Working towards the goal of making Maharashtra a "open defecation free" state, Governor C Vidyasagar Rao today said 50 towns in the state will become 'swachh' by the end of 2016.
"Government is working towards the goal of making Maharashtra open defecation free and ensuring 100 per cent segregation, collection and processing of municipal solid waste as an extension of 'Swachh Maharashtra Abhiyan'. I am happy to state that 50 towns will become 'swachh' by the end of this year," Rao said in his address after unfurling the national flag on Republic Day at Shivjai Park here.
The Governor said as a tribute to former President late APJ Abdul Kalam, the government has launched 'APJ Abdul Kalam Amrut Yojana' to provide free nutritious meal to pregnant women and lactating mothers in tribal areas of the state.
As the nation celebrates 125th birth anniversary of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar this year, the state government has earmarked Rs 125 crore for the purpose, Rao said, adding that it is a matter of pride for Maharashtra that two of the five places chosen by the Centre to develop 'Panchteerths', on the life and work of Ambedkar, are located in the state.
On the drought situation, Rao said many parts of the state are facing drought this year, affecting 15,747 villages in the current kharif season.
"Government has announced a special package of Rs 10,512 crore during the winter session of state Legislature for farmers' relief. Of this, Rs 2000 crore has been disbursed to the affected farmers," he said.
Rao said the government has launched the late Gopinath Munde Farmers' Accident Insurance Scheme to render social and economic security to farmers and their families.
"Government will implement the new Pradhanmantri Fasal
Bima Yojana to enable individual small farmers get full compensation for crop damage due to natural calamities in the Kharif season. The scheme will benefit the farmers who have not availed any loan," Rao said.
He said that encouraged by the success of 'Aaple Sarkar' phase I, the government has launched phase II of the project that enables people to share their ideas, suggestions and grievances with the government.
"In order to strengthen the safety and security of citizens, government has decided to bring many parts of state under digital surveillance. I am pleased to state that Pune has become the first city to be brought under CCTV surveillance. It has also been implemented in South Mumbai."
He added that as part of its commitment to promote skill development, a special drive has been launched to provide apprenticeship training to one lakh youths under the trade apprenticeship scheme.
The Governor also informed that the state's first IIM has been commissioned in Nagpur.
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In Nagpur, district guardian minister Chandrashekhar
Bawankule unfurled the flag at the Kasturchand Park ground.
He said all efforts will be made to make Nagpur a smart city. Both the Centre and the state are initiating steps for its all round development, he said.
"Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis are committed to make Nagpur a developed city," the state's Energy Minister added.
"The state has been facing acute drought for the past few years and CM was serious on efforts to resolve the water crisis through the 'Jalyukta Shivar Abhiyan'," he said.
On the lines of 'Make in India', the state government was implementing 'Make in Maharashtra' and is providing opportunities for setting up small scale units, he said.
IG Police Ravindra Kadam from Nagpur Range and Assistant Sub Inspector of Police Bhaskar Wankhede, both of whom will be awarded the Police Medals this year, were felicitated by Bawankule on the occasion.
