Governor lauds DF Govt for smooth law and order situation in State

“To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the police force, the government has taken a decision to form flying squads. In addition, to bring about speed and transparency in the police administration right from the lowest level and to enable the citizens to be aware of the provisions of law and procedures, the government has published the citizens’ charter,” Alexander said.

He said the government has decided to provide water and sanitation facilities for girls in schools, where such facility does not exist. Under the plan, more than 4,500 schools will be provided adequate facilities by June 2000. In addition, 19,000 teachers will be appointed on contract basis on a monthly salary of Rs 2,500 and they will be absorbed on the regular pay scale after five years of satisfactory performance. Taking note of the growing importance of English as the global language, the government has decided to introduce English as a subject from standard I from the ensuing academic session, the Governor said.

Alexander said the Maulana Azad Arthik Vikas Mahamandal will be set up soon for the upliftment of unemployed youth from the Muslim community by providing them financial assistance for self-employment and it has also been decided to revive the Minority Commission for safeguarding the interests of the minority communities.

The Governor claimed that Maharashtra continues to be the leading industrial state in the country, since a record number of 7,268 industrial entrepreneurs memoranda with investment of Rs 1.55 lakh crore have been filed in the State, while 1,428 direct foreign investment proposals worth Rs 24,588 crore, have been approved.

The government has instituted Krishi Ratna award in memory of Dr Punjabrao Deshmukh, the first Agriculture minister, for outstanding work in the field of agriculture, Alexander said, adding, to give a boost toe the cooperative sector, the Maharashtra Cooperative Finance and Development Corporation will be established.

Further, Alexander said the work of the Mumbai-Talasari expressway will be taken up on Build-Operate-Transfer basis.