YEARS OF REBUILDING - GOVERNMENT OF MAHARASHTRA
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PM NAGPUR VISIT n DIALOGUE: CHIEF MINISTER n NITI AAYOG MEETING n ASIATIC SOCIETY
V o l . 6 I s s u e 0 5 n M AY 2 0 1 7 n ` 5 0 n pA g e s 5 2
YEARS OF
REBUILdInG
IndIA
PRIORITY
Maharashtra
A trusted destinAtion
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made all efforts to focus on the
development of Maharashtra. The State has not just got support from
him, but has also been a platform to launch and celebrate his initiatives
1
2 3
4 5
1. Prime Minister Narendra
Modi performing jalpoojan of
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
memorial; 2. The Prime Minister
with Pune girl Vaishali Yadav; 3.
The Prime Minister at the Make in
India Week; 4. The Prime Minister
with Governor Ch. Vidyasagar Rao,
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis
and other dignitaries at the Smart
Cities function in Pune; 5. The
Prime Minister inaugurates GE
facility at Chakan; 6. The Prime
Minister at the signing of MIDC
and TwinStar Display Technologies
MoU; 7. The Prime Minister
performing bhoomipujan of Dr
6 Ambedkar memorial at Indu Mill
7
CONTENTS
What’s Inside
05
Column
DEVENDRA FADNAVIS
The Chief Minister of Maharashtra writes on the
three years of the Union Government led by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi. In these three years, the
country has steadily transformed into a nation that
is competent, enabled and fully geared to face
challenges confidently and emerge as a global power.
The time was also good for States like Maharashtra
that recieved immense support, guidance, global
opportunities and welfare programmes dedicated to
various sections to build an inclusive society
09 Column 12 Column 14 Column 28 aChieVements
NITIN GADKARI SURESH PRABHU PRAKASH JAVADEKAR GROWTH FOR ALL
The Union Government has plans The Railway Ministry is inclined New initiatives have been launched With Sabka Saath, Sabka
to develop a network of National to accelerate projects stalled in for improving the standards of Vikas as its vision, the Union
highways in Maharashtra by 2019, Maharashtra for years and make higher education, says Union Government has been devising and
says Union Minister for Road the daily commute of people easy, Minister for human Resource implementing welfare schemes that
Transport, highways and Shipping says Union Minister for Railways Development serve each and every citizen
32 maharashtra 36 Dialogue 46 lanDmark 48 nagpur Visit
SOARING TO NEW DEVENDRA ASIATIC SOCIETY, ERA OF DIGITAL
HEIGHTS FADNAVIS MUMBAI ECONOMY
With a competent leadership of In the debut show titled, Mi The famous location, Town hall is Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Chief Minister and consistent Mukhyamantri Boltoye on perennial known for India’s famous library ushers in a new era of economic
follow-ups on State-related issues agriculture, the Chief Minister and museum housed in a heritage reforms through launch of BhIM-
in New Delhi, Maharashtra has established a direct dialogue with building of colonial architecture Aadhaar Pay App during his recent
overcome various challenges the farmers of the State built in the 1800s visit to Nagpur
disclaimer: views and opinions expressed in the magazine are those of writers
MAhARAShTRA AhEAD n MAY 2017 03
Vol. 6 ISSUE 5 n MAY 2017 n `50 n PAGES 52 From the Editor’s Desk
EDIToR-IN-ChIEF
Brijesh singh
ASSIGNMENT EDIToR
ajay ambekar Transforming India
EDIToR
meenal Joglekar
T
ExECUTIVE EDIToR he Union Government under the strong leadership of Prime Minister
kriti lalla Narendra Modi will complete three years of its term on May 26, 2017. In
TEAM Co-oRDINATIoN
EDITING
these three years, India has achieved milestones of growth and progress.
suresh Wandile Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dreamt of making India a global super
(Deputy Director) power by 2020. India is marching to transform this dream into reality.
SAlES AND CIRCUlATIoN
ashwini pujari Despite global economic slowdown, India’s economy has shown great stability
(Sub-Editor) with growth in GDP. It has been acknowledged globally that India has become the
CoVER DESIGN
gotresh Joshi fastest growing major economy in the world. In these three years, many incidents
have taken place globally that have given a boost to Indians’ self-respect and self-
meDia transasia confidence. The country’s strong position has made mandatory for the world to
ASSoCIATE EDIToR
Jyoti Verma consider its role and view on important global issues.
ASSISTANT EDIToR
pallavi singh The decision of demonetisation has
ART DIRECToR helped in curbing black money and
rehana Farhan shaikh corruption, resulting in developing an
ChAIRMAN attitude of digital transaction. It has also
J.s. uberoi helped India move steadily on the path
PRESIDENT of digital revolution. The May issue has
Xavier Collaco
included detailed information about
Maharashtra Ahead is printed the decisions taken by the Centre. The
on behalf of the Directorate General specialty of the issue is columns by Union
of Information and Public Relations,
Government of Maharashtra, Cabinet Ministers from Maharashtra.
at Kala Jyothi Process Pvt. ltd. The articles present an overview of what
Plot No.W-17 & W-18, MIDC, Maharashtra has received from the Centre
Taloja Industrial Area,
Taloja-410 208, Navi Mumbai in the last three years.
letters should be addressed to The Directorate General of Information and Public Relations has started an
Directorate general of information innovative programme Mi Mukhyamantri Boltoye. In the programme, the Chief
and public relations,
New Administrative Building,
Minister directly interacts with citizens of the State and answers their questions
17th Floor, opposite Mantralaya, through e-mail and WhatsApp. Presently, the programme is broadcast on Sahyadri
Mumbai-400032. channel of Doordarshan and aired on Akashwani. In the first programme,
Email: maharashtraahead.dgipr@gmail.com
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis answered agriculture and irrigation-related
questions. We have included a special article on Chief Minister’s dialogue with the
Follow us on www.twitter.com/mahaDgipr people. The Chief Minister answered questions related to farm produce pricing,
like us on www.facebook.com/dgipr crop pattern, irrigation management, agriculture loan, Jalyukta Shivar Abhiyan
subscribe us on Youtube/maharashtraDgipr and other related topics in detail. The next topic of the programme is on good
Visit us on www.mahanews.gov.in governance. The people of Maharashtra should definitely send their questions in
Blog/maharashtradgipr time for the Chief Minister.
Please visit the website http://dgipr.maharashtra.gov.in
The informative edition of May also includes articles on the Prime Minister’s recent
Directorate General of Information and Public Relations
visit to Nagpur on the occasion of the 126th birth anniversary of Dr Babasaheb
A Government of Maharashtra Production
Ambedkar, the third meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog, and the
glory of Asiatic library of Mumbai.
We look forward to your suggestions and feedback. Enjoy the issue.
Brijesh singh
Editor-in Chief
Directorate general of information
and public relations,
government of maharashtra
COLUMN
Chief Minister
IncREdIBLE And InvIncIBLE
A
On May 26, 2017, the Union dignitary participat- characteristic of Hon. Narendra
ing in the recent In- Modi that India has soared as an
Government led by Prime dia Today Conclave important country globally. Under
Minister Narendra Modi will in Mumbai shared an the proicient leadership of Hon.
anecdote about Prime Narendra Modi, India has not only
complete three years of Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting become an important partner in
its governance, achieving with US President Barack Obama various global activities, but also
at the White House in Washington. transformed as a leader in many ar-
milestones of growth and During his discussions with the US eas. On May 26, 2017 the Govern-
prosperity. During the period, President, the Prime Minister laid ment at the Centre will be complet-
maximum emphasis on the neces- ing its three years tenure. A country
India has steadily transformed sity of implementing digital initia- that was devoid of direction, lead-
into a nation that is fully tives to bring accelerated global ership and self-conidence steadily
growth. Later, Barack Obama com- transformed into a country that is
geared to face challenges mented that he had not come across smart, promising, competent, en-
and is emerging as a global any other Head of the State with abled and fully geared to face any
such detailed and deep knowledge challenges conidently. he entire
superpower, says Chief about digital initiatives. credit for this goes to the Prime
Minister DevenDra FaDnavis It is only due to this unique Minister Narendra Modi.
MAhARAShTRA AhEAD n MAY 2017 05
COLUMN
Chief Minister
Ater taking over the reins of the Union
Government, Narendra Modi called himself the
chief servant of the country devoted to serve the
people 24 hours a day and he proved his words
in letter and spirit. With consistent eiciency,
he has launched several initiatives and welfare
schemes to reinforce inclusive development in
the country.
In 2014, the people of India elected Naren-
dra Modi with a thumping majority. People of
India expressed their conidence that he alone
can bring about a comprehensive and all-inclu-
sive development in the country. In the last three
years, this conidence has grown further and is
quite visible by the various election victories reg-
istered by his political party across the country.
his whole journey I would like to explain from
aspiration to self-conidence. prime minister narendra modi addressing the gathering after dedicating the paradip
refinery in odisha to the nation in February 2016
ENERGETIC PERSONALITY
With the energy of working round the clock, THE CHANGEMAKER
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not just cov- “The ImplemenT- Prim Minister Narendra Modi has implemented
ered the country, but also made friends globally. aTIon of The many innovative schemes in letter and spirit
He has made successful eforts to pass on this GST wIll brInG transforming the face of the country. To bring re-
energy to the people of India. With his working huGe relIef. wITh forms in the Indian economy, he was successful
style, political acumen, modern and innovative The decISIon in getting the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act
thoughts, he has let an indelible mark globally. To preSenT The passed. he implementation of the GST Act will
unIon budGeT for
By creating Brand India image, it has become bring huge relief to the common people. With
2017-18 on aprIl
mandatory for the world to consider India’s role the decision to present the Union Budget for
1 and ImplemenT
and view on important global issues. 2017-18 on February 1 and implement the same,
The Same, IT haS
We are fortunate that we are working under been poSSIble To
it has been possible to use the funds for various
the impressive and incredible and charismatic uSe The fundS developmental works immediately.
leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In for varIouS his year provision of `10 lakh crore has
last three years Hon. Narendra Modi has trans- developmenTal been made for loans to farmers. he decision will
formed the mentality of Indians into enthusiasm workS” prove beneicial for farmers and farming sector
and positivity. and will help in doubling the income of farmers.
Important steps have been taken for self-reliance
in the defence sector. India’s indigenous super-
sonic interceptor missile was successfully tested
on March 1, 2017. A world record of launching
104 satellites simultaneously was also registered
during this period. Our country is becoming
self suicient in Space Science. Government
has taken important steps in telecommunication
sector also.
To encourage more and more people to do
digital transactions, the BHIM app has been
launched by the Government of India. Ofering
a wide spectrum of services, the app has been
downloaded by more than 1.5 crore citizens.
National Health Policy has been announced for
a healthy India. his is going to be extremely
beneicial to common people at the lowest rungs
of society.
With Jan Dhan Yojana, 27.97 lakh poor
06 MAhARAShTRA AhEAD n MAY 2017
YEARS OF
REBUILdInG
IndIA
ambedkar memorIal aT Indu mIll
With their leader active 24 hours a day, the
W hile the three years of
Narendra Modi as India’s
Prime Minister left an indelible
Summit. The issue of a likely
international monument of
Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb
Union Government too had to follow suit and be
alert and active round the clock. his change in
mark of his work globally, Ambedkar at Indu Mill was work style at the highest level had to be imbibed
it has also brought many delayed for a year. However, as by all of us, and its positive results are already
advantages to Maharashtra. The soon as the Union Government been seen. An environment of vigour has been
State was a major contributor came to power, Prime Minister created across the country, relecting on India’s
in realising the Make in India Narendra Modi removed all the development index that has shown upward trend
dream, as it was honoured hurdles in its path. He himself in past three years. his has built conidence in
with the responsibility of came for the ground-breaking global experts that the Indian economy is be-
hosting the first Make in India ceremony of the monument. coming stable and powerful.
Week in Mumbai in February Today, the Indu Mill land is
2016. The State also hosted in possession of the State
DEMONETISATION
the International Maritime Government.
With the announcement of demonetisation on
November 8, 2016, Prime Minister Narendra
Modi presented an ideal before the world. he
initiative against black money in the country
and corruption proved to be his master stroke.
Leaving aside a few opposing all correct moves,
most of the citizens agreed with the decision and
considered it appropriate. he common people
stood by the move, seeing it as an act in the high-
est interest of the country. For some time, com-
mon people had to face troubles, but being aware
of the transparency and utility of the move, they
endured the pain and showed solidarity with the
Government.
he immensely stupendous conidence of the
people earned by Narendra Modi was relected
in the decisions taken by people ater demon-
etisation. One of these was his party’s success in
various elections.
SABKA SAATH, SABKA VIKAS
Narendra Modi gave us the slogan Sabka Saath,
prime minister narendra modi speaking at a joint meeting of us Congress on Capitol
hill in Washington in June 2016 Sabka Vikas (collective eforts, inclusive growth).
he message made people across sections of In-
people could open a bank account. An amount dia connect with him and lay faith in him.
of `63,885 crore has been credited to these ac- he Prime Minister aims to establish India
counts. his is the irst time in the history of In- as a global superpower by the year 2020. he
dia that such an economic revolution has taken aim has led Union Government to launch pro-
With Narendra
place. In the seven decades of independence, this grammes for every section of society. he people
Modi active for 24
is the irst time we have been successful in bring- of India have recognised these eforts, rendering
ing poor people into the mainstream economy.
hours a day, the their complete support to Narendra Modi. his
With a view to accelerate employment and entire Government support will help in accomplishing his mission
self-employment, loans of more than `6 crore has become alert of making India a global power.
have been disbursed through Mudra Yojana. and active. Its
Under the Ujjwala scheme, 2 crore gas connec- results are already ASSISTANCE TO MAHARASHTRA
tions have been distributed to women. Even af- showing. An envi- Certain obstacles in the path of building the
ter seven decades of independence, 18,000 vil- ronment of vigour Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj memorial in the
lages of India are deprived of power supply. he has been created Arabian Sea were promptly resolved by Prime
Prime Minister reached power to 12,586 villages. across India.” Minister Narendra Modi. Appropriate funds
Power to the rest of the villages will be accom- —DevenDra FaDnavis have been provided for Smart Cities Mission and
plished by 2018. Chief Minister Swachh Bharat Abhiyan for the State. Mumbai
MAhARAShTRA AhEAD n MAY 2017 07
COLUMN
Chief Minister
Three yeArs of
coNsIsTeNT supporT
ANd GuIdANce
l Centre’s quick decisions and delivery
mechanism have paved the way for en-
forcing big-ticket, multi-sector projects in
Maharashtra.
l The Centre has given a huge impetus to
Magnetic Maharashtra with multi-sector
mega projects gaining momentum and
promising better socio-economic develop-
ment.
l Whether it was the objective of transform-
ing Mumbai into an international inancial
centre, an international arbitration centre
at Bandra–Kurla Complex, Dr. Babasaheb
Ambedkar Memorial at Indu Mills or Chha-
trapati Shivaji memorial in the Arabian
Sea, all got support.
coastal project has been approved and a inal no- has been given to an oil reinery in Konkan. It
tiication has been released. “The SuperSonIc will be implemented through various public sec-
All assistance is being provided to Nagpur InTercepTor mISSIle tor companies, and is likely to generate employ-
Metro that will now be running in stipulated manufacTured ment for about 1 lakh persons. Maharashtra has
time. he accelerated work on the project has In IndIa waS also been beneitted by the skill development ini-
SucceSSfully
ushered in an environment of dynamism and vi- tiative launched by the Centre. In the past three
TeSTed on
vacity in Nagpur city. Pune Metro has also been march 1, 2017. a years, people from across sections—farmers,
accelerated. world record youth, students, women, businessmen and entre-
Last year, the Government of India provided of launchInG preneurs—have beneitted by these schemes and
drought relief assistance of `3,050 crore to Maha- 104 SaTellITeS decisions.
rashtra. his is the highest such assistance from SImulTaneouSly In 2016, the Union Government chose Mum-
the Centre so far. A decision has been taken to waS alSo bai for hosting the irst Make in India event in
reGISTered durInG
create an independent company for speedy com- ThIS perIod”
February. he event saw Maharashtra tapping
pletion of railway projects in the State. Approval big companies and large amount of foreign in-
vestment coming into the State. he State also
hosted the irst BRICS Friendship City Enclave
in Mumbai. We are thankful to Prime Minister
Narendra Modi for helping us contribute to In-
dia’s success story.
IMPRESSIVE COMPANIONSHIP
We are bent on creating a new, smart and power-
ful Maharashtra. Our eforts are receiving con-
sistent support from Government of India un-
der the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra
Modi. It is only through this cooperation that the
dream of a prosperous, opulent and enabled Ma-
harashtra will come to life. he entire population
of Maharashtra joins me in extending best wish-
es and congratulations to the Union Government
on its successful three years under the proicient
prime minister narendra modi greeting public in Bhubaneswar on February 7, 2016 leadership of Narendra Modi. n
08 MAhARAShTRA AhEAD n MAY 2017
COLUMN
Union Cabinet Minister
prime minister narendra modi speaking at the dedication ceremony of the environment-friendly electric bus for members of parliament under
the go green initiative in new Delhi on December 21, 2015. lok sabha speaker smt. sumitra mahajan and union ministers nitin gadkari,
m. Venkaiah naidu, anant geete, prakash Javadekar and Jitendra singh are also seen
TOwARdS AccELERATEd
dEvELOpmEnT
A
lthough I am a Union Minister, I
Before 2014, the length of National am proud to belong to Maharash-
Highways in Maharashtra was 5,700 tra. I worked in the State as Min-
km. Within three years of the current ister for Public Works Department
during 1995-99. herefore, the en-
Union Government, the length of present tire State is spread out before me. I believe that
and proposed National Highways in the works in Maharashtra should be carried out
through Union Ministries. his is the reason why
Maharashtra reached 22,387 km. As Union the quantum of work done in the State through
Minister for Road Transport, Highways and my Ministry overtakes the work done in all pre-
ceding years. Works in all the areas of Maharash-
Shipping, he has an ambitious target of tra—Vidarbha, Khandesh, Marathwada, Mumbai,
establishing this network by 2019, Western Maharashtra and Konkan—are going on
through the Union Ministry of Road Transport,
says nitin GaDkari Highways and Shipping. he said works are to the
tune of `1 lakh crore.
MAhARAShTRA AhEAD n MAY 2017 09
COLUMN
Union Cabinet Minister
Projects worth `24,000 crore are going on in
Nagpur city and district, and more to the tune
of `58,355 crore have been proposed. Contracts
worth `8,725 crore have been awarded. A detailed
plan for seaplane under tourism development of
Nagpur has been submitted to Maharashtra Mari-
time Board; it is expected to be approved soon.
IMPORTANT DECISIONS
he Union Government has taken an initiative
to make Maharashtra free of railway crossings. A
memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been
signed in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra
Fadnavis. According to the MoU, the State Gov-
ernment will be spending on land acquisition on
State roads and other facilities. he construction on Savitri river in Mahad. I took responsibility for
work of overbridges will be undertaken through “a SancTIon haS the mishap and announced that the bridge will be
equal sharing of expenses between Central Road been provIded rebuilt in six months. he bridge is going to be
Fund and Ministry of Railways. For railway over- for 12 JeTTIeS In inaugurated on June 4 and I am satisied that I was
bridges on National Highways, total expense will maharaShTra able to keep my word.
be borne by National Highways Authority of under SaGarmala
India (NHAI). In the irst stage, 236 railway over- Scheme wITh a FOCUS ON RELIGIOUS TOURISM
bridges are being constructed. A fund of `100 fundInG of `248 An important part of our vision is that the roads
crore has been made through Central Road Fund crore. The work leading to religious places should be excellent.
for the work. of deTaIled I am especially happy to undertake the work of
Under Ministry of Shipping, the development proJecT reporT both the palanquin routes for Vitthal Wari at
(dpr) for The
work at JNPT and Mumbai ports is in progress. Pandharpur, as this has been a concern for entire
rIverS In The
he rivers considered are Amba, Dabhol Creek, Maharashtra. he DPR for the 270 km Dnyanesh-
STaTe under The
Ravindra Creek, Rewanda Creek, Savitri Creek, war Palakhi Marg Alandi–Pune–Phaltan–Pand-
new naTIonal
Shastri, Jaigad, Rajpuri Creek, Vasai Creek, waTerwayS
harpur with an expenditure of `3,900 crore and
Kalyan–hane–Mumbai, Arunavati, Godavari, Scheme wIll be 104 km Sant Tukaram Palakhi Marg Patas–Va-
Manjra, Nag, Painganga–Wardha and Vainganga– compleTed In sunde–Baramati–Indapur–Akluj–Bhondale with
Pranhita. Three monThS” an expenditure of `2,025 crore are in inal stages,
I was very sad about the collapse of the bridge and the tenders for the projects will be loated in
next two months.
Excellent technology should be used while
providing facilities and security to Warkaris walk-
ing along the palanquin. Pictures of saints, Ab-
hangwani at various locations on LED screens,
and four-laning of Palakhi Marg with beautii-
cation are expected to be completed within two
years. As the entire route is concretised, a special
bitumen technique will be used so that Warkaris
do not face the pangs of hot roads. We are trying
to schedule the ground-breaking ceremony of the
work on the auspicious Ashadhi Ekadashi.
Nanded–Bidar, Nanded–Deglur and Nanded–
Udgir roads leading to Nanded Gurudwara have
been declared as National Highways. Most of the
roads leading to Nanded have now been declared
as National Highways.
(From top) union minister for road transport and highways and shipping nitin
gadkari at the inauguration of mumbai port trust’s second chemical berth at pir pau,
PROJECTS IN MAHARASHTRA
mahul, and with Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis at the new ferry wharf (Bhaucha Sanctions have been obtained for drating a DPR
Dhakka) in mumbai for Mumbai–Goa ocean highway and 540 km Re-
10 MAhARAShTRA AhEAD n MAY 2017YEARS OF
REBUILdInG
IndIA
The proJecTS on prIorITy
F or Maharashtra, Palakhi
Marg at Pandharpur, a new
bridge on Savitri river in Mahad,
The Union Ministry of Road
Transport, Highways and
Shipping has achieved the
Mumbai–Goa Highway, Butibori– State’s targets for 2016-17, and
Tuljapur Highway and Nashik– work orders for 3,698 km have
Pune Highway hold importance. been issued. During 2017-18,
Besides giving attention to it has been proposed to declare
these, five work orders in the 3,325 km of new highways
`7,263 crore Butibori–Tuljapur in Maharashtra. The 2017-18
project and eight work orders Annual plan of the State for road
in the `11,747 crore Mumbai– construction costing `54,000
Goa Project have been issued. crore has been approved by the
Mumbai–Goa Highway will be Ministry in principle, and the
developed as a Green Highway. first stage of `25,000 crore
The tenders for Aurangabad– has been given administrative
Telwadi road have been floated, sanction.
and the work will start soon. Under the Central Road
The 11-km-long tunnel from Fund, an amount of `5,668
Maharashtra at Autram Ghat crore has been sanctioned
would be the main attraction of for road construction work in
this road. Maharashtra.
was Port–Jaigad to Arunda–Kiranapani–Vengur- has a dilapidated fort, some small temples and
la Coastal Road with an expenditure of `10,341
MAhA many points from where one can have a magnii-
TArGeTs
crore. Parallel to the Goa highway and running cent view of the Arabian Sea. Construction of a
l The Union Govern-
by the side of the ocean, the Dahanu–Vasai–Al- passenger jetty at this location was essential. In-
ment has taken the
ibag–Shriwardhan–Dabhol–Ganapatipule–Rat- initiative to make
stead of depending on the tide to reach the island,
nagiri–Devgad–Malwan–Vengurla ocean high- Maharashtra free of a 150 m long and 4 m wide concrete jetty is being
way will be a milestone for tourism development railway crossings; built here at a cost of `15 crore.
in Konkan. an MoU has been his is an excellent location for a camping
he tenders for the same will be loated soon. signed for this. site and Swiss cottages, though landscaping
he work on Nashik–Pune road has been com- l Through Ministry of will have to be carried out, and facilities
pleted except the work on the ive bye-passes. Shipping, develop- organised for guided tours, heritage walk, light
With this, the Nashik–Pune distance will be cov- ment work at JNPT and sound show, cafeteria, amphitheatre, water
ered in four hours instead of the current eight and ports in Mumbai sports, ferry services from Gateway of India and
hours. A decision has been made to transfer the is in progress. ferry wharf. A travel operator will develop all
Kolhapur–Sangli–Solapur road to the NHAI. he l Under Central these facilities.
DPR work for the same is in progress. Road Fund, `5,668 Nine lighthouses from Maharashtra and
DPRs with an expected expenditure of crore has been Goa—at Sunk Rock, Kanhoji Island, Uttan Point,
`11,765 crore for completion of work on the roads sanctioned for road Korlai Fort, Jaigad, Ratnagiri, Devgad, Vengurla
going through cities where bye-pass has been cre- construction work in Rocks, Tolkeshwar Point, Fort Aguada and Sao
ated are being prepared. heir work orders will be Maharashtra. George—are part of the project.
out within three months. l An objective is To ensure that the works from Maharash-
Famous for ishing, hal village is located in to better the roads tra do not get stuck at other Ministries in
leading to religious
Alibag in Raigad district of Maharashtra. Chha- Delhi, I coordinate as a State representative. I
places such as the
trapati Shivaji Maharaj built a fort here for the was successful in bringing online projects like
palanquin routes for
Maratha army to check the British and Portu- Pandharpur Wari. Nagpur and Pune Metro, Pune Airport, Pune
guese. In 1852, the British developed a lighthouse Ring Road, AIIMS and IIIT at Nagpur. All
l The Kolhapur–San-
here. his lighthouse on the South shores of gli–Solapur road will
of us, including Maharashtra Chief Minister
Mumbai works as a landmark for ships arriving be transferred to the Devendra Fadnavis, are working for Mumbai,
and departing from Mumbai. he island can be NHAI. The DPR work Pune, Nashik, Aurangabad, Nagpur and other cit-
reached by speed boats either from hal, Mandwa for the same is in ies and the overall development of Maharashtra
or Gateway of India. progress. with zeal and power. n
he stone island with an expanse of 18 acres –As told to Sunil Chawake
MAhARAShTRA AhEAD n MAY 2017 11COLUMN
Union Cabinet Minister
FUndS, SpEEd
And BOOST TO
mAhARAShTRA
The Ministry of Railways is
inclined to accelerate the
Railway projects stalled in
Maharashtra for years. The
Ministry has made a provision
of `1,37,000 crore for the
State, says Union Minister for
Railways suresh Prabhu
R
ailways happen to be one of the major PROJECTS TO BE COMPLETED
departments of Government of India he work on ten railway routes, namely Nagar–
making provision of funds for the State Beed–Parli, Gadchiroli–Wadsa, Baramati–Lonand,
of Maharashtra to the extent that has Wardha–Gadchiroli, Wardha–Nanded, Gondia–
not been visible since independence. Jabalpur, Wardha–Balharshah, Wardha–Nagpur,
During the period 2014 to 2016, the Indian Rail- Karad–Chiplun and Dighi Bunder–Chiplun have
ways provided funds to the extent of `3,586.7 crore started. Track doubling work on 21 routes such
to Maharashtra. For the current inancial year, the as Bhusawal–Jalgaon, Kalyan–Kasara, Mudkhed– The Ministry of
Ministry of Railways has made a provision of a Parbhani, Daund–Gulbarga, Pen–Roha, Wardha– railways has
whopping `6,000 crore for the State. he Railways Nagpur and Rajnanadgaon–Nagpur (third line), installed 4,403 bio-
are spending `52,614 crore on the ongoing works. Pune–Lonavala and Pune–Miraj–Londha have also toilets, 54 new toi-
Considering the provisions for Railways in the cur- begun. he projects sanctioned during the current lets and 54 toilets
rent budget, the amount comes to a huge `1,37,651 railway budget amounting to `31,881.96 crore in- on ‘pay and use’
crore. his provision of such an amount is like a clude 16 projects of Vaibhavwadi–Kolhapur, Itarsi– basis in Maharash-
dream for Maharashtra. Nagpur, Pune–Nashik, Rahuri–Shani Shinganapur tra. under swachh
For the irst time ater independence, the Min- and Karad–Chiplun. rail swachh
istry has made a provision of `1,37,000 crore for Electriication is being carried out at nine Bharat and hamara
Mumbai and Maharashtra. We closely understand railway routes of Pune–Kolhapur, Daund–Bara-
station hamari
the issues of Mumbai suburban local trains. It is with mati, Miraj–Kurduwadi–Latur, Dhule–Chalis-
shaan, 36 stations
this that projects worth `556 crore have been start- gaon, Jhansi–Uran and others at an expenditure
ed for Mumbai alone. During the last three years, of `2149.65 crore. he work on three rail routes
from Mumbai have
works such as doubling of 17 routes in the State, 10 connecting ports of Dighi–Jaigad, Roha–Dighi and been kept clean.”
new railway routes of 932 km with funds to the tune Harapur–Rewas has been taken up on public-pri- —suresh Prabhu
of `24,304 crore, and broad gauging of 1014 km of vate partnership basis. Union Railways Minister
tracks with funds of `5,311 crore have begun. Without making any fuss, the State has received
If prolonged projects are accelerated and my a record 28 new trains during 2014-17. hese in-
eforts to ensure the daily commute for millions of clude weekly and bi-weekly trains such as Bandra–
Mumbaikars is made easy, I shall consider myself Amritsar, Howrah–Pune, Mumbai–Gorakhpur,
lucky. I insist that all projects announced by the Pune–Gorakhpur, Pune–Lucknow, Solapur–Vi-
Railways be completed in a stipulated time. japur, Mumbai Jammu Tawi Swaraj Express and
12 MAhARAShTRA AhEAD n MAY 2017YEARS OF
REBUILdInG
IndIA
“durInG The laST
Three yearS,
workS Such aS
doublInG of 17
raIlway rouTeS,
10 new raIlway
rouTeS of 932
km wITh fundS
To The Tune of
`24,304 crore,
and broad
GauGInG of 1014
km of TrackS
wITh fundS of
`5,311 crore
have beGun”
oN The rIGhT
TrAck
l For the current
iscal, the Ministry
Pune–Indore Express. suburban line, installation of 65 new escalators of Railways has
Considering the demands of passengers, 82 in addition to the 37 escalators activated during made a provision
new halts have been provided in Maharashtra. his the last two and a half years at various stations, of `6,000 crore for
apart, the work on Wi-Fi at three stations, 38 esca- 42 new foot-over bridges and 54 lits are other Maharashtra.
lators and 14 lits at railway stations is underway. works undertaken in the State. Emergency Medi- l The State has
Since unmanned crossings oten become death cal Room at 15 stations and 108 ambulances that received a record 28
traps for people, lyover and underpass work has would be available to all stations have also been new trains during
been completed at 182 crossings in the State in the started. New booking oices at 13 stations, Ticket 2014-17—the irst
three years of the
last three years. Reservation attendants at 19 stations and Passen-
Union Government.
ger Ticket Service Centres have been started at
l Considering the
PRIORITY TO CLEANLINESS 37 stations. Ater increasing the height of all 590 demands of the
Cleanliness in trains and at stations is always an platforms on the Harbour line, local trains with 12 passengers, 82 new
issue for discussion. he Ministry of Railways has instead of nine compartments have started plying halts have been
installed 4,403 bio-toilets, 54 new toilets and 54 toi- on the route. provided in Maha-
lets on ‘pay and use’ basis in Maharashtra. Under rashtra.
projects Swachh Rail Swachh Bharat and Hamara EXTENDING HARBOUR LINE l The Railways have
Station Hamari Shaan, 36 stations from Mumbai Projects such as extension of Harbour line up to initiated projects
have been kept clean with the help of NGOs. Goregaon, starting AC local trains, new buildings worth `51,000 crore
he Ministry has initiated projects worth for Andheri, Jogeshwari and Goregaon stations, for Mumbai Subur-
ban stations.
`51,000 crore for Mumbai Suburban stations. Vi- new station at Oshiwara, additional two platforms
l Electriication
rar–Dahanu, Panvel–Karjat, Borivli –Kalwa routes, at Diva station on the hane–Kalyan route, and
is being carried
a new Suburban Railway corridor between Ban- RoRo goods transport service at Vasai station to re- out at nine railway
dra–Virar and Virar–Vasai–Panvel, Accelerated El- duce traic congestion at hane due to additional routes in the State
evated Railway Corridor from Chhatrapati Shivaji traic are some other projects undertaken by the at an expenditure of
Terminus to Panvel are included in the same. Ministry of Railways. n `2149.65 crore.
Increasing the height of 160 platforms on –As told to Mangesh Vaishampayan
MAhARAShTRA AhEAD n MAY 2017 13COLUMN
Union Cabinet Minister
ImpROvEd
STAndARdS,
BETTER qUALITY
New initiatives have been launched for
improving the quality of higher education.
For excellent educational infrastructure,
the Government has started Higher Education
Financing Agency, says Union Minister
for Human Resource Development
Prakash JavaDekar
T
rue power can be acquired through content will be changed entirely. Every student
education and, hence, the Union of D.Ed. and B.Ed. will now go to a Government
Government has given top priority to school for lesson practice. he teachers from Gov-
improving the standard of education ernment schools will be the observers. We are also
imparted in Government schools. Our going to receive a feedback from the students.
Department of Education has a slogan, Sabko shik- he third major change we have efected is
sha, Achhi shiksha (education to all and good edu- related to a request from many States. he States
cation). Even the poor should receive good educa- demanded that if examinations are conducted for
tion. A total of 13 crore students receive education classes V and VIII and the failed students are not
through Government schools. it to be promoted, they will be stopped. We carried
Improving the quality of education in these out these reforms in the RTE Act. he 25 States that
schools is our biggest challenge. Education is a na- had made the demand have been allowed to stop a
tional agenda for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. he student on the condition that if the student fails in
Government will leave no stone unturned to ensure March examination and again in the June examina-
better education to everybody. For this, we began tion, one can be held back in the same class.
with preparing learning outcomes. With the imple-
mentation of the Right to Education Act, the exam-
inations from class I to VIII were by far removed.
It led to a situation where students never fail and
proceed to the next class. In many States, schools
became a place where students come, have food and
go! With a view to improve this situation, we pre-
pared benchmarks for each class on what a student
must know in all subjects.
REVOLUTIONARY WORK
From this year, every parent will know what his
ward should know in the standard he studies. Sec-
ondly, untrained teachers will have to obtain teach-
ers training within two years. Every teacher will
have to undergo a two to three weeks’ training ev-
ery three years. he basic D.Ed. and B.Ed. course
14 MAhARAShTRA AhEAD n MAY 2017YEARS OF
REBUILdInG
IndIA
We have started class X board examination from
this year. With this, just like all State Boards, we will
have CBSE Board examination. We have started 50
new Kendriya Vidyalayas. Just within three years,
the number of these schools have increased by 10
per cent; 62 new Navodaya Vidyalayas were started;
25 lakh students appeared for class V examination
and 40,000 out of these got admission further. With
the new 62 schools, many more students will get
admission. hese are the four reforms in school
education.
NEW INSTITUTES AND SUPPORT
he irst initiative is expansion of higher education.
Seven new Indian Institutes of Management at Sir-
mour, Nagpur, Sambalpur, Amritsar, Jammu, Bodh-
gaya and Visakhapatnam have been started. Six new
Indian Institutes of Technology, one new Indian Insti-
tute of Information Technology and two new science
research institutes have been started. We have started
a Central University at Motihari, where Gandhiji car-
ried out the Champaran Satyagraha.
We have provided 3.7 lakh school students with
merit scholarship of `500 per month; 3.3 lakh col- the University Grants Commission Fellowship;
lege students are awarded a scholarship of `10,000 “we have decIded 41,000 students receive Gates Scholarship. Un-
per year for three years; 2.1 lakh students receive To Go dIGITal der the National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for
To avoId ScamS Secondary Education, a scholarship of `3,000 is
In deGree and awarded to 9.65 lakh girl students. To motivate the
markSheeTS. we participation of girl students in secondary educa-
have STarTed a tion, we award scholarships to around 10 lakh girls.
naTIonal dIGITal In order that 5,000 students from Jammu and
lIbrary, where Kashmir receive good technical education and
65 lakh bookS courses, we have increased the admission capacity.
are avaIlable Our teams are working with industries. he
dIGITally. we products that industries request are to be given to
have permITTed University for further work. With this, the paradox
more Than of highly-trained people without employment and
600 STudenTS non-availability of needed manpower for the indus-
To InITIaTe tries will be solved.
STarT-upS from
NATIoNAl dIGITAl lIBrAry TheIr hoSTelS.
l A project titled, “Development of National Digi- PRIORITY TO START-UPS
Swayam for open
tal Library of India towards building a National To encourage students set up industries or im-
educaTIon IS a
Asset” has been sanctioned to IIT, Kharagpur. plement original ideas through start-ups, we
new eXperImenT.
l Its objective is to provide access to the knowl- wITh ThIS you
conducted a huge competition. About 42,000
edge repository in terms of books, e-learning can receIve engineering students from 2,100 colleges par-
material, encyclopedia, journals, monographs, educaTIon ticipated in the competition. he students
reviews, research work, articles, Acts and others. anywhere JuST toiled hard for three months. hey were given
aS we GeT money 600 issues. he 7,000 teams of seven members
l Till November 2016, there were 19.75 lakh
from an aTm” each studied their selected topic. he inal teams
e-contents in the library, covering all domains of
education and levels of learners.
with 10 students each stayed till April 1 and 2,
worked for 36 hours at a stretch, and derived
l 106 institutions have contributed e-contents
many solutions. n
to the library that has registered users from 465
–As told to Ganesh Ramdasi
institutions. The alpha version is now available
Deputy Director (Information) and
for registered students, researchers and others.
Special Executive Officer, HRD Ministry, New Delhi
MAhARAShTRA AhEAD n MAY 2017 15COLUMN
Union Cabinet Minister
mAkE In IndIA, A
GAmE-chAnGER
FOR IndIA
The Union Government plans to set up
a unit in Bhandara for generating solar
power. There is another project in Ratnagiri
for setting up a paper mill, says Union
Minister of Heavy Industries and Public
Enterprises anant Geete
T
he heavy industries sector is roaring put forth by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
since the introduction of the famous
lion logo of Make in India campaign. IMPORTANT DECISIONS
With the overwhelming response of For the irst time in Asia, a research on ultra tur-
investors to “India calling”, we now bines with the support of Bharat Heavy Electricals
have all luxury cars such as Mercedes, Volkswagen Limited (BHEL) has been started. With an esti-
and BMW being manufactured in India. hese pol- mated cost of `1,555 crore, these turbines are ex-
lution-free additions to the transportation sector pected to generate power of about 660 MW. If these
have opened a new chapter in addressing the big machines achieve the target, many small and big
problem of pollution. For the irst time, a research turbines can be set up in the future, helping India
is taking place in Asia on turbine manufacturing become self-suicient in power generation.
through Ultra Research Turbine. Similarly, yet an-
other important step taken has been the National POLICY DECISIONS
Capital Goods Policy. With all of these, the heavy For the irst time, a comprehensive National Capital
industries sector has got a new lease of life to ac- Goods Policy was formulated—a irst for the sec-
complish the objective of Sabka Saath, SabkaVikas tor. Earlier, capital goods, machine tools and textile
16 MAhARAShTRA AhEAD n MAY 2017YEARS OF
REBUILdInG
IndIA
down and solve the serious problem of pollution,
encouragement should be given to hybrid and elec-
tric cars. So far, 81,000 cars have been given sub-
sidies. he Government is working towards taking
this igure to 5 to 7 million. Even though it is a pilot
project, going forward the department of heavy in- “There are Some
dustries has a goal of making public sector taxies, ImporTanT
buses, auto rickshaws and Government vehicles maharaTna,
run on electricity. A fund of `795 crore has been mInIraTna
sanctioned via mobility mission and a pilot project and navraTna
is underway. publIc-SecTor
enTerprISeS
whoSe
TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION FUND
conTrIbuTIon
he work in the capital goods sector is in full swing
To IndIa’S Gdp IS
too. Modern technology has been embraced by
QuITe SIGnIfIcanT.
the world, but since small businesses do not have The mInISTry
large capitals, a technology adoption fund has been IS workInG
industries did not have a dedicated policy. With the allotted to these businesses. his is supplementary on polIcy
policy in place, about `3,000 crore are estimated to the support provided through Make in India formulaTIon,
to be spent on these sectors with the sole aim of programme. reGulaTIon and
boosting growth and creating a favourable business GuIdance To 282
environment. A bhoomipujan was performed in PROJECTS IN MAHARASHTRA publIc venTureS”
Chakan and Surat for the machine tools industries. he Union Government is planning to set up a unit
A bhoomipujan was also performed for the com- in Maharashtra’s Bhandara district for generating
mon facility centre. solar energy via BHEL. here is another project in NATIoNAl
he Union Ministry of Heavy Industries also Lohate, Ratnagiri for setting up a paper mill. cApITAl
aims to start the work as per policy decisions in im- For past three years, we have been extending Goods polIcy
portant cities like Kolkata, Chennai and Bengaluru various projects and development of heavy indus- l The irst-ever policy
to promote local industries. We are conident that tries and public enterprises sector. We are working for Capital Goods
this policy would be particularly good for a city like diligently towards its growth. sector, its objective is
Bengaluru that is an important and thriving IT hub. Our eforts have got a tremendous boost from to increase produc-
Some revolutionary decisions have been taken Make in India. he sector is sure to witness “acche tion of capital goods
for the auto sector. India imports about 70 per cent din” in years to come. n from `2,30,000
fuel, incurring our biggest expenditure. To cut it –As told to Nilesh Kumar Kulkarni crore in 2014-15 to
`7,50,000 crore in
2025.
l It aims to raise
direct and indirect
employment from the
current 8.4 million to
30 million.
l The policy envis-
ages increasing ex-
ports to 40 per cent
of production.
l It will increase the
share of domestic
production in India’s
demand from 60 per
cent to 80 per cent,
thus, making India
a net exporter of
capital goods.
prime minister narendra modi with his cabinet colleagues at the launch of make in india logo in new Delhi in
september 2014
MAhARAShTRA AhEAD n MAY 2017 17COLUMN
Union Cabinet Minister
EnERGY EFFIcIEncY
FOR mORE pOwER
In the past two years, power generation from coal-based plants has gone up
sharply in Maharashtra. The highlight is that power shortage has reduced to
zero since the past one year as against 2 per cent and more three years ago,
says Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Power, Coal,
New and Renewable Energy and Mines Piyush Goyal
D
espite being an industrial State, Ma- areas. To meet the inancial requirements of Deen
harashtra was facing severe power Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY)
shortage, especially during peak and other related projects, the State Government
hours, before the current Govern- decided to join Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana
ment took over in the State. he (UDAY). Currently, 29 per cent of Maharashtra’s
power shortage led several industrial projects move rural pockets, about 29 lakh households out of to-
to the neighbouring States of Gujarat and Madhya tal 142 lakh households, are without electricity. he
Pradesh. While the power situation in Maharashtra work of electriication in these areas is being taken
has improved in the past two years, it still has to do up on mission mode. With UDAY, Maharashtra
a lot when it comes to providing electricity to rural will beneit with approximately `9,700 crore ater
18 MAhARAShTRA AhEAD n MAY 2017YEARS OF
REBUILdInG
IndIA
turnaround and by way of cheaper funds, reduction
in AT&C losses, interventions in energy eiciency, INNovATIve “beTTer TranSmISSIon InfraSTrucTure
coal reforms and others. Overall, the State will save scheMes haS reduced conGeSTIon In
about `16,500 crore every year ater the period of l Energy Eficiency maharaShTra and made cheap ShorT-
turnaround. Services Limited Term power acceSSIble. In leSS Than
hirty seven projects worth `2,175 crore have (EESL) has developed Three yearS, 8,000 mva and 3,998
been sanctioned under DDUGJY, while projects an innovative scheme ckm TranSmISSIon lIneS have been
worth `2,417 crore have been sanctioned under UJALA for replace- compleTed In The STaTe”
ment of ineficient
Integrated Power Development Scheme for urban
lighting with energy-
areas. Under erstwhile R-APDRP, projects worth eficient LED lighting.
grew by over 33 per cent: 96,855 MU produced
`3,488 crore, covering IT enablement of 128 towns About 2.1 crore LED in 2015-16 against 72,507 MU in 2013-14.
and distribution strengthening work in 123 towns, bulbs distributed so g Removed coal shortage with no power plant hav-
are under implementation. All 128 towns have been far, saving `1,093 ing critical coal stock (less than seven days’ stock)
declared “go live”. crore every year in as opposed to 50 per cent capacity facing critical
In next three years, a lot of new transmis- the electricity bills of coal stock in May 2014.
sion elements are going to be commissioned. consumers. g Receipt of coal in power stations grew by over 35
hese include about 4,990 ckm of transmission l UDAY is a path- per cent: 62.3 million tonnes coal receipt in 2015-
lines and transformation capacity augmenta- breaking reform 16 against 45.9 million tonnes in 2013-14.
tion of 11,130 MVA. To address high-voltage for realising Prime g hree solar parks of 1,500 MW capacity sanc-
variation in EHV system, a (+/-) 300 MVAR Minister’s vision of tioned in Maharashtra; 152 MW solar power
and (+/-) 300 MVAR STATCOM at Aurangabad affordable and ac- capacity installed in last three years; over 80 per
and Solapur is being installed at a cost of about cessible 24x7 Power cent of the solar pumps were installed in 2016-17.
`800 crore. for All. g 51 MWp Grid interactive solar rootops installed
he achievements of Ministries of Power, Coal l UDAY provides for out of sanctioned 100 MWp.
and New & Renewable Energy include: the inancial turn- g 973 ckm of green energy corridor worth `361
g Energy shortage reduced to nil during April-Feb-
around and revival crore to transmit renewable power underway.
of power distribution
ruary 2017 from 2 per cent during April-Febru- g NTPC has begun 660 MW Solapur super thermal
companies (DIS-
ary 2014. COMs), and ensures
power project.
g Peak shortage reduced to 0.4 per cent during LED lighting and water-pumping pilot projects
a sustainable perma- g
April-February 2017 from 8.6 per cent during nent solution to the carried out in the State, leading to 660 MWh
April-February 2014. problem. saved annually. n
g Power generation from coal-based power plants –As told to Ameya Sathaye
MAhARAShTRA AhEAD n MAY 2017 19COLUMN
Union Cabinet Minister
IndIGEnOUS
pROdUcTIOn, IndIA’S
SELF-RELIAncE
In defence sector, foreign investment beyond
49 per cent and up to 100 per cent is permitted
through Government approval wherever it is
likely to result in access to modern technology,
says Union Minister of State for Defence
Dr subhash bhamre
I
ndia is known to be the biggest importer of mated from the fact that between 2001 and March
modern ammunition for over six-and-a-half 2014 only 214 industrial licences were given for
“armS and
decades. In 2014, Prime Minister Narendra fIGhTer planeS
producing arms. On the other hand, 119 indus-
Modi announced his Government’s ambi- ThaT we ImporT trial licences were issued between April 2014 and
tious manufacturing initiative, Make in In- are coSTly, So March 2016.
dia. Under the manufacturing initiative, the Gov- If we manaGe To
ernment of India pitched the idea of making the manufacTure FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT
country a global maker and exporter of arms and Them locally he Government of India has planned new defence
ammunitions. he companies in India and abroad wITh The help acquisition policies and processes. his new policy
have responded favourably to this proposal, en- of fdI, IT wIll procedure is going to turn around the country’s de-
couraging the Centre to pursue its mission. commercIally fence policy. For this to happen smoothly, it is re-
Today, India is the number one buyer of arms benefIT IndIa quired that the country has a favourable investment
in the world that depends on other countries for and creaTe environment.
modern ammunitions and ighter jets. his is main- employmenT” As part of this, India has made a Rafale deal
ly due to the limit on investment the country can with France. Half of the investment on the deal will
make in its defence sector, keeping in mind its vast
population and diverse needs.
With indigenous knowhow, the Indian Army
can become stronger with home-grown small ight-
er jets, helicopters and submarines. With this in
mind, the Government of India has taken concrete
steps under the ‘Make in India’ programme. he
country has already begun its journey of producing
ighter jets, helicopters and missiles. he Depart-
ment of Defence Production (DDP) is exploring
the possibilities of manufacturing ighter jets and
sophisticated ammunition. he DDP manufactures
a range of arms and ammunition and vehicles.
he keenness, focus and sincerity of the cur-
rent Government in making the country indepen-
dent in the area of arms production can be esti-
20 MAhARAShTRA AhEAD n MAY 2017YEARS OF
REBUILdInG
IndIA
be made in India. he foreign direct investment grow and bolster India’s capabilities. his is an im-
(FDI) has been hiked to 49 per cent. It has made portant step for maintaining India’s domination in
licensing procedures easier and brought in signii- the region. A testimony of Prime Minister’s vision,
cant changes. he Centre has even hinted at hiking the deal will not only lead to security, but also create
the FDI to 100 per cent. he Government of India job opportunities.
believes that the private sector plays an important
role in strengthening national security. he move SURGICAL STRIKE, A MORALE BOOSTER
will also enable private Indian companies connect he year 2016 began with a terrorist attack on
to their international counterparts. Pathankot’s army camp. In September, the terror-
he Government believes it is important to make ists attacked the army base in Jammu and Kashmir’s
radical changes in the sector to make it self-reliant. Uri. In retaliation, India carried out surgical attacks
It believes that it is important to open up the FDI on September 29. With the Government’s decision
for the exchange of technological expertise. Arms of tit-for-tat approach, the morale of the Indian
and ighter planes that we presently import are very army has boosted considerably.
The union Govern-
costly, so if we manage to manufacture them locally ment believes it is
with the help of FDI, it will commercially beneit the ONE RANK–ONE PENSION important to make
country and create employment opportunities. Ater a long wait of 40 years, the Union Govern- radical changes in
ment announced the long-standing pension the defence sector
INDIA–FRANCE RAFALE DEAL scheme, One Rank–One Pension (OROP) in 2015. to make it self-
he much talked-about India–France Rafale deal On February 3, 2016, detailed information on the reliant. It believes
was inked in 2016. his deal was very important scheme was released. OROP will be beneicial to re- that it is important
and necessary for the modernisation of Indian Air tired defence personnel and the widows of martyr to open up the fdI
Force (IAF). India needs to augment the capabili- soldiers. In its irst phase, `4,706.95 crore pending for the exchange
ties of the force considering the rising threat from dues were cleared of 19,93,815 ex-servicemen and of technological
China and Pakistan. their families till February 27, 2017. In the second expertise.”
IAF’s strength can help in maintaining India’s phase, `2,298 crore will be paid in dues to 15,57,950 —Dr subhash bhamre
position and stability in South Asia. Under the Ra- ex-servicemen. n Union Minister of State
fale deal, India will get 36 Rafale planes that will –As told to Ajit Patil for Defence
depArTMeNT of
defeNce
producTIoN
l DDP was set up in November
1962 with the objective
of developing a
comprehensive production
infrastructure to produce
the weapons, systems,
platforms, equipment
required for defence.
l Over the years, the department
has established wide-ranging
production facilities for various
defence equipment through
the Ordnance Factories
and Defence Public Sector
Undertakings (DPSUs).
l The products manufactured
include arms and ammunition,
tanks, armoured and heavy
vehicles, ighter aircraft and
helicopters, submarines, etc.
MAhARAShTRA AhEAD n MAY 2017 21You can also read
