The minister, after discussions with trade union leaders like Sharad Rao, Ahilya Rangnekar, Prabhakar Sanzgiri said that an amount of Rs 20 crore is likely to be collected. He also wanted the Mathadi Workers and Security Guards Act amended. The minister also pointed out that legal opinion will be sought for shifting the venue of morchas from Azad Maidan to another place.

US investors favour Maharashtra
Allen Bowser, US Deputy Assistant Secretary for Basic Industries of the Department of Commerce was optimistic that Maharashtra being the most progressive state in India is the favoured destination for USinvestment in various sectors.

Browser indicated the interests of American investors also in independent power projects, information technology, bio-technology.

Industries Minister Dr Patangrao Kadam said that Information Tecnology and Agro Industries at the priority sectors of the state. He felt the need to move towards a mechanism of Value Added Tax. He said that besides industrial projects, there is a scope for investment in infrastructure projects like air strips, ports, road, air links.

Medicines worth Rs 15 lakh for Orissa
The state government has sanctioned medicines worth Rs 15 lakh towards the cyclone affected victims of Orissa. The medicines include IV fluid, chlorine, tablets, disposable syringes, anti-malarial and anti diabetic tablets etc. Earlier the state government had already given Rs 10 lakh in the form of medicines. A team of doctors led by Dr Kanishka Tripathy Assistant Director of Public Health left for Orissa to assist in the rehabilitation work. The othermembers are Dr U S Jaiswal, Dr S P Modi, Dr Warang and Dr D G Birjdar.