Fadnavis inaugurates convention of sarpanchas at Shirdi

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated a state-level convention of sarpanchas and up-sarpanchas (deputy sarpanchas) at the temple town of Shirdi on Wednesday.

Invoking 'Sabka Malik Ek', the famous saying attributed to saint Saibaba, whose shrine here attracts lakhs of devotees every year, Fadnavis said for him his 'malik' (lord) was people.

More than 45,000 members of village bodies (gram panchayats) attended the convention.

In the 70 years since Independence we could not provide basic amenities in rural areas, but under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government has provided 50 lakh toilets in villages, constructed 7 lakh houses and will provide houses to all homeless people by 2022, Fadnavis said.

He also lauded sarpanchas and deputy sarpanchas for making his government's water conservation scheme 'Jalyukta Shivar' a success.