Maharashtra govt seeks World Bank's assistance for upgrading infra and capacity building

Pic/Maharashtra CMO

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has sought the World Bank's assistance for upgrading infrastructure and capacity building in the state.

Speaking at a meeting with the World Bank's executive directors on Sunday, CM Eknath Shinde said the World Bank was not just a fund-giving body, but a source of knowledge for developing countries.

The partnership with the World Bank will help improve the standard of living of people in Maharashtra which has the best skilled workforce and modern infrastructure facilities, the chief minister said.

"We are working on improving green technology, disaster management, health services and port infrastructure facilities," he said.

"Maharashtra is the only state to establish Maharashtra Economic Advisory Council. We have established this council to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dream of making a five trillion dollar economy and the recommendations made by the council will be studied through a fast track committee and steps will be taken for time-bound implementation," CM Eknath Shinde said.

Our government is focusing on sustainable development, he said.

"This is a people-oriented government and our policies and programs are in line with the World Bank's objectives of empowering the poor and the weak. We are all working under the strong leadership of the Prime Minister of the country Narendra Modi and the Prime Minister has made efforts to maintain strong relations with all countries based on mutual trust and respect," CM Eknath Shinde said.

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also attended the meeting, said the government is planning to make Maharashtra drought-free by linking rivers.

"The government is planning to divert water from rivers flowing westward to the Godavari valley and linking rivers in Vidarbha will help in removing drought," he said.

The state government also sought assistance from the World Bank to improve traffic in Mumbai, green energy, as well as for improving services to people in each district and boosting economic development.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday said modern facilities will be made available at the upcoming Dharmaveer Anand Dighe Cancer Hospital in Thane.

Shinde was addressing a gathering after the foundation stone of the 600-bed hospital and a temple complex was laid by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.

"A cancer hospital is important not only for Thane but also for the entire Maharashtra. State-of-art facilities will be provided at this hospital along with protein therapy with technical support from Tata Cancer Hospital," Shinde said.

(With inputs from PTI)