Public safety bill referred to joint committee, ADB to fund second phase of Nagpur Metro: Fadnavis

Asian Development Bank to provide assistance of ₹3,586 crore for the second phase of Nagpur Metro. Govt allocates ₹35,788 crore for key projects

Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde (File) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde addresses the media on the last day of the Winter session of the Maharashtra Assembly, at Vidhan Bhavan in Nagpur | PTI

During the recently concluded winter session of state legislature in Nagpur, a detailed review was presented on the measures being undertaken for the overall development of Vidarbha and Marathwada, including decisions on irrigation, industries, river-linking projects, and infrastructure, said Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

In this session, 17 bills were passed following extensive discussions. Chief Minister Fadnavis also mentioned that the Public Safety Bill has been referred to a joint committee to allow all stakeholders to present their views.

Addressing presspersons at legislature premises after the winter session in Nagpur, Fadnavis stated that his government has taken decisions that are beneficial for farmers, common citizens, and the development of Vidarbha and Marathwada. Through the budgetary provisions of ₹35,788 crore presented during this session, substantial funds have been allocated to continue schemes such as the Mukhyamantri Baliraja Mofat Veej Yojana ( free electricity scheme) and the Mukhyamantri Mazi Ladki Bahin Yojana.

An assistance of ₹165 crore has been provided to 55,000 orange farmers affected by calamities. A bonus has been given for cotton, and a record procurement of soybeans has been carried out, which will continue until January 12. As market prices for cotton and tur remain high, farmers are selling their produce in the market.

The Chief Minister also highlighted that the government is working to support crops and provide relief to farmers through various measures. An agreement has been signed with the Asian Development Bank for the second phase of the Nagpur Metro project, which will receive financial assistance of ₹3,586 crore over 20 years at an interest rate of 0.72 per cent.

The chief minister also informed that the Asian Development Bank will support initiatives such as connecting villages with a population of over 1,000 through concrete roads via the 'Mitra' organization, strengthening industrial training institutes, and promoting the bamboo campaign. 

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde stated that several decisions taken over the past two and a half years have brought significant changes to the lives of common people. He added that their responsibility has now increased, and they will continue to work as a team for the progress and welfare of the common people, especially women. He remarked that this session was successful as it focused on ensuring comprehensive development for both citizens and the state. 

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