"I am happy to inform that all clearances have been obtained for constructing the national monument of revered Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj," he said while addressing a joint sitting of the state Legislature.
"A project management consultant has been appointed for the purpose. The government intends to complete the work before 2019," he said.
"On the occasion of the forthcoming 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in 2019, the government has drawn up plans to develop Wardha-Sevagram-Pavnar area, which would include development of basic infrastructure and civic amenities," Rao said.
"My government is serious about and sensitive to the Maharashtra-Karnataka border dispute. During the hearing of the case on September 12, 2014, the Supreme Court appointed ex-Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir High Court, Manmohan Sarin as the Court Commissioner to record evidence," Rao said.
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To retain the state's top rank in industrialisation, a vigorous 'Make in Maharashtra' campaign has been initiated and various industry-friendly policies have been formulated, he said.
Various government processes have been systemised and simplified for obtaining requisite permissions to ensure that Maharashtra remains a preferred destination for new industries, Rao said.
In this regard, the Governor said 'MAITRI' has been proposed as a single window platform which will facilitate online application and disposal of 44 permissions across 15 departments using statutory powers under the Right to Services Act.
"Apart from ensuring ease of doing business, the government has approved a series of new industrial promotional policies. To attract more industries in Vidarbha and Marathwada, a policy of full exemption of Value Added Tax has been adopted," the Governor said.
To promote FAB (manufacturing facility for silicon wafers used in semi-conductors) projects, a new electronics policy has been formulated, he said.
Maharashtra is a pioneering state in formulating a new retail trade policy. Considering the increasing popularity of e-commerce and to incentivise establishment of logistics hubs, some tax concessions have been proposed, Rao said.
"Maharashtra was honoured to host the 'Make in India Week' recently organised by the Government of India in Mumbai. An ecosystem of simplified permits, progressive new industrial policies and inherent strength of the state in the industrial sector were presented before national and international industrialists," he said.
"As a result, the state has attracted investment including foreign investment of more than Rs 8 lakh crores which will create a potential for employment of 30 lakh people," Rao said.