CM appeals for united efforts to tackle problems in Maharashtra

Mumbai, Aug 15 (UNI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh today appealed to the people of the state to make concerted efforts to tackle serious issues like food scarcity, floods and power shortage.

Addressing a gathering after hoisting the tricolour on the occasion of the 62nd Independence Day here, the Chief Minister said Maharashtra was one of the leading states that was attracting enormous investments from abroad and being the commercial capital of the country would remain at the forefront.

Referring to the loan waiver package announced by the Centre, Mr Deshmukh said it has benefited around 38 lakh farmers in the state and about Rs 8,000 crore worth loans have been written off.

He said that until a few days ago, there was drought-like situation in most parts of the state, but the recent rainfall has given some relief to the farmers. However, there were some districts where the situation still prevailed and the government would provide all kinds of assistance to them, he asserted.

Earlier, the Chief Minister paid floral tributes to the martyrs of the freedom struggle. He also garlanded the portraits of Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his mother Jijabai at the Mantralaya.

Mr Deshmukh expressed his confidence in the state administration and said law and order was being maintained well and security had been beefed up across the state to avoid any unwanted incidents.

He also stated that the state government was committed to build 10 lakh affordable houses in the next two years.

At the Vidhan Bhavan, Chairman of the Legislative Council Shivajirao Deshmukh hoisted the national flag, whereas Union Petroleum Minister Murli Deora hoisted the tri-colour in the Mumbai Congress office.

Mumbai Guardian Minister Chandrakant Handore unfurled the tricolour at suburban district collectorate in Bandra.

At the Bombay High Court, Chief Justice Swatanter Kumar unfurled the tricolour in the presence of the Chief Minister and high-ranking government officials.

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