Synopsis
On March 20, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar, announced the establishment of a committee, led by Sudhir Mungantiwar, to explore increased revenue strategies through the state lottery before the budget session concludes on March 26.Key Takeaways
- Committee Formation: A committee led by Sudhir Mungantiwar is set to be established.
- Fiscal Discipline: The government maintains a stable financial condition with low revenue and fiscal deficits.
- Support for Farmers: A bonus of Rs 20,000 per hectare for paddy farmers announced.
- Women’s Aid Program: Commitment to increase monthly aid to Rs 2,100 under Ladki Bahin Yojana.
- Transparency in Procurement: Measures will be taken to ensure transparency in paddy procurement.
Mumbai, March 20 (NationPress) Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar declared on Thursday that a committee comprising elected officials, to be chaired by former Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, will be established before the end of the current budget session on March 26 to recommend strategies for boosting revenue through the state lottery.
In his address regarding the Finance Department's proposals in the annual budget, DCM Pawar stated: "The government is actively working at multiple levels to enhance the state's revenue. We are exploring avenues through the Maharashtra State Lottery. A committee of public representatives will be constituted to propose measures similar to those implemented in Kerala to augment the income generated from the Maharashtra State Lottery. Sudhir Mungantiwar will lead this committee, which is expected to submit its report within one month of its formation."
He reaffirmed that the state's financial condition remains stable and that the administration is dedicated to maintaining fiscal discipline. He asserted that the government has managed to keep the revenue deficit below 1 percent of the gross state domestic product (GSDP) and the fiscal deficit below 3 percent of the GSDP. He informed the assembly that the GSDP is projected to reach Rs 49.39 lakh crore by 2025-26, in contrast to Rs 12.80 lakh crore in 2011-12.
Ajit Pawar also dismissed the opposition's claim that the state's expenditure is only 43 percent, clarifying that it has actually reached 77.26 percent. He emphasized that the government aims to achieve 100 percent revenue collection by the fiscal year 2025-26.
He reiterated the government's commitment to providing monthly assistance of Rs 2,100 to eligible female beneficiaries under the Ladki Bahin Yojana, after a review of the state's financial status. Until such time, these beneficiaries will continue to receive Rs 1,500 monthly.
DCM Pawar assured that the government fully supports the state's paddy farmers, announcing a bonus of Rs 20,000 per hectare for paddy farmers up to two hectares. This bonus, which will significantly benefit paddy farmers in East Vidarbha, will be disbursed shortly.
On the topic of paddy procurement, the Deputy Chief Minister mentioned that a meeting will be convened by March 31 to ensure transparency in the procurement process. Funds will be allocated for the construction of Panand roads through the Rural Development Department, with no anticipated shortage of funds, he asserted.
For the fiscal year 2025-26, budgetary allocations of Rs 1,84,287 crore have been approved for the Finance Department.
