Mumbai, Aug 15: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday highlighted the state's pivotal role in India's growth trajectory, emphasizing its proactive steps towards progress.
During his speech at Mantralaya, the state's central administrative headquarters, following the flag-hoisting ceremony on the 79th Independence Day, Fadnavis paid homage to freedom fighters, martyrs of India's independence struggle, and soldiers safeguarding the nation's borders.
He remarked on the security forces' formidable demonstration of strength during Operation Sindoor, which saw the strategic targeting of terrorist and military sites in Pakistan, projecting a robust image of a 'New India' to the globe.
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, Fadnavis noted, India has catapulted from the 11th largest economy globally to the fourth. He affirmed that India's development trajectory is unstoppable and mentioned the nation's strides in the space sector.
He underscored the significance of the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, calling for collective efforts to ensure its success. Indigenously produced goods, he pointed out, play a critical role in this vision. Maharashtra alone accounts for 40% of the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) coming into India.
The Chief Minister proudly stated that Maharashtra leads in manufacturing, exports, and start-up sectors. Initiatives in education and human resource development are being robustly pursued. For the past five years, Maharashtra has provided free electricity to farmers and is making notable progress in solar and green energy.
Fadnavis highlighted advances in artificial intelligence applications in agriculture and the government's commitment to making Gadchiroli district free from Naxal influence. He envisioned Gadchiroli emerging as the country's steel hub within the next decade.
He emphasized infrastructure enhancements as a government priority, focusing on the development of new airports, ports, and the upgrade of existing facilities. Maharashtra, he asserted, is a cornerstone in India's development narrative.
Earlier, Fadnavis celebrated by hoisting the national flag at 'Varsha', his official residence, and performed a similar ceremony at the Bombay High Court in south Mumbai.
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