Maharashtra Aims to Become India’s First Homeless-Free State: CM Devendra Fadnavis

Reported by Mubarak Ansari

Pune, 26th April 2025: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday emphasized that Maharashtra should strive to become the first homeless-free state in India. He announced that under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), the Rural Development Department has performed remarkably well, and an additional 10 lakh houses will soon be sanctioned by the central government.

Speaking at the state-level Panchayat Raj workshop organized by the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department at Yashada on Baner Road, Fadnavis called for a campaign-driven effort to ensure that no individual in Maharashtra remains homeless. He stressed the importance of providing land along with houses and making administration more people-centric through efficient human resource management and maximum use of technology.

The event was attended by Rural Development Minister Jaykumar Gore, Minister of State Yogesh Kadam, Principal Secretary Eknath Dawle, Director General of Yashada Niranjan Sudhanshu, and Secretary to the Chief Minister Shrikar Pardeshi.

Focus on People-Centric Governance

Fadnavis highlighted the need for optimizing available human resources and incorporating the latest technologies into governance systems. “Good ideas from across the country should be studied and adopted. Workshops like these help build a dynamic administrative system that is transparent and citizen-friendly,” he said.

He also emphasized that the houses constructed under PMAY should be equipped with solar power through the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana from day one, and urged officers to leverage various schemes to mobilize manpower and financial resources for these initiatives, thereby creating employment opportunities.

100-Day Program: Recognizing Excellence

The Chief Minister praised the spontaneous participation of field offices in the government’s 100-day program and announced that awards would be given for outstanding performances. “The Rural Development Department has shown exemplary work. After an evaluation by the Quality Council of India, officers who deliver high-quality work will be recognized, inspiring others to perform better,” Fadnavis said.

He noted that 12,500 offices had undergone transformation under the program, boosting administrative transparency and public trust.

Addressing Key Schemes and Future Plans

Fadnavis directed officials to resolve shortcomings in the Jal Jeevan Mission and ensure its effective implementation, including the training of manpower for maintenance post-completion. He also called for capacity building workshops for officers and contractors to enhance the quality of public works.

Focusing on the health sector, Fadnavis stressed that in the next five years, efforts must be made to ensure quality government health facilities are available within every five kilometers. “Strengthening primary health centers and sub-centers will significantly benefit citizens,” he said.

All-Round Rural Development

The Chief Minister outlined the importance of collective efforts in sectors like education, water conservation, industry promotion, waste management, and pollution control in rivers and drains. He highlighted programs like ‘Lakhpati Didi’ to empower women through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and suggested providing mobile markets to help SHG products reach consumers.

Rural Development Goals: 30 Lakh Houses

Rural Development Minister Jaykumar Gore said the department aims to construct 30 lakh houses. So far, 13.5 lakh houses have been approved, with the first installment released for 10 lakh houses, of which 46,000 have been completed.

He added that the Mukhyamantri Samriddhi Gram Yojana is being finalized, aiming for 100% implementation of government schemes in selected villages to promote self-sufficiency.

Technological Innovations Unveiled

During the workshop, Chief Minister Fadnavis inaugurated several digital platforms developed under the Rural Development Department’s 100-Day Program, including:

• Single Unified Portal
• Housing Distribution App
• Bhumilabh Portal
• Maha Awas Abhiyan Dashboard
• PMAY and NREGA Dashboards
• A documentary film under the National Gram Swaraj Abhiyan

He also released a booklet highlighting innovative initiatives undertaken by 20 Zilla Parishads across Maharashtra and the latest edition of the Maha Awas Quarterly.

Senior officials, including all Divisional Commissioners, Chief Executive Officers of Zilla Parishads, Additional CEOs, and Project Directors of District Rural Development Agencies, were present at the workshop.