Mumbai, February 12 – Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed strong confidence that partnerships between the government and voluntary organizations will usher in rapid transformation across the state. Speaking at the signing of agreements with Tata Trusts and Naam Foundation at Sahyadri Guest House, Fadnavis highlighted how these collaborations will extend development to every corner of Maharashtra.
The event saw the presence of key ministers including Rural Development Minister Jaykumar Gore, Soil and Water Conservation Minister Sanjay Rathod, Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare, and Public Health Minister of State Meghna Bordikar-Sakore. Fadnavis emphasized that improving health, nutrition, water security, and livelihoods for every family remains the government’s top priority.
‘These partnerships will make welfare schemes more effective and people-centric,’ he stated. Government initiatives are evolving into mass movements, with Tata Trusts’ support amplifying positive impacts across departments. This will boost incomes for all societal sections and elevate living standards.
Addressing healthcare challenges, Fadnavis noted the burden of expensive treatments for serious illnesses. The state is working on systems to ensure no one dies due to lack of care. Contributions from the Tata Group to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund will provide timely aid to needy patients.
For over a decade, the government has collaborated with Tata Trusts, valuing not just financial aid but their role in fostering societal change. These multi-dimensional agreements will strengthen health services for mothers, newborns, children, and adolescents; combat malnutrition and stunting; diversify nutrition diets; ensure sustainable water resource management; and promote climate-resilient agriculture and livestock development in rural Maharashtra.
Naam Foundation has made significant strides in water conservation, including desilting water sources, deepening and widening canals and rivers. Their ‘Jalyukt Shivar’ campaign successfully transformed into a people’s movement, particularly aiding low-rainfall regions like Vidarbha and Marathwada with support from Tata Motors.
Tata Trusts Chairman Noel Tata affirmed commitment to better coordination in health, education, nutrition, livelihoods, water, and sanitation programs. The goal is to enhance ordinary citizens’ quality of life through joint efforts with government departments and communities. These signed MoUs formalize strategic partnerships for Maharashtra’s integrated development.
Naam Foundation founder Nana Patekar expressed satisfaction with the government’s support in water conservation efforts. The meeting included Chief Secretary Rajesh Agarwal, Health Secretary Dr. Nipun Vinayak, Women and Child Development Secretary Anupkumar Yadav, and other senior officials.