Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde hoisted the national flag at Mantralaya in Mumbai to mark India’s 77th Independence Day. Addressing the gathering, he said the State Government has undertaken various initiatives for the benefit of farmers. The state recorded the highest number of registration for Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and more than 1.50 crore farmers have been registered under the scheme in the state. 

Mr Shinde said the Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT) initiative of the Central Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has helped in curbing corruption and ensured that benefits reach the beneficiaries effectively. He stated that the ‘Shashan Aplya Dari’or ‘Government at Doorstep’ scheme has benefited more than 1.25 crore people in the state. The Chief Minister appealed to people of Maharashtra to take an oath to make Maharashtra, country's number one state in agriculture, education, energy, health, infrastructure, transport and tourism.

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis hoisted the National flag at Nagpur Divisional Commissioner's Office and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar hoisted the Tiranga in Kolhapur Collector’s office.

Flag hoisting programmes were also organized at various important institutions in Mumbai.