The Democratic Front govt’s macro vision for the state zeroes in on one target: to raise the GDP of the state to 10% by 2009.
The Democratic Front government’s macro vision for the state zeroes in on one target: to raise the Gross State Domestic Product to 10 per cent by 2009. To make it possible, Maharashtra needs to rope in investments of Rs10,000 crore in Infrastructure through the Public Private Participation (PPP) route. Sources in Mantralaya told DNA that 50 copies of the document — Vision 2004-09 Marching Ahead, Without Leaving Anyone Behind — have been dispatched to Congress president Sonia Gandhi to apprise her of the government’s future plans. Excerpts from the vision document:
Finance and Economic Growth: The thrust now is to prioritise state expenditure in areas where private investment is not possible. The new growth areas identified are retail, entertainment and other service sectors. Target is to rope in investments to the tune of Rs10,000 crore in infrastructure through the PPP route. The policy is to support the PPP through Viability Gap Funding.
Regaining investor confidence: Pushing this will be the new industrial policy to boost investment and create conducive environment. Officials are keen on building long-term relationships with prospective investors.
Improved Connectivity: Plans are to develop Mumbai-Nasik-Aurangabad-Pune as a Golden Quadrangle and improve air connectivity within the state. Another goal is the completion of 700 km of four-lane state and 300 km of four-lane national highways.
Power Surplus: The state will purchase additional 8000 MW electricity and has promised to enhance capacity at Koradi, Chandrapur, Dhopave and Uran. Additional 75 sub-stations will be established through the Maharashtra State Transmission Company.
Balanced Economic Development: Besides establishing Special Economic Zones in Marathwada and Vidarbha, the thrust is to improve rail connectivity in the interiors to reduce travel time.
Agriculture: Increase growth rate from the existing 1.97 to 3 per cent. Plans are to create additional capacity to irrigate 4.5 lakh hectare of land.
Healthcare: A state legislative forum for HIV/Aids will be created. Under it there will be 65 blood banks, 33 STD clinics under the PPP route and 315 counselling/ training centres.
Culture: A new integrated culture policy will be in place. Besides the initial sum of Rs 50 crore for conservation of historic monuments, initiating construction of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Memorial in Arabian Sea is also a priority.
Developing major towns: Comprehensive makeover plan for Amravati, Aurangabad, Nagpur, Nasik and Pune, covering infrastructure and housing. Plans to create PMRDA for planned development of Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad urban agglomeration region.
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