MUMBAI: Building on the BJP’s poll promise of efficient governance, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has launched three ambitious projects, including one aimed at transforming Mumbai into a hub of business, services and entertainment, within 100 days of coming to power.
Other measures included a web portal for public participation and use of state-of-the-art technology in the field of security.
Though the Opposition has criticised the Fadnavis Government for neglecting farmers and the socially backward class, the projects have caught the people’s attention. Fadnavis’ team of five young professionals has worked to build his image as that of a leader with ideas.
Fadnavis on Saturday completed 100 days in office. He marked the occasion with day-long discussions on how Mumbai could be transformed into a generation-next city. Industrialists Mukesh Ambani, Anil Ambani and actor Amitabh Bachchan too contributed their ideas.
Kaustubh Dhavse, an Official on Special Duty (OSD) in Fadnavis’ office, had earlier prepared the ground for Mumbai Next conclave, where discussions took place. He was also the brain behind ‘Aaple Sarkar’ (Your Government), a web portal for people’s participation and a mobile application where all the government resolutions are available.
Apart from Dhavse, Fadnavis’ other OSDs -- Nidhi Kamdar, Priya Khan, Ketan Pathak -- and his media advisor Ravikiran Deshmukh were working to implement these ideas. “They have brought in professionalism in government functioning. They are trying to improve the CM’s connect with the common people. Of course, its results will be visible after several months,” said a senior bureaucrat. Fadnavis has handpicked these professionals because he shares a good equation with them. Except Deshmukh, all others have worked with him for long before he became the CM. Fadnavis is banking on them, along with the bureaucrats, to brainstorm issues across departments to bring in transparency, efficiency and inclusiveness.
Opposition Not Satisfied
The Congress and the NCP are not impressed with the government’s functioning. State Congress president Manikrao Thakare alleged that the government was only interested in making announcements and had done little work. Whereas, state NCP president Sunil Tatkare said, “It is a government which works on Twitter and not in the field.”