Mumbai, March 6 (NationPress) Maharashtra's Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, announced that the state's economy has reached an impressive Rs 51 lakh crore, surpassing the economic size of several nations. He highlighted the 2026–27 Budget as the inaugural blueprint for realizing the vision of “Viksit Maharashtra 2047”.

During a press briefing following the Budget presentation in the state Assembly, Fadnavis reiterated the government's dedication to its key welfare initiatives, especially the ‘Ladki Bahin’ program.

Underlining the continuation of this initiative, he stated that the government is committed to enhancing financial support to Rs 2,100 when the time is right.

“We will honor our pledge of Rs 2,100; we just need to wait for the right moment. The focus is not only on financial assistance but also on empowering women towards self-reliance,” he emphasized.

As part of fulfilling a campaign promise, the government announced a loan waiver of up to Rs 2 lakh for farmers.

To incorporate artificial intelligence in agriculture, digital initiatives like ‘AgriStack’ and ‘Mahavistar’ have been established.

A budget allocation of Rs 24,231 crore has been set aside for the Women and Child Development Department.

“Our objective is to transform an additional 25 lakh women into ‘Lakhpati Didis’. Through the Mukhyamantri Solar Krishi Vahini Yojana, we plan on delivering daytime electricity to farmers, aiming for a capacity of 13,000–14,000 MW utilizing AI and digital technology,” the Chief Minister stated.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde praised the decision to offer a loan waiver of up to Rs 2 lakh to qualifying farmers under the Ahilyadevi Holkar Shetkari Karj-Mukt Yojana as a “masterstroke”.

He mentioned that the Budget prioritizes enhancing connectivity between rural and urban regions, aspiring to position Maharashtra as a significant tourism destination.

Initiatives concerning roads, Metro expansions, waterways, airport connectivity, and the recruitment of 75,000 government positions will promote the state's overall growth, he added.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar characterized the Budget as visionary and inclusive, asserting that it steers the state towards the ambition of a “Viksit Maharashtra”.

State BJP leader Ravindra Chavan criticized the Opposition, claiming they have no grounds for objection since the Budget caters to all sectors and communities.

He expressed confidence that the Mahayuti administration in Maharashtra, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, is progressing toward becoming a developed state.

Labeling the Budget as progressive, sustainable, inclusive, and geared towards effective governance, Mumbai BJP President Ameet Satam noted that it aims to elevate Maharashtra to a $1 trillion economy by 2029 and $5 trillion by 2047.

He emphasized that the Budget is a stride towards realizing the vision of “Viksit Maharashtra 2047”, founded on four crucial pillars — progressive, sustainable, inclusive, and good governance.

Within these pillars, 16 sub-sectors have been recognized to foster balanced regional development throughout the state.