CM Devendra Fadnavis Pledges Full Support to Aga Khan Network for Healthcare, Climate and Rural Development in Maharashtra

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) of the state government’s full support for projects focused on healthcare, education, climate action, water conservation, skill development and rural development.

The assurance came during a meeting with Prince Rahim Aga Khan, who recently became the fifth Aga Khan, during his first official visit to Maharashtra. The meeting was held at the Fairmont Hotel in Mumbai and focused on expanding development partnerships that can benefit communities across the state.

Fadnavis Highlights Scope for Development Partnerships

During the meeting, Fadnavis welcomed Prince Rahim Aga Khan and appreciated the AKDN’s work in Maharashtra, particularly its efforts in water conservation and environmental protection in rural and drought-prone areas.

The Chief Minister said the transformation seen in villages through these initiatives was encouraging. He expressed the state government’s interest in expanding successful projects to more parts of Maharashtra.

Fadnavis also emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in improving living conditions and creating better opportunities for citizens. Both sides discussed creating an institutional mechanism for regular discussions between the Maharashtra government and AKDN.

Such a platform could help officials review ongoing projects, identify new opportunities and speed up the expansion of successful development programs.

Climate Action and Urban Heat Measures Discussed

Climate change and environmental protection were also important topics during the meeting. The AKDN delegation presented a study focused on ways to reduce the impact of rising urban heat.

Fadnavis said initiatives related to increasing green cover, promoting environmentally friendly urban planning and strengthening climate action could provide useful solutions for cities across Maharashtra.

The discussions also included water management, rural development and environmental initiatives, with both sides exploring ways to strengthen cooperation in these areas.

New Healthcare Projects Could Benefit Maharashtra

Healthcare was another major focus of the meeting. Several proposed projects were discussed, including a children's hospital, a specialized hospital for senior citizens, a rehabilitation center, healthcare training programs and research facilities.

Fadnavis welcomed the proposal to provide specialized geriatric training for doctors in partnership with medical colleges across Maharashtra. He highlighted the growing need for dedicated healthcare services for senior citizens.

The state government will compile the required information related to the proposed projects and provide necessary assistance, according to the Chief Minister.

The proposed healthcare initiatives could help strengthen specialized medical services while also creating opportunities for professional training and research.

Focus on Heritage and Community Development

The meeting also covered the conservation of cultural heritage and historical sites in Maharashtra. Green initiatives and community-focused development programs were discussed as additional areas where the AKDN could contribute.

The network expressed interest in taking successful initiatives beyond their current locations and expanding them to other parts of the state.

Aga Khan Network Looks to Expand Maharashtra Partnership

Prince Rahim Aga Khan thanked Chief Minister Fadnavis for creating opportunities for cooperation on development initiatives in Maharashtra.

He said the AKDN was interested in working more closely with the state government in healthcare, environmental protection, skill development and social development. The network is also exploring new areas of cooperation that could improve the quality of life for people across Maharashtra.

The meeting marked an important step toward strengthening collaboration between the Maharashtra government and the Aga Khan Development Network, with a shared focus on sustainable development and better public services.