The Maharashtra Budget 2025-26
The Maharashtra
Budget 2025-26 was presented on March 10, 2025, by Deputy Chief Minister and
Finance Minister Ajit Pawar in the state assembly, marking his 11th budget
presentation. This year’s budget emphasizes women's welfare, farmer support,
infrastructure development, and revenue generation.
Key Highlights of Maharashtra Budget 2025-26
1. "Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana" (Chief
Minister’s Dear Sister Scheme)
- Aims to empower women through
financial assistance.
- ₹36,000 crore allocated for the
scheme over the next five years.
- Eligible women will receive ₹2,100
per month as direct financial aid.
- While the opposition questioned
its feasibility, CM Eknath Shinde assured full implementation.
2. "Namo Shetkari Mahasamman Nidhi Yojana"
(Farmers’ Welfare Scheme)
- Provides additional financial
assistance to farmers alongside the existing PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme.
- The government has allocated a
significant budget to support this initiative.
3. Infrastructure Development
- Major investments in roads,
highways, metro projects, and industrial expansion.
- Large-scale projects announced to
boost employment opportunities.
- Expansion of Mumbai Metro, Pune
Metro, and Nashik Metro included in the plan.
4. Motor Vehicle Tax Increase
- 1% hike in motor vehicle tax on
four-wheelers.
- Expected to generate ₹150 crore in
additional state revenue.
5. Opposition’s Reaction
- Leader of the Opposition Uddhav
Thackeray criticized the budget, arguing that several promises from
previous manifestos remain unfulfilled.
- Opposition parties claim the
budget lacks concrete implementation plans.
Additional Announcements
- Tax relief for small businesses
and startups.
- Boost for the tourism sector with
new projects in Konkan, Ajanta, and Ellora.
- Expansion of government hospitals
to enhance healthcare facilities.
The Maharashtra
government aims to strike a balance between welfare initiatives and economic
growth while generating additional revenue through taxation and infrastructure
projects.
