Security first and foremost priority: Mah CM

Addressing a gathering after unfurling the tricolour here on the occasion of the 65th Independence Day, Chavan said his government is committed to ensuring that people feel safe and secure in the state.

"Modernisation of security apparatus is a priority and the government is working on it," the Chief Minister said.

He said his government plans to make Mumbai a city of international standards.
Talking about the row over providing housing to mill workers, Chavan expressed confidence that the issue would be resolved through discussions and consensus.

Describing the rampant practice of female foeticide as a "stigma in the progress and development of the state", he said maintaining the social balance is the responsibility of each citizen.

"Merely enacting laws will not help and everybody has to work towards creating awareness against the evil practice of female foeticide," Chavan said.

The Chief Minister said 2010-11 had seen record agriculture production of pulses, wheat, sugarcane and cotton.

He said the state will be free of load shedding by 2012. "Our present (power) generation is 12,730 MW and projects worth 5,000 MW are underway," he said.

Chavan said his government is pursuing the demand for granting classical language status to Marathi with the central government.

Referring to e-governance, he said that tenders worth over Rs 50 lakh will be issued electronically.Meanwhile, the city police maintained a tight 'bandobast' at railway stations, bus stops and main roads in the city and suburbs in view of the I-Day celebrations in the metropolis.