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The Governor of Maharashtra K. Sankaranarayanan today unfurled the National Flag at the State function to celebrate the 61st Anniversary of the Republic Day of India at Shivaji Park, Dadar, Mumbai. The Goverenor deliveted the Republic Day message to the people of Maharashtra. The Governor inspected the ceremonial parade and took salute from the marching contingents of the Indian Navy, State Reserve Police Force, Riot Control Police, Fire Brigade, Central Industrial Police Force, Home Guard and students on the occasion. Wife of the Governor Smt. Radha Sankaranarayanan, Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, Mayor of Mumbai Smt Shraddha Jadhav, former Chief Minister Manohar Joshi, members of the Diplomatic community, officials and a large number of citizens were present on the occasion. In the evening, the Governor is hosting an “At Home” reception for distinguished  invitees Raj at Bhavan. 

In his Republic Day speech, the Governor said: "The State Government is committed to meet the legitimate development aspirations of people and to further improve their standard of living. In this connection, Government has decided to benchmark districts on the basis of Human Development indicators. I am pleased to mention that the Government is planning to publish Human Development Report of each district to ascertain their levels of development. The report will serve as the basis for making future developmental allocations. Human resources has been the biggest strength of the State. The State Government is committed to providing free and compulsory education to all. At the same time the Government is making concerted efforts to increase the State’s Gross Enrollment Ratio in higher education.

The State Government is also contemplating establishment of a Technological University to meet the requirement of higher quality education and skilled workforce. Apart from the public sector, the private sector is playing an increasingly important role in the development of the State. The Government has decided to review the issue of backlog and the present pattern of allocation of development funds. A new committee is being set up under the Chairmanship of a renowned economist to suggest alternate approaches for ensuring equitable allocation of resources among the various regions of the State. Maharashtra has admittedly retained its position as the most favoured investment destination in India. I am proud to mention that the Heads of three of the five G-5 countries visited Maharashtra during the year 2010 and that shows the faith the world has reposed in the potential of the State to deliver. Maharashtra continues to be India’s leading industrial State. The State has the largest economy in the country, contributing 13 per cent of National Income. The economy of the State has registered an average growth of 9 per cent over the last four years. Under the Mega Project policy announced in June 2005, 169 Industrial Mega Projects have been approved in the State with an approximate investment of Rs.1,40,826 crores creating employment opportunities for 2.13 lakh persons. Our State has attracted the highest number of Foreign Direct Investment proposals in the country. Of the 4175 approved projects, 1665 projects have started production with an investment of Rs.42,691 crore.

 Agriculture continues to remain the occupation of a large majority of our people. The State is therefore making serious efforts to promote the development of livestock, poultry, milk production, fisheries and usher in economic prosperity. We are now on the path of wiping out the power deficit and achieving self-sufficiency in this key sector in the near future. During the past one year, 500 MW new generation capacity has been installed by Mahagenco by chalking out a time bound programme. In the next four months, 1000 MW power will be generated once the Khaparkheda and Bhusawal projects become operational. I am sure, with the time-bound programme of Mahagenco and the power share received from the Centre and private players, the State will become load-shed free by 2012. It is heartening to note that Mahagenco is commissioning a 125 MW Solar Power Plant in Dhule by the end of this year. The newly sanctioned Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project is a boon for the State. The power generated at the plant will be clean, eco-friendly and cost effective. The State has declared 2011 as the Year of Tourism. The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation has an ambitious plan to develop wild life sanctuaries, pilgrimage places and hill stations to attract tourists. A ’Single Window Clearance’ system will be launched to process proposals received from the hospitality industry to supplement tourism development efforts. I am proud to state that a separate Marathi Language Department has been established by the Government to promote Marathi language and literature extensively. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority has undertaken a host of infrastructure projects that are set to transform Mumbai into a global city. The commissioning of Metro Rail, Mono rail and sky walks promise to alter the face of Mumbai and make traveling a safer and pleasant experience for Mumbaikars. I am pleased to state that decks have been cleared for the launch of the new international airport at Navi Mumbai. I am sure that it will boost trade and industry besides easing air traffic congestion. The decision to ease the Coastal Regulation norms has paved the way for redevelopment of 146 slums that would benefit 47,000 families. The benefit will also extend to yet other 38,000 families living in more than 620 old and dilapidated buildings. Apart from that, 38 notified Koli Wadas will also be developed to meet the growing demand for housing coming from fishermen communities. The decision strikes a right balance between the imperatives of mass housing in Mumbai and the concerns of environment."