, UrbanDevelopment and to the ChiefMinister. Now these powers havebeen delegated to collectors.The initiative is part of Make InMaharashtra programme.


Q. With BJP now in-charge in both Maha -rashtra and Delhi, what are the plans ondevelopment in the State?A. Devendra Fadnavis’ Government in the Statewill get all the strength and cooperation from theCentre. People’s expectations are very high aboutthe new Government in Maharashtra. I am veryconfident that the picture in the State willdefinitely change. As a Union Minister, I haveplanned road projects worth at least `1 lakh crorein the next five years for the State. I have a bigproject in mind for Mumbai. We are also looking atdoubling the capacity of ports in the State. Seaplanes are already taking off from Mumbai andfrom other inland waterways. I am trying to starthovercraft and ferry services in the metropolitanparts of Mumbai. Through my ministry, I havedecided to develop one dry port each in Sindi inWardha and Aurangabad.

Q. How will you use the ministries at yourdisposal for fast tracking the development?A. Maharashtra is endowed with a coastline fromMumbai to Goa and Mumbai to Gujarat. ThroughMinistry of Shipping, in the border areas of thiscoastline, we will launch ship building, shipbreaking, inland waterways, sea planes, hovercraftsand water terminal activities. We plan to add two tothree new ports and expand the capacities of theexisting ports in the State. We have undertaken theprojects to link the ports by railway, and havestarted work on an eight-lane road in JawaharlalNehru Port Trust (JNPT). We are trying to establishworld-class facilities at JNPT and other ports withthe cooperation of the Netherlands government. Weare in dialogue with a Belgian port company tofacilitate container and other freight transportthrough inland waterways.

Through Ministry of National Highways, weare undertaking construction of a four-lane concreteroad between Mumbai and Goa. We have set inmotion the construction of 14 flyovers over Mumbai-Goa road. Members of Parliament from Mumbaihave requested for a ring road around Mumbai.Study is being conducted for an undersea road. Thisproject will cost around `40-50,000 crore. We willconstruct a concrete road from Amravati to Suratwhich will cost `8000 crore. We have decided tobuild a four-lane concrete road from Borkhedi toRatnagiri, which will cover Vidarbha, Marathwada,Western Maharashtra and Konkan.

Q. What initiatives are planned for Vidarbha?A. The most important project in Vidarbha is

MIHAN. It will take off very soon. We have decidedto build Nagpur-Gadchiroli and Deori-Gadchiroliroads, a railway line from Nagbhid in Gadchirolidistrict, part of a national highway from Bhishi toChimur and Varora. We expect cooperation forpromoting tourism in Vidarbha. Government ofIndia has announced AIIMS project worth `2500crore in Nagpur. Chief Minister DevendraFadnavis has announced to establish IIT inNagpur. There is a `9000 crore Metro rail projectsanctioned for Nagpur. All of these projects will setVidarbha on the path of development.

Q. Farmer suicides and projects affected byZudpi jungle are big concerns for Vidarbha.A. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announcedPradhan Mantri Gram Sinchai Yojana. Manyirrigation projects in Vidarbha like Bembala inYavatmal or Gosikhurd have been completed. Butthe canal works remain unfinished. Prime Ministerhas put across a proposal that Centre will providethe funds for canal work if the States complete theconstruction of dams. We will try to finish the canalswith the help of Pradhan Mantri Gram SinchaiYojana. Gosikhurd is a prestigious project and I ampersonally following it up.

Q

Union Minister, Road Transport,Highways and Shipping, NNiittiinn GGaaddkkaarrii isMaharashtra’s representative inDelhi. His ministry can do wondersfor any state, especially Maharashtra,which is attaching its industrialsuccess to infrastructuredevelopment. The Minister tellsSSuunniill CChhaawwaakkee his plans forthe State. Excerpts from the interview:

“I have planned

road projectsworth ̀ 1 lakh crore

for the State”

IN PERSONUNION CABINET MINISTER

I

Q. There are doubts about Maharashtra’soverall ranking. Now the onus is on yourGovernments (at Centre and in the State) toregain the no. 1 status of Maharashtra.A. I think statistics mirrors the truth. Agriculturesector in Madhya Pradesh is growing at 24 per cent,while Maharashtra is at 4 per cent. Mumbai wascountry’s commercial capital. But everything iscoming to a standstill in Mumbai. Industries aregetting closed; farmers are resorting to suicides.Changing the situation and putting Maharashtraback on top is the responsibility of State’s leadershipand leaders of the State. We have undertaken Metroprojects in Mumbai and Pune. In Delhi, Ministry,Environment and Forests has taken manyimportant decisions regarding Maharashtra. For theall-round development of Maharashtra, ourendeavour will be to have the assistance andinitiatives from the Centre and quick decisionmaking from the Maharashtra Government. Politicsof development will be the highlight of ourGovernments.

Q. You have adopted Pachgaon village.How will you develop this village?

A. I will be looking after the issues of drinkingwater, roads, sanitation and good schools,

but physical development is not the soleobjective. The village should be free fromall sorts of addiction. There should be acommunity hall, gymnasium, yogacentre, cultural programmes, guidancefor women’s self help groups andorganic farming. I am looking at aninnovative way to create gas fromgarbage and provide it throughpipeline to each house in the village.Optic fibre has reached Pachgaon.So, there should be computer inevery home and the village shouldwitness e-governance.

Q. Being an importantMinister in the Centre,

Maharashtra’s expectationsare very high from you.

A. I consider myself as an ambassadorof the State. I will try to coordinate all the

Central ministers and the State Ministers toput Maharashtra on the fast track of progress.People in the State should be assured thatwherever and whenever Maharashtra facesdifficulties in Delhi, I will be there to helpovercome the problems.


U

We are tryingto establishworld-classfacilities at

JNPT and otherports in the

State with thecooperation of the

Netherlandsgovernment

After accomplishing the splendidprojects such as Worli-BandraSea Link, Andheri-Ghatkoparmetro line and Wadala-

Chembur monorail in the city, MumbaiMetropolitan Region DevelopmentAuthority (MMRDA) has geared up totake on the traffic woes of the crowdedmetropolitan city. During its 136thquarterly meeting, chaired by ChiefMinister Devendra Fadnavis, MMRDAapproved two crucial metro corridors—Dahisar-Charkop-Bandra-Mankhurd(DCBM) and Wadala-Ghatkopar-Thane-Kasarvadavali (WGTK).

The 40-km-long DCBM MetroCorridor (36 stations, all underground)will be built at an estimated cost of`25,605 crore, while the 32-km-longWGTK Metro Corridor (24 undergroundand six elevated stations) will require`19,097 crore. Both the corridors will beimplemented by Mumbai Metro RailCorporation (MMRC), a State Government undertaking, by2020-21. While half of the cost involved will come via loans frominternational finance agencies, the Centre will provide 20 percent. The State Government and MMRDA will get the other 30per cent through equity and debt.

MMRDA intends to develop a Metro rail network of 172 km in

Mumbai and its metropolitan region. Thefirst project of the city became operationalearly this year. The 11.4 km long Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar corridor (Metro-1)with 12 elevated stations proved to be aboon for Mumbaikars. The corridorprovides the vital east-west connectivityto the commuters, and has reduced the90-minute distance between Versova andGhatkopar to 20 minutes.

OTHER METRO PROJECTSColaba-Bandra-Andheri (SEEPZ)corridor is another Metro projectcoming to the city. The CBS (Metro-3) is32.5 km long, fully underground metroline with 27 stations, includingNariman Point, Bandra-Kurla Complex(BKC), domestic airport and industrialareas of MIDC and SEEPZ. The lineconnects various areas in island citythat are not served by SuburbanRailways, i.e. Kalbadevi, Worli,

Prabhadevi, airport area and Andheri (East). The project isfunded by Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA),which will provide loan assistance to the tune of `13,235 crore.The rest of the funds will be made available by Centre, StateGovernment/MMRDA in the form of equity and subordinatedebt and funds from Mumbai International Airport Limited


O

MUMBAI ON A

FASTTRACK In another push to the infrastructure inMumbai and around, the state-run MumbaiMetropolitan Region Development Authorityhas cleared Dahisar-Bandra-Mankhurdand Wadala-Ghatkopar-CharkopMetro projects and flyovers to decongestBKC-Kalanagar junction

MUMBAIMETRORAILNETWORK

INFRASTRUCTURENEW PROJECTS

I

Once completed, theMetro lines will make a

significant impact onthe traffic condition of

Mumbai and itsconnectivitywith the suburbs

IN THE PIPELINE

MUMBAI TRANS HARBOUR LINK

The proposedMumbai Trans

Harbour Link willfacilitate decongestion inMumbai by improvingconnectivity betweenMumbai and NaviMumbai. The proposalfor the development of

Navi Mumbai Region was mooted about 30 years ago. Theambitious 22-km-long cable stay bridge between Sewari inMumbai and Nhava-Sheva is a `11,000 crore project.

NAVI MUMBAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Navi MumbaiInternational

Airport is a greenfieldinternational airport thatwill have world-classfacilities for passengers,cargo and airlines. Theproject will see theinvestment of `14,573crore. The proposedsecond airport for Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) isplanned in Navi Mumbai for several reasons. Prominentamong them is the fact that Navi Mumbai is expected tocater to the future growth in population, business andcommercial activities of MMR. The availability of excellentphysical and social infrastructure coupled with anenvironment-friendly site is another advantage.

EASTERN COASTALTRANSPORTATION PROJECT

Water transportproject throughout

Mumbai coast is an ambitiousproject of MaharashtraState Road DevelopmentCorporation. The projectincludes PassengerRo-Ro service for commutersfrom Ferry Wharf toNerul–Mandva, besidestransport facilities atNariman Point, Bandra,Juhu, Marve and Versova.The water transportationproject of Mumbaicosts `568 crore.

WESTERNCOASTAL ROAD

The road fromNariman

Point–Malad-KandivaliLink Road will cost`12,000 crore. The 34.55km long project includestunnels (10.40 km),bridges (1.93 km), roadson stilt (2.45 km), roadson reclamation (9.48 km)and elevated road (1.27km), and roads (9 km)

going through mangroves. Maharashtra Coastal ZoneManagement Authority has already given the approval.The project will shortly be cleared by the forest andenvironment department.

(MIAL). The project, estimated at `23,136 crore, is expected tobe completed by 2019-20.

MMRDA has also proposed to implement the Wadala-Ghatkopar-Thane-Kasarvadavali Metro corridor (Metro-5). Thecorridor will help Thane city (along Ghodbunder Road) grow,deliver to the demands of elected representatives, bringconvenience to commuters and help connect the city with

Mumbai. The 32-km Metro corridor(30 stations) has base project cost ofapproximately ̀ 19,000 crore.

FLYOVERSMeanwhile, MMRDA has alsoapproved four flyovers and a road toclear the daily peak-hour traffic chaosin BKC. At Kalanagar, flyovers will bebuilt to connect BKC to Sea Link andBKC to Kherwadi, besides a ramplinking Sion-Dharavi road toKherwadi. At an estimated cost of ̀ 227crore, a maze of flyovers and a road willbe built at Kalanagar Junction in

Bandra (East). There will be a flyover each to reach the Bandra-Worli Sea Link from BKC and the other way around. The totallength of these two two-lane flyovers will be 1,888 m. The flyovercon necting Dharavi to Western Express Highway (WEH) will jointhe flyover from BKC at the second level and there will be a three-lane, 2,920 m long flyover connecting the one reaching WEH.

—Kirti Pande

Both thenew Metrocorridors will beimplemented byMMRC by 2020-21.While half of thecost involved willcome via loansfrom globalfinance agencies,the Centre willprovide 20 percent and State therest 30 per cent

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Bungalow B-4 just opposite Mantralayahas been traditionally allotted asresidential accommodation to the Leaderof Opposition in the State Legislative

Assembly. For the last five years, EknathraoKhadse has been residing in the bungalow asLeader of Opposition in the assembly. In October,his status of Leader of Opposition changed, as hisparty made Government in the State and he wassworn in as a Cabinet Minister. Currently, EknathGanpatrao Khadse holds the portfolios of Revenue,Relief and Rehabilitation, EarthquakeRehabilitation, Minorities De velop ment and Wakf,

Agriculture and Horticulture, AnimalHusbandry, Dairy Development andFisheries, and State Excise. TheMinister, in an interview, talks abouthis plans. Excerpts:

Q. Tell us about the uniquescheme for RevenueDepartment that you haveconceived.Revenue department isconsidered as the backboneof a Government. Everyperson, whether from anurban city or a ruralpocket, comes under thisdepartment in one wayor the other. In the

EEkknnaatthhrraaoo GGaannppaattrraaoo KKhhaaddssee,,Cabinet Minister, Revenue, Relief andRehabilitation, EarthquakeRehabilitation, Minorities Developmentand Wakf, Agriculture & Horticulture,Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development& Fisheries, and State Excise is the nextman in hierarchy after Chief MinisterDevendra Fadnavis. With diverseportfolios to manage, the senior ministerhas his hands full. In an interview withAAnniikkeett JJoosshhii, he talks about hisGovernment’s plans and challenges

“The State willhave an inclusive policy for

agriculturalinsurance”

FACE-TO-FACESTATE CABINET MINISTER

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area of land for farmers, the Government hasundertaken an ambitious project for landmeasurement through a remote sensing satellite.Under the scheme, we will get the entire land in theState measured with the help of Hyderabad-basedNational Remote Sensing Centre.

With this, both the horticultural and arablelands could be measured, and the 7/12 extracts(also called Records of Rights) prepared in thismanner can then be given to farmers. The projectis a joint initiative of both State and CentralGovernments, and we are expecting funds fromthe Centre to achieve the objective. Then, there areother issues, such as gift deeds and Land CeilingAct, which have to be resolved.

Q. You had an emergency meeting with UnionMinister for Agriculture. Would you like toenlighten us on the discussion you had?We discussed the crop insurance scheme, whichhas been made applicable for banana crop.Weather affects this crop very often. However,losses are not reimbursed to the farmers throughcrop insurance. In Jalgaon district, seven to eightthousand farmers suffered huge losses due to badweather; 1,200 farmers from some circles did notreceive any crop insurance money. The reasonsuggested was that the weather monitoringstations in these circles were not in workingcondition. The insurance amount due to these1,200 farmers was `69 crore. Immediately afterswearing-in, I discussed the matter with UnionMinister for Agriculture, Radha Mohan Singh. TheMinister visited Mumbai and brought alongAgriculture Secretary D. K. Jain and other seniorofficials from Delhi. We discussed the matter withthe responsible insurance company and got thematter resolved.

Q. Are you bringing in a new policy for agri -cultural insurance? Crop insurance is of three to four kinds. Theseinclude losses due to climate change, losses due tonatural calamity and compensation for losses dueto any other reason. The insurance also changeswith the type of crop. When it comes to compen -sation, it has been observed that insurancecompanies often do not come forward withenthusiasm. For the past five to six years thescheme seems to have been implemented only onan experimental basis.

We plan to make an inclusive policy on this. Thestructure will aim at benefitting the farmers. If theState Government initiates payment of insurance

premium, we will have to see what difference itwould make on the funds needed to be releasedfrom State exchequer in times of a calamity. Thisis a thought worth pondering. If the farmers can beprovided with adequate compensation duringcalamity without burdening the State exchequerand protecting the insurers’ interests, a scheme ofthis type could be thought of.

Q. What are the issues crucial to minorities’development? Just as Muslims are part of minorities,Christians, Jains, Parsees and others are. Thereare certain issues of Nav Bouddha and they can berelated to this department. Then there aresecurity-related issues of Christians and Sikhs.We will have to generate confidence in themregarding security. There are issues of conversionsof original Dalits and Other Backward Classes,and of space for cemeteries and Christianchurches. Christians have land plots, but most ofthese have been encroached. There is also an issueof Bouddha cemetery.

The land plots of Muslim community are withthe Wakf Board and saddled with issues ofencroach ments. Thousands of land parcels fromMarath wada handed over to the Wakf Board duringNizam regime are riddled with encroachments. Weare going to discuss these issues with experts andcome up with solutions.

Q. Out of the many departments you are given,departments such as Wakf and MinoritiesWelfare stand out. Did you ask for these?I was keenly interested in working with thesedepartments. In any case, we do not have aminister from the minorities at present andsomeone had to take up the responsibility. I havea huge PR in minority communities. Secondly, inour earlier 1995 coalition government, I was at theforefront in resolving the issues of minorities.

For example, there is the story of Haj House.When we took over in our earlier term, the buildingwas ready and lying idle. This was because therewas some construction at the entrance and therewas an issue of removing the obstacle. When thepeople came to me, I tried to understand the issueand then took it to our Deputy Chief Minister andHome Minister Gopinathrao Munde. Heimmediately issued orders and we removed allobstacles, clearing the way for building’s usage. Ihave very cordial relations with the leaders ofminority communities. I am confident of a goodperformance in this department.


If crop damagecompensationdoesn’t burdenthe Stateexchequer andprotect theinsurers’interests, such ascheme couldbe thought of

There areinnumerableissues related to land that needto be resolved.These includematters relatedto gift deeds and Land Ceiling Act

I was at theforefront inresolving theissues ofminorities,andwas keen towork with them.I am confidentof a goodperformance.

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Maharashtra Chief Minister DevendraFadnavis has announced to make theState free from the clutches of moneylenders and drought free, while

declaring `7,000 crore relief package. He alsoannounced waiving off last three months’electricity bills to tackle the agrarian crisis inVidarbha and Marathwada. He also announced tohelp the kins of farmers, who committed suicide,with current year loan, and to make 5000 villagesof the State drought free within a year.

The Chief Minister said, electricity bills for

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MAHA RESPITE FOR

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis pledges tomake Maharashtra drought free by 2019, whiledeclaring ̀ 7,000 crore immediate relief and`34,500 crore long-term relief to tackle the crisis

FARMERS

(Clockwise from top)Minister for Agriculture

Eknath Khadse hands overrelief amount to farmers;Chief Minister Devendra

Fadnavis with Minister forRural Development Pankaja

Munde and senior socialworker Anna Hazare; and

Pankaja Munde with afarmer family

RELIEFDROUGHT PACKAGE

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last three months, i.e. from September will be fullywaived off for drought-affected farmers. The Statewill be made money lender free. The Governmentwill also repay farmers’ debt taken from registeredmoney lenders. Kins of farmers who havecommitted suicide will be extended help forrepaying balanced bank loan or current bank loanor debt from money lenders.

The Chief Minister said that this year thepresent paisewari of 19,059 villages has beenannounced less than 50 paise. There was only 25per cent rainfall in June and sowing was delayed.Even though there was good rainfall later andsowing was 102 per cent, in September and October,returning rains adversely affected the crops. Tomake Maharashtra drought free by 2019, followingmeasures have been taken up by the Government.

PERMANENT MEASURES � Integrated Water Management Programme forwater conservation schemes for over 50 lakhhectares of land with investment of `6,437 crore.Government aims to make 5000 villages droughtfree by next year.� 2.50 lakh farm ponds and 50,000 cement nullabunds will be constructed in next five years tobring 10 lakh hectares land under irrigation bydecentralised storage.� Five lakh farmers will be provided solar pumps. � Outstanding financial assistance for last threeyears for micro irrigation will be made available;financial provision of `332 crore made for 2012-13, `450 crore loan from NABARD under RIDF,for year 2013-14 all pending outstandingassistance is made available, `3000 crore will bemade available for micro irrigation for the currentyear, in the next five years, 10 lakh hectares of

land to be brought under micro irrigation. � A programme to construct 20,000 communityfarm ponds will be taken up; work of 10,000 farmponds is complete and remaining is to be completedwithin two to three years. For water conservation,de-siltation work is to be taken up on a large scale,with additional provision of ̀ 50 crore. � For making 500 villages drought free, `300crore has been made available. In the currentfinancial year, `150 crore have been providedunder the mission. To extend the scheme to 1000villages, ̀ 500 crore will be made available. � It has been experienced that broad based furrowis best for in-situ water conservation. In thecurrent year, Government aims to make at least10,000 broad based furrows available. Each villagewill have at least one broad based furrow on rent.

IMMEDIATE MEASURES� Assistance of `3925 crore for 92 lakh hectaresaffected farm land and ̀ 884 crore to save orchardsover 2.44 lakh hectares. Assistance of ̀ 35,000 perhectare proposed to save horticulture crops.� Under the National Horticulture Mission,initiatives will be taken for protection andrejuvenation of orchards, `20,000 for per hectarefor rejuvenation of orchards and ̀ 1200 per hectarefor Organic Integrated Pest Management, and`16,000 per hectare for plastic mulching. � For Fodder Development Programme, `37.50crore is available. Cultivation of fodder crops willbe taken over 3 lakh hectares to make available100 metric tonnes green fodder. Financialassistance of ̀ 1500 per hectare will be given to thefarmers for cultivation of fodder crop. � To supply power to agriculture pumps indrought-hit areas, electricity bills of `215 crore isexpected every trimester. Power will be supplied topumps free of cost in the September trimester. � Pending interest of ̀ 480 crore of District CentralCo-operative Banks and Nationalised banks will bepaid by the Government. Banks will rescheduleloans in drought-hit areas. � To overcome drinking water scarcity, ̀ 400 croreplan outlay is prepared for the next six months.About 3000 tankers will be pressed into supplyingwater till the onset of monsoon. � 47 lakh farmers have been covered underinsurance scheme for 2014-15 kharif season; 13lakh farmers participated in Weather Based CropInsurance Scheme, for which `45 crore was madeavailable for insurance premium. About ̀ 230 crorecompensation will be given to 11 lakh farmers.

—Team Maharashtra Ahead


The State spent`8,377 crore onrelief measuresfor the agriculturesector in thelast three years,but during theperiod, it spentonly ̀ 2,692crore for creatinginfrastructure,which will sustainfarming insituations likedrought. — Chief Minister,Devendra Fadnavis

FORSUSTAINABLEFARMING � Jalyukta ShiwarYojana (IrrigatedFarm Scheme) fordrought-freeMaharashtra.

� Collectiveimplementation ofwater conservationschemes.

� Water auditing ofevery village

� Secured irrigationfor sustainableagriculture

� Industrial sectorshould investcorporate socialresponsibility fundsin this scheme

� Water storagecapacity to beincreased

� De-siltationof present waterbodies to increasewater level

It was a pleasant morning on Sunday,December 7, 2014 and all the roads leading to7, RCR were busy, as a very unique conclavewas to be held there throughout the day. The

event, a first of its kind, was State Chief Ministers’one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister NarendraModi. The agenda was to replace the existing 65-year-old Planning Commission with a new reforms’structure, and all the Chief Ministers were called toexpress their opinions on the new effective PlanningCommission and on deliberating what should bethe profile of the new body.

On August 13, 2014, a Cabinet meeting wascalled to nullify the Cabinet Resolution of March 15,1950, regarding the formation of PlanningCommission, and a decision was taken to grantpowers to the Prime Minister to dismantle thisinstitution. Since, discussions in a wider spectrumhave been carried out throughout the country.

Following his Independence Day announcementfrom Red Fort on August 15, 2014, that the PlanningCommission would ‘soon’ be replaced by a ‘newinstitution’, the Prime Minister called for this unique

conclave. The meeting saw a consensus for givingmore powers to the States and equal participation ofboth Centre and States for nation’s development.Expert advices from 4,000 eminent dignitaries weresought before dismantling the Planning Commissionand form a new institution.

UNIQUE CONCLAVE OF CHIEF MINISTERSForming a new structured institution by replacingthe existing Planning Commission, the main aim isto bring about effective coordination between Statesand Centre. At the conclave called by the PrimeMinister, many States opined that more power andplanning should be devolved to them. Expressing theneed for long-term planning, while addressing theNational Consultation Meeting on Replacement ofthe Planning Commission, Maharashtra ChiefMinister Devendra Fadnavis made some useful andcritical observations. He suggested the need toreplace the body by National Development andReforms Commission with increased participation ofStates. Mentioning that the utility of the PlanningCommission is more than over, he expressed theneed for a far more extended National Developmentand Reform Commission. Given the global andinternal circumstances, there is a dire need toreplace the Planning Commission, he reiterated.

Maharashtra Chief Minister added that fiveregional councils for north, south, west, east andnorth-east regions should be formed under the newcommission and Prime Minister should head thiscommission with Ministers from States asmembers. Quarterly meetings of each of theseregional councils should be held with annualmeeting of the National Commission, he added. Healso suggested the need for formation of NationalInnovation and Knowledge Hub for creation ofnecessary laws and financial resources for schemessuch as Smart Cities, Make In India, and others.

NEED FOR LONG-TERM PLANNINGSpeaking about country’s planning, Chief MinisterFadnavis opined, desirable planning should be along-term planning and not restricted to only fiveyears. He expressed the need for making laws relatedto legal and financial matters, as lack of flexibility inseveral of the Central rules makes it difficult for theStates to implement and develop plans. Closure ofthe Centrally financed schemes was also a concern.Devendra Fadnavis asked for direct funds to theStates for the implementation of schemes such asEGS, Food Security Schemes, etc., and sought forgreater autonomy to the States towards planningand implementation of these schemes. He opined


PLANNING IT RIGHTAt the State Chief Ministers’ meet in Delhi, MaharashtraChief Minister suggests Planning Commission to bereplaced by National Development and Reforms Commission, and States to have more say in the new body

(Clockwise from top):Prime Minister NarendraModi chairs the conclavechaired, Maharashtra ChiefMinister speaks at AgendaAaj Tak 2014, and StateChief Ministers pose withPrime Minister and UnionMinisters in New Delhi

DELHI DIARYFROM THE CENTRE

that the States should be given an opportunity todevelop with standards of develop ment properlyworked out for them. Instead of distributing theCentral assistance to the States at the end of thefinancial year, it should be distributed regularly.

Further emphasising on the need for the newstructure of the Planning Commission, the ChiefMinister suggested that major concerns likeemployment opportunities, economic developmentand overall development can be attained through theconcept of ‘think-tanks’. These ‘think-tanks’ shouldbe created under the able leadership of the PrimeMinister with State Chief Ministers as its members.Overall development can be achieved throughinnovative concepts initiated under the ‘think tanks’coupled with micro-planning. The Chief Ministerdrew attention towards the development of Mumbai.He urged for constitution of a committee underPrime Minister’s leadership for expediting pendingproposals for city’s development.

—Compiled by Amarjyot Kaur Arora,IO, MIC, New Delhi


IN OTHER NEWS

MEETING ON GOODS AND SERVICES TAXMaharashtra’s Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar was recentlyin the Capital to attend the State Finance Ministers’ meeting on

Goods and Services Tax (GST). Abdul Rahim Rather, Finance Minister ofJammu and Kashmir, heads the empowered committee on GST.Mungantiwar urged the committee that the Central Government shouldcompensate for the losses, which one may incur once the GST isimplemented, within ten years. He apprised the committee of the entrytax, which provides revenue of `12,000 crore to the State exchequerannually and helps in running local body institutions. Once GST isintroduced, the entry tax would be abolished and the State would incurlosses. In order to bridge this deficit, the State Finance Minister urgedfor Government of India’s intervention to compensate for the losses ofthe States. Mungantiwar called upon the Union Finance Minister, ArunJaitley and discussed the issue with him. The Union Minister assuredMungantiwar of looking at the issue positively.

The ChiefMinister addedthat five regionalcouncils fornorth, south,west, east andnorth-eastregions shouldbe formedunder the newcommission andPrime Ministershould headthis commissionwith ChiefMinisters fromStates asmembers

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis greets Prime Minister during the meeting

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitely with Maharashtra Finance MinisterSudhir Mungantiwar in New Delhi

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GIVE MORE SAY TO STATES:CHIEF MINISTER In Delhi to attend the conclave,Maharashtra Chief Minister DevendraFadnavis also participated in Agenda AajTak 2014 organised at Hotel Taj Mansingh,New Delhi, on the issue. Speaking at theevent, Chief Minister said that PlanningCommission should be replaced withanother set up that gives more say to IndianStates. He also emphasised on cooperationbetween the States. The Chief Minister saidthat Planning Commission did good workbefore the liberalisation of 1991. But afterthe change in Indian economy postliberalisation, the funding process forvarious development programmes mustchange too. He insisted that the countrywill progress only if its States progress.Hence, a State’s share in the developmentof the country should increase.

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Three hundred and seventy-five km fromMumbai, and 56 km from Aurangabad,Paithan is a small town busy doingsomething outstanding––weaving the

beautiful Paithani. Called maha-vastra or grandattire, the magnificent silk saree is considered to bean heirloom in the Maharashtrian community. Nodoubt, some Maharashtrian families have 100-year-old Paithanis preserved over generations only to beworn on special occasions.

Acraft that goes back 2,000 years, a rustling silkPaithani is more than a drape; it is a culture, ajourney and a blessing. The gossamer folds ofPaithani capture elements of nature, the sun, sea,sky and fire. Its most impressive feature is theornamented zari pallav, which uses traditional vinesand flowers, fruits and stylised forms of birds asmotifs. The border is set in gold or silver threads,

making every saree a masterpiece. Our purpose tovisit Paithan is to capture Paithani’s journey, statusas an industry, challenges it faces and initiativestaken by the State Government to preserve andencourage the craft. Over the years, the skill hasspread to other parts of Aurangabad and Nashik,with weavers today producing brocades, dressmaterials and home textiles. Besides Paithan,another town known for Paithani is Yeola, in Nashik.

Traversing through the lanes of Paithan, onecan see women engrossed in counting the threads ofthe warp for each part of the design. Tiny cloth pinsor tillies are used to interlock the silk or gold yarn onthe weft. Depending on the nature of the design onthe border, a weaver uses 15 to 20 separate tillies.When the pallav has to be embroidered, there couldbe over 400 tillies, to be used in turn. The techniqueis a complicated one. Like, on a zari warp thread,


The silken gold embroidered Paithani is oneof the most precious and celebratedtextiles of India. The drape is crafted andmaintained like a jewel, as it is expected to bein a Maratha family for generations

A TIMELESS

BEAUTY

CULTURE CURRYPAITHANI

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the weft is never thrown across, but is interlockedwith different colours, somewhat similar intechnique to tapestry weave, which also creates thesame effect on both sides. When it comes to creatingthe motifs, the law of inverse applies—the smallerthe design, the longer it will take to weave.

As one realises, weaving a Paithani saree is along process. Nearly a month goes in completing asimple saree. The time can stretch to five to ninemonths if the saree is more elaborate. The labour-intensive process, fine fabric (pure silk), its weightand the purity of zari influence Paithani’s price. “Ittakes about a year to complete the mor-bangdi(four peacocks in one bangle) sari worth ̀ 2 lakh. Iam making one such saree, for which the order wasplaced last year,” says Anwar M Baig, a weaver.

CRAFTED BY HISTORYTraditionally, Paithanis used to have a plain bodywith a heavy golden border and a large pallav. Withthe passage of time, various motifs began to be usedin the saree. Long-necked swans (of the Shalivahanera of second century BC), golden lotus (of the timeof Yadavs), and flowers, plants, trees and birds (of theMughal period) are motifs that symbolise the art ofbygone eras. Today, young weavers are trying newer


KKNNOOWW PPAAIITTHHAANNOnce known asPratishthan, Paithanwas the capital ofSatvahan dynastyand a major hub ofcommerce. It is alsothe birthplace ofSant Eknath,one of thegreatest saints ofMaharashtra.The ancient city andpilgrimage centre,situated on thebanks of theGodavari, is knownfor Paithani silksarees and thegardens around theJayakwadi Damwhere one can watchresident andmigratory birds

InPaithan,we saw weaversengrossed incounting thethreads of thewarp for eachpart of thedesign. Tinycloth pins ortillies are used tointerlock thesilk or gold yarnon the weft

and innovative motifs, but don’t overlook thetraditional motifs that define the craft and itsheritage. Paithani reached its zenith in the time ofthe Peshwas—in the 18th and 19th centuries—whenmembers of the nobility wore the fabric. The Nizamof Hyderbad had visited Paithan several times as hewas much attracted to the richness of Paithani.

The craft was fading away when in 1995 Govern -ment of Maharashtra set up 28 looms on its premisesin Paithan and built an educational centre to revivethe market for Paithani. In 2010, Paithani wasprotected under the Geographical Indication Act,1999, facilitated by the Textiles Committee, astatutory body under the Ministry of Textiles. The GIregistration is aimed at safeguarding the interest ofthe artisans of Paithani against infringement and,hence, protect the livelihood of over 30,000 weaversassociated with the handloom product.

In August 2014, Maharashtra Government in -augurated a tourism centre at Angangaon in Yeolato showcase the traditional Paithani art and craft.The centre, an initiative of the State TourismDepartment, also explains to visitors the modalitiesof hand weaving, design patterns and demonstrateshow the fabric must be marketed.

—Jyoti Verma

Every October, most of national parksand forest reserves in India open totourists. The month, thanks to thepleasant weather across the country, is

also when our family goes for its annual vacation.The trip this time is a finger-crossed affair, as wehope to spot the tiger in its natural habitat afterthe failed attempts at Jim Corbett andRanthambore. Though the parks, in Uttarakhandand Rajasthan respectively, brought us brilliantjungle thrill, wildlife knowledge and zillions ofpictures, the escapades fell short of the target—anencounter with the king of the jungle.

The safari to Tadoba will be different, saysour optimistic and confident guide, ShankarGodam, whose father and grandfather were alsoemployed in the forest located in the north-eastern part of Maharashtra. With a smile, hepoints at the board put up at the entry of theTadoba National Park that said, ‘Welcome toThe Real Land of the Tiger.’ “This is the home ofthe tiger,” says the sexagenarian guide, leavingus hopeful and ready with the camera.

The 625 sq. km. of the Tadoba National Parkand the adjacent Andhari Wildlife Sanctuarymake the original Dandakaranya forest, animportant place mentioned in ancient Hindutexts. Tadoba National Park and AndhariWildlife Sanctuary together form the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR). According to the2010 tiger census, there were around 45 tigers inthe TATR, but guides and tour operators put thecurrent number to be 60, as more males haveentered the reserve in recent years. The area isequally known for the leopard, which is moredifficult to spot, due to the brilliant camouflagethe landscape offers the big cat.

Tadoba, in the reserve’s north, covers theChimur Hills. At its middle is Tadoba Lake, an

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Spotting a big cat in India’s jungles has alwaysbeen difficult because of their dwindling numbers.A special case, though, is of Tadoba-AndhariTiger Reserve, Maharashtra’s largest nationalpark, which has one of the highest tiger densitiesin the country, says JJyyoottii VVeerrmmaa

(From left) A majestictiger, entry gate of

the Reserve, a sambarand a bird in Tadoba

National Park

LET’S GO WILD

WANDERLUSTTADOBA

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important water source for the region. Its threeentry gates are at Kolara and Navegaon, withgood access from Nagpur, and Khutwanda,nearest to Warora and Moharli.

Tadoba National Park is thick withvegetation, and there are exciting sights waitingto be captured. Our most amazing finding wasthat of a female Giant Wood Spider. A femalespider of this species can grow up to 20 cm inlength and can spin spectacular webs. Largewebs are quite common here. From the mainroad, our jeep turns to one of the many connectednarrow paths. Godam asks us to talk softly onceinside the jungle, as any human noise scaresaway the animals. We cross the second gate anda tarred road to reach a mud track. A troop oflangurs was leaping through the branches of atree with a small herd of spotted deer beneath.One can also hear the birds perched on the highbranches of trees. Godam points at a silk cottontree that has yellow-footed green pigeons.

Tadoba is known for its vast bird population,which includes peafowl, green bee-eater, IndianRoller, spotted dove, Green Imperial Pigeon andgoldenbacks. Its wide variety of flora includesteak, bamboo, mohdi (used for making weddingmandaps), mahua, padas climber (whichentwined around a trunk, acts like a lightningconductor), karai (used to cure illnesses inanimals), kini (helpful for eye ailments) andtendu (used for making bidis).

Often called the Jewel of Vidharba, Tadobaderives its name from Taru, the local deity,whereas the Andhari River that meandersthrough the forest gives the sanctuary its name,says Godam. It is believed that Taru was thevillage chief who was killed in a fierce encounterwith a tiger, and a shrine was made here in hisremembrance. Over the years, Taru came to be

called Tadoba, and by the Tadoba Lake is hisshrine. Tadoba became a national park in 1955and is the oldest national park in Maharashtra.Over the years, its biodiversity has thrived.

The bumpy jeep ride made it challenging forus to hold on and keep clicking pictures. Suddenly,our driver made a gesture to the rest of the safaridrivers and guides. Another gesture was for us tohold tight and be attentive. He whispered to tellus about the presence of a tigress a few stepsahead, near the stream. He pointed again, to hisleft. We could not see anything majestic, but triedanyway. It needed more concentration thanrequired, as we had to decode the camouflage. Thebest we could see was a tail, pointing north. Weheld our breaths, waiting to see more. And therewalked the majestic cat, crossing the path infront of us. Tail raised, she ambled off the road,down a short slope. From the people on the jeeps,there were no words and voices, just a fewhushed sighs, followed by sounds of zooms ofcamera lenses and multiple clicks. For a few,long seconds, only her raised tail could be seen.But it was not over still, as the elegant tigressstepped back on the path, walked towards ourjeep and passed by just metres away, giving us abreathtaking view. Our heads and eyes turned, aswe saw her climbing a low hillock anddisappearing into the jungle. For several minutes,we looked in the same direction, hoping her tocome back. But, as Godam says, it makes sense tonot wait for her and give chances to other equallyimpressive animals of Tadoba. “May bea leopardlazing around on a tree, but you must lookkeenly,” he advises.

We follow his advice and move ahead, nowsure of what Tadoba can provide its visitors. Ifwe get to see the leopard, great, if not, our‘mission (tiger)’ still is well accomplished.


HOW TO REACHBy Air: Nagpur, 208km away from thenational park, is thenearest airport. Theairport has flightsfrom different partsof the country.By Rail: The closestrailhead is located atChandrapur (45 km)and there arequite a few trainsthat arrive at thisstation. TheNizamuddin Expresspasses through thestation.By Road: Tadoba iswell-connected byroad. Mumbai is 701km away.Booking: Thereserve is open dailyexcept Tuesdaysfor safaris.

WHAT TO EXPECTFlora: Teak, ain, bija,dhaoda, bamboo,haldu, arjun, tendu,salai, mahuaFauna: Tiger,leopard, sloth bear,wild dog, jackal,sambar, Indianbison, barking deer,blue bull, spotteddeer, chausingha,ratel, flying squirrel,wild boar andlangur. Booking: Entry toTadoba-Andhari andPench tiger reservescan be done onlineon www.mahaecotourism.gov.in. LikeIndian Railways, thebookings will beavailable 60 days inadvance.

Tadobabecame anational park in1955—the oldestin the State.Over the years,its biodiversityhas thrived. It isknown for itsbird population,flora andgrowing numberof big cats

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If you happen to visit the twin hill stations ofMahabaleshwar-Panchgani this time ofthe year, you will see streets dotted withcarts laden with a red luscious fruit.

Mahabaleshwar, India’s strawberry capital, isbusy with the fruit and the opportunities it brings.The strawberry grown here is not just sold acrossthe country and outside, it also helps the city getmore tourists.

“If one goes by the consumption pattern,Indians have developed a fondness for strawberryin the last two years,” says Balasaheb Bhilare,President, All India Strawberry GrowersAssociation. For the last two to three years, thisassociation of 6,000 odd farmers involved instrawberry farming has been organising astrawberry festival to showcase the fruit,encourage its farming and offering the residents aplatform to woo tourists. Farmers manage to sellaround 40 odd tones of strawberry during thefestival. Last year, Maharashtra TourismDevelopment Corporation backed the festivalsensing an opportunity to host more tourists.

What makes Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani idealfor the production of strawberries is theirmoderate climate. The fruit is being cultivatedhere right from the time of British rule. It wasduring the Raj when Panchgani was founded as aretreat for people to take a break from their hecticschedules. Since then the city has turned into aprominent tourist and holiday destination. Onecan reach Panchgani in a short span of five to six

hours from Mumbai and in three hours from Pune. While a handful of farmers cultivated straw -

berry from the remains of the plants left behind bythe British, cultivation for commercial productionbegan in 1989 when Ambarish Karvat of Mumbaiset up a pilot project with strawberry plantsimported from California. Today, straw berriesfrom the stations are traded to many Indian citiesand markets abroad. “Last year, around fourconsignments were sent to Malaysia on a trialbasis. This year, there has been a demand from thecountry again,” Bhilare said.

The festival is held once a year at the end of theseason, that is during April and May. If you havenever visited a strawberry farm before, the festivalis the best time to do so. The visit includes a tourto the farms and a chance to pluck the fruitstraight off the trees. “Pick out the smaller ones,they are the sweetest,” the guide says. I did justthat and was pleased with my pick.

Strawberry fans must also try lip-smackingdishes such as strawberry chocolate pizza madefrom rich dark chocolate sauce and strawberrytoppings and Chocoberrywitch made from wholewheat bread coated with chocolate sauce andfreshly picked strawberries.

Satara district accounts for 80 per cent ofstrawberry production in India, with the fruitgrown mainly in Mahabaleshwar, Wai andPanchagani. The total value of strawberryproduction in the state is currently valued at morethan `100 crore. The average earning per acre of


Indians havedeveloped afondness forstrawberry in thelast two years.Last year,around fourconsignmentswere sent toMalaysia on a trialbasis. This year,there has been ademand from thecountry again—Balasaheb Bhilare,President, All IndiaStrawberry GrowersAssociation

STRAWBERRYCOUNTYMahabaleshwar is known for its iconic brand ofstrawberry. The city and its nearby areasaccount for 80 per cent of India’s total strawberryproduce. SSaammeeeerr KK brings us the details

(Clockwise from above)Fresh strawberries pickedfrom farms, visitors atthe festival, a glimpse ofthe festival, and aprospective buyer inspectsthe quality of the fruit

NUMBER ONEMAHABALESHWAR STRAWBERRY

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strawberries is about ̀ 80,000 to `1 lakh.Strawberry farmers are also benefiting from

the upswing in demand from the food processingindustry. An estimated 15 per cent of their produceis bought by the likes of Kwality Wall’s, theflagship ice cream brand of Hindustan Lever, andlocal brands such as Mapro, Manama and Mala,which manufacture a range of fruit-based jams,jellies and squashes. Restaurants and ice-creamparlours have joined the fray by adding freshstrawberry in fruit salads, ice-creams, crushes,juices and milkshakes.

In 2010, Mahabaleshwar’s strawberry joinedthe illustrious league of Geographical Indication(GI). With this, Mahabaleshwar strawberrybecame a brand. It means that no one other thanthe farmers from Mahabaleshwar and Panchganican use the name.

A GI is a sign that assures consumers thatproduce comes from or has been processed in aparticular region known for the quality of suchproduce. Similar examples are Champagne,Scotch whisky and Parma ham.

According to farmers, strawberries producedin Mahabaleshwar are unique in terms of theirnutritional value, water, glucose and seed content.The need to get a GI status arose as many farmersrealised that strawberries grown elsewhere inthe State were being sold as Mahabaleshwarstrawberries. A status such as the GI helps thefruit get a strong position in the market andfarmers a better deal.


I

MAHANEWS

First e-Paper of a State Government The DGIPR on September 19, 2008, took a dynamic step aheadin the e-world by launching Mahanews, the official website of thedepartment with an aim to provide information to State’s youth.Mahanews gained immense popularity because of theinformation it has been providing to visitors. The website has

become a link between theGovernment and the media. Over theyears, it has attracted readers fromthe State, nation and world at large.The number of netizens today standsat over one crore. Other strong points

of Mahanews include the reception it has got from leadingnewspapers of the State and faith of people in the portal. Around6,000-7,000 netizens log on daily to Mahanews. Of them, 28-30per cent live abroad. Information on over 25 lakh job opportu -nities has been provided in the ‘Search Jobs’ column, which hasbecome its most popular section everyday. Since the portal usesUnicode, netizens across the world can view the contents.

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Directorate General of Information and Public Relations is the nodal agency fordisseminating information on Government policies and initiatives. Today, its channels aresuccessful platforms recognised both by people and public departments

THE WAY WE COMMUNICATE

The Directorate General ofInformation and PublicRelations (DGIPR) is the nodalagency of the State Government

to disseminate information on variousGovernment’s policies, programmeinitiatives and achievements throughprint and broadcasting media. The

broadcasting media includes Akashwaniand Doordarshan, while the print mediaincludes multi-language magazines,including Lokrajya (Marathi), Lokrajya(Urdu) and Maharasthra Ahead(English), which reach the nook andcorner of the State. These magazines arethe mouthpiece of the State Government.

For past eight years, Akashwanibroadcasts Dilkhulas, an interactiveprogramme in Marathi. On theother hand, Doordarshan telecastsJai Maharashtra. The Directoratehas been playing an effective roleof communication bridge between theGovernment and public.

MAHANEWS PHOTO GALLERYHundreds of newspapers and web portals in Maharashtra arealways in need of a new photograph. This need is now being

served by Mahanews Photo Gallery. The new photo gallery is amajor platform providing photographs of important news itemsfrom the State and the country to newspapers. Mahanews is nowgetting popular even for photographs along with the news.

DILKHULAS

Maharashtra ke ‘Mann ki Baat’In order to establish a direct dialogue and adirect communication with the people ofMaharashtra, a need of programme likeDilkhulas was felt. Recognising the reach ofAkashwani, specially in the morning primetime slot after the regional news (PradeshikBatmya), which is still heard in mosthouseholds, Dilkhulas was launched bythe Department on Akashwani onNovember 16, 2006. The programmeincluded interviews of ministers, officialsand experts from various departments. In away it is a precursor of Modiji’s ‘Mann ki Baat’.

The communication, which begantwice/thrice a week, is now being held sixdays (Monday-Saturday) a week, inresponse tothe overwhelmingresponse fromspeakers andlisteners. The team

m

UNIQUE RECOGNITIONDilkhulas is a unique programme on Akashwani that hasbeen running for quite a long period and has maintained

its popularity throughout. The advertising service of Akashwani,Mumbai has acknowledged that Dilkhulas has a lion’s share inearning RK Talib Award (2012-13). The appreciation from anentity that reaches 98 per cent of Indian population with itsheritage broadcasting network and eminent participation indevelopment process with information and enlightenment, hasbeen immensely valuable and satisfying.

INFORMATIONEXCHANGE

JAI MAHARASHTRA

A conversation with leadersJai Maharashtra is an interview-based programme telecastthrough Doordarshan’s Sahyadri channel. The programme waslaunched on August 16, 2007, when the late Chief Minister VilasraoDeshmukh established communication with the State’s people. The

interviews telecast on Tuesdays and Fridaysbetween 8 pm and 9 pm. Conceived by thethen Director General (Information andPublic Relations), Manisha Patankar-Mhaiskar, Jai Maharashtra has successfullytelecast more than 700 interviews.Prominent people from different sectors

reach people through this medium and put development schemesacross. It is probably the only programme that covers a topic—aGovernment scheme or an important project—in detail.

URDU LOKRAJYA

An effective mediumThe Maharashtra Government launched Urdu Lokrajya inOctober 2007. Earlier, the Government was publishing UrduLokrajya magazine as Quami Raj since 1974. The Government,for the past many years, has been publishing information inUrdu to ensure that minorities are not deprived of the

benefits of variouswelfare schemes. MostIndian schools andcolleges with Urdu as alanguage are located in

Maharashtra. Urdu is the second most spoken and readlanguage after Marathi in the State. Urdu Lokrajya hasestablished a good rapport with the Urdu-speaking populace inthe State. The magazine is an effective medium for bringingUrdu-speaking minority into the mainstream.


4 MAHARASHTRA AHEAD � JANUARY 2015 49

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makes sincere efforts towards selecting relevant subjectsand questions. Till date, eminent person alities in the social,literature and research fields have participated in the show.

Dilkhulas is the only programme running for a long timeand retaining its popularity. It has also been lauded by PrasarBharati. There is no such programme in any other State. Allthe episodes of the programme are available on StateGovernment’s website https://dgipr.maharashtra.gov.in. Theprogramme has proved to be an effective medium to enlightenpeople. The platform has been important for public education.The programme recently completed 2100 episodes.

LOKRAJYA

The Maha magazineLokrajya Marathi, a monthly, is mouthpiece of theGovernment of Maharashtra with a luminous traditionof 65 years. The magazine has won accolades for beingthe largest circulated magazine in the country, reachingevery household in the State. Initiated in 1947, themagazine has kept its mandate of public conversationwith continued vitality to date. It has kept upwith changing times, accepting latest technologiesand strengthening public dialogue to become atrue people news agenda.

The journey started with dissemination ofinformation on Government schemes, decisions andprogrammes and reached the venues of educating peopleand creating awareness among them. Lokrajya also has arevered tradition of Special Issues, ranging from nationalleaders to saints, litterateurs and specific developmentsubjects. The issues have been preserved by discerningreaders and researchers as reference works. Today,Lokrajya has farmers, workers, women, studentspreparing for competitive examinations and researchersas its readers. With authentic references, statistics, usefuland compelling matter, and attractive presentation, it hasbecome the first choice of readers from Maharashtra. Themagazine, with a circulation of 4 lakh, is number one inMaharashtra and second in India. It has always playedan eminent role in strengthening dialogue between theGovernment and the people.

On behalf of Jai Maharashtra, amemento was presented to EknathraoKhadse as token of gratitude.He appreciated the memento verymuch and said that he will keep it onhis working table, which alsoencouraged the entire team

It was evident that not only commonpeople, but also current and formerministers make it a point to listen thisprogramme. The first phone call receivedby Sudhir Mungantiwar immediately afterthe programme was that of former UnionHome Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde

On the eve of Christmas, President PranabMukherjee announced the highest civilianaward to India’s tallest statesman, former

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee andfreedom fighter Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya(posthumously). Both the leaders were born onDecember 25, and the announcement made theirbirth anniversaries special in 2014.

One of India’s most charismatic leaders, AtalBihari Vajpayee is lauded as a leader respected byeveryone, even those in the Opposition. Hiswarmth established Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP)to centrestage of politics in the late 1990s. Anorator par excellence and a political leader knownfor his bold initiatives, his most notable beingthe attempt to bridge Indo-Pak differences,Vajpayee is India’s longest serving Prime Ministeroutside Congress party.

Born in 1924 in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh toKrishna Bihari Vajpayee and Krishna Devi,Vajpayee, a high-caste Brahmin has seen a longparliamentary tenure spanning over five decades.He became a Member of Parliament for the first

time in 1957. Vajpayee became a close followerand aide to Shyama Prasad Mookerjee, founder ofthe Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS), BJP’s predecessor.The leader is also is a respectable writer and poet.

A multifaceted personality, Pandit MadanMohan Malaviya founded the Banaras HinduUniversity and was one of the torchbearers of thefreedom struggle. In the freedom struggle, Malaviyawas midway between the liberals and thenationalists, the moderates and the extremists, asthe followers of Gokhale and Tilak were respectivelycalled. Malaviya was known for his support toHindu nationalism, and was one of the initialleaders of the Hindu Mahasabha. A teacher, lawyer,social reformer and Congress leader, he catapultedinto the political arena after his inspiring speech atthe second Congress session in Calcutta in 1886.Born in an educated orthodox Hindu family inPrayag (Allahabad) in 1861, Malaviya started hiscareer as a teacher but later studied LLB. Hepracticed as a lawyer till his 50th birthday, afterwhich he decided to retire to serve the country.


PRIDE OF INDIA

Foundersof ModernIndia, both AtalBihari Vajpayeeand MadanMohan Malaviyawere leadersrespectedby everyone,even thoseagainst theirideologies

Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Atal Bihari Vajpayee

The Union Government has announced theprestigious Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour,to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayeeand freedom fighter Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya


HONOURBHARAT RATNA

B

O.I.G.S. Presented byThe Government of India

MAHARASHTRA AHEADDigamber W. Palve

Senior Assistant Director

Directorate General of Information and Public RelationsMaharashtra Government

Barrack No. 19, Free Press Journal MargMumbai 400 021.

Printed at LAST MILE (Sonigraphics Group Company), 417, Bussa Udyog Bhavan, T.J. Road, Sewri West, Mumbai 400015.Published by Directorate General of Infromation & Public Relations Mantralaya Mumbai 400 032 on behalf of Government of Maharashtra.Managing Editor CHANDRASHEKHAR OAK, Director General of Information and Public Relations.

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