Previous govt ignored villages, alleges Hasan Mushrif

Mumbai: Rural development minister Hasan Mushrif accused the previous government of ignoring the development of the state’s rural areas and attributed the poor condition of roads there to this attitude. The leader stated that his government, led by the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) — which comprises the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Congress and Shiv Sena, would focus on developing all regions indiscriminately. Without the development of urban and rural areas, the country can’t be developed, Mr Mushrif said.

Stating that the Devendra Fadnavis government had focused on Metros and bullet train in urban areas, neglecting roads and connectivity in rural areas, the NCP leader said that his department might lose funds, which were allocated for this financial year, as it may not be possible to make use of the entire amount in the next two months. Therefore, he requested the finance department to extend the deadline of March 31.

Apart from roads, Mr Mushrif said that his government would focus on improving the situation of primary schools and the public health system. “Primary school and public health also require a lot of improvement,” the minister noted.

“The development of rural areas will be our priority. Only when a balance is maintained between urban and rural areas can the country develop,” Mr Mushrif added.