Taskforce for Pune

With the aim to develop Pune region as a major industrial hub and to make it a ‘liveable’ city, chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh announced the establishment of a task force for the city. The task force will initiate dialogues between the government and the industry and look into issues such as infrastructure development and resource allocation, he said. Deshmukh was addressing the function organised on the occasion of the 75th annual general meeting of the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA). Deshmukh said the task force will primarily deal with infrastructural issues. It will have representatives from industries, MCCIA and officials from department of industries. The chief minister will act as its president. The force will conduct tri-monthly meetings.Stating that the city is expanding at breakneck speed, Deshmukh said, “We are looking at comprehensive development of the Pune region. The city is attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) with international companies willing to establish their centres here. We are looking to make Pune a ‘liveable’ city, a benchmark for others in the state.” He added that the city has maintained a growth rate of 9 per cent and has been a favoured destination for FDIs.