Aurangabad, Feb 15:
The Public Works Department (PWD) minister Ashok Chavan today underlined that the state government would be raising a fund of Rs 15,000 crore for the development of state highways and roads within jurisdiction of each district. There is a network of 40,000 kilometres long roads in Maharashtra. The development of many roads is lying pending. Hence the deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar today headed a meeting to sanction draft development plans under annual planning of each district in the region.
Chavan was speaking to media persons after going through annual planning of Nanded district by the deputy CM. " The past BJP-led government in the state had not provided fund for the development of roads in Marathwada. Every year, a fund of Rs 10-12,000 crore is approved for the roads in the state, which is insufficient. Hence the Maha Vikas Aghadi has decided to raise a fund of Rs 15,000 crore for the roads. The government is also trying to pull maximum fund from Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the roads," said the PWD minister.
Chavan mentioned that the threat of Covid-19 continues in the state. As a result, the conduct of many programmes is prohibited. Hence, the Shiv Jayanti should also be celebrated with care. The chief minister has right to withdraw the notification, he said.
The minister refused to comment on Pooja Chavan suicide case saying that it would be unjust to speak upon the issue without any investigation. The investigation should be done properly. Chavan also opined that the Marathwada reservation petition should be heard before a panel of nine or 11 justices.