The Prime Minister has asked the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Ashok Chavan, who called on him here today to take all steps to restore the people's faith in the law and order machinery. Dr. Manmohan Singh said that besides being the country's financial capital, 45 per cent of the country's total industrial production comes from Maharashtra. Therefore, it was all the more important that the people's confidence is restored quickly. He directed that the State Intelligence machinery should be strengthened.

Shri Ashok Chavan informed the Prime Minister of the various actions already underway to fight terrorism including setting up of a State Security Council on the lines of the National Security Council, training of personnel, Police Reforms etc. which a Group of Ministers under the Chairmanship of the Maharashtra Chief Minister would oversee. The Coast Guard would also be strengthened with additional speed boats and state of the art weapons. The Prime Minister assured that special attention would be accorded to Maharashtra with speedy clearance of their proposals by Central Ministries. The Chief Minister also apprised the Prime Minister of the development issues which are the priority of the State Government including the Mumbai Metro, new Mumbai Airport, Mithi River and coal supply to power plants.

The Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Chagan Bhujbal accompanied the Chief Minister when he called on the Prime Minister.