I have always dreamt of making Maharashtra a global state. As soon as I took over the reins of the state, I began concentrating on this aspect. I am glad that with our consistent efforts and focused approach, we are moving on the right path. That Maharashtra is the most favoured destination for foreign direct investment is an acknowledged fact now.

In the past three-and-a-half years, our state has been successful in attracting an investment of US $30 billion in mega projects. During this period, we have signed MoUs with 95 companies of national and international repute like Tatas, Mercedes Benz, Microsoft, Infosys, LG, Mahindra & Mahindra and Daimler and Chrysler.

During this period, the state got approval for 119 SEZ projects —the highest in the country. Most of the SEZ projects in the state will be set up on land already acquired by state government-run corporations — the MIDC and the CIDCO.

SEZ projects will be set up in all parts of Maharashtra and once in operation, they will transform the economic fortunes of the state. I am confident that all these projects will provide large-scale opportunities of employment and self-employment to lakhs of youngsters in my state, thus achieving the objectives of ‘inclusive growth.’

Mumbai has always been the financial capital of India and over the years it has consolidated its position. We have drawn an ambitious plan to transform Mumbai into a world-class metropolis with the assistance of the Union Government and with support from Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

The state government is implementing the Mumbai Urban Infrastructure Project (MUIP), Metro Link Project, mono-rail, new roads, flyovers, skywalks and sea-links. These projects are in various stages of completion and within the next two to three years, they will all contribute to Mumbai’s global look.

The Dharavi re-development is another of our ambitious project. We want to make Dharavi into a well-developed modern city.

Maharashtra is the most urbanised city of India with nearly 50 per cent of its population living in urban areas. With growing urbanisation, we have been undertaking urban renewal in all big and small cities of the state. Maharashtra got maximum financial assistance from the Central Government under the Jawaharlal National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). With this assistance, the state is implementing various projects to improve and upgrade the basic infrastructure, transportation, amenities and health facilities in the cities. I am confident that with all these efforts, most of the cities in the state will become more livable.

Because of rapid urbanisation, the subject of affordable housing has become critical. We have formulated our own new housing policy. In fact, Maharashtra is the only state in India to formulate such an innovative housing policy. We have an ambitious plan to build 10 lakh affordable houses in the next two years for lower and middle-income groups and for the poor sections of society. This year, we have made a provision of Rs1,905 crore for the Housing Department and Rs12,259 crore for the Urban Development Department in the budget. The State Housing Policy have many innovative provisions. To implement our massive housing plan, we have decided to raise resources through a levy of 25 per cent premium on developers who are undertaking slum rehabilitation schemes on lands that belong to government or semi-government or local bodies. We have also taken a decision to provide houses as per the norms of the National Housing Policy to ensure that the beneficiaries get an apartment of 270 sq ft carpet area with a better layout.

I have always believed that development has to be inclusive and should have a human face. That’s why we decided to provide free housing to people affected by our ongoing ‘Mumbai Transformation’ project.

Massive industrial investment by private sector and an ever increasing investment in many sectors coupled with a large urban infrastructure and transportation projects and time-bound implementation of housing policy are the major steps in transforming Maharashtra into a global state. We have our road map ready to achieve our goal and with assistance from the Central Government, World Bank and citizens of my state, I am confident, this dream will come true.

editor@expressindia.com