Navi Mumbai: Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Varada Sunil Tatkare on Thursday urged active public participation, modern technology adoption, and timely project execution to shape a “developed Raigad district of the future.” She was speaking after hoisting the national flag at the Police Parade Ground in Alibag during the 78th Independence Day celebrations.
Tribute and State’s Five-Year Vision
The Minister extended greetings to the people of Raigad and paid tribute to freedom fighters, stating that the Maharashtra government is focused on an all-round development agenda with a five-year vision to position the state as a global leader.
She highlighted that development now encompasses infrastructure, education, healthcare, employment generation, and transport facilities such as roads, railways, airports, and waterways.
New Rural Growth Drive
Announcing new initiatives, Tatkare said the Mukhyamantri Samruddhi Panchayat Raj Abhiyan will drive rural development by fostering good governance, self-reliance, and competitive growth through villagers’ direct involvement.
Women-Centric Programme
She also launched the Adishakti Abhiyan (2025-26) for women’s economic, social, educational, and health development, with gram-level committees to be honoured with Adishakti Awards.
Skill Development Boost
She further revealed that a Skill Development Centre in Roha, being set up with the Tata Group, will be completed by May 2026, training 3,000 students annually and generating large-scale local employment. Additionally, under the new sand excavation policy, beneficiaries of government housing schemes will get up to five brass of sand free for local use.
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Recognition and Awards Ceremony
The event was attended by District Collector Kishan Jawale, CEO Neha Bhosale, SP Achal Dalal, senior district officials, and staff. Awards were presented to organ donors, scholarship achievers, recipients of the 2025 Sainik Naik Medal, and organisations and individuals contributing during disasters.