People-Centric Budget to Foster Viksit Maharashtra: CM Fadnavis

Mumbai, March 10 (NationPress) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday praised the annual budget for 2025-26 delivered by Deputy CM and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar, asserting that it is a people-centric budget aimed at realizing a 'Viksit Maharashtra'.

“This budget is centered around the people and aligns with the vision of a developed India and a developed Maharashtra. It is founded on five essential pillars: employment, social development, agriculture, industry, and infrastructure. Our future trajectory will be shaped by this balanced budget,” stated CM Fadnavis.

He further noted that the budget is well-balanced, maintaining the fiscal deficit at 2.7 percent, compared to 2.9 percent the previous year.

“A commendable equilibrium has been achieved between revenue and expenditure. The total state budget has now reached Rs 7 lakh crore. Over the past decade, the gross state domestic product has surged by Rs 5 to 10 lakh crore, enhancing the state's borrowing capability. Importantly, the government has adhered to its borrowing limits,” he elaborated.

The Chief Minister emphasized that Maharashtra remains a prime destination for investment and has also reached a significant milestone in housing development, with substantial funds expected to flow in from both the Centre and the State.

These homes will be equipped for self-sufficiency in electricity through the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana. Furthermore, this budget promises electricity provision for households consuming less than 300 units. Priority has been given to the agriculture and irrigation sectors.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde remarked that Ajit Pawar has introduced a “champion” budget that maintains a proper balance between people-centric schemes and ongoing infrastructure projects over the last two and a half years.

“Ajit Pawar, who has presented the budget more times than anyone else after Sheshrao Wankhede, has strived to maintain balance and ensure fairness for all sectors. Significant allocations have been made for infrastructure development such as roads, bridges, and ports. No sector has been overlooked in this budget. Maharashtra is leading industrial growth and will continue to do so, with provisions in place to attract substantial investments,” said DCM Shinde.

He challenged opposition narratives claiming that the government would terminate the Ladki Bahin Yojana, highlighting that instead, the finance minister has allocated Rs 36,000 crore.

DCM Ajit Pawar emphasized that the budget is comprehensive, featuring significant allocations for agriculture, agriculture-based sectors, industries, business, education, health, tourism, infrastructure, and social sectors.

This budget embodies the vision of a ‘Developed India - Developed Maharashtra'.

“It also conveys a strong determination that Maharashtra will not halt its progress and that development will not be deferred any longer.”

Maharashtra Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe stated that the budget offers robust support to the common populace.

To empower women, the government plans to establish UMED Malls in 10 districts and initiate skill development programs for women through artificial intelligence. These initiatives will foster a promising future. Additionally, under the remote to accessible initiative, significant funding has been allocated for temple development and infrastructure. She commended the finance minister’s proposal for the creation of 21 mobile forensic units and high-tech command centers to bolster law and order.

Labour Minister Akash Fundkar asserted that the budget is fair to laborers and the working class.

“The budget proposals will facilitate job creation and enhance self-employment opportunities,” he concluded.