According to an official release, the Maharashtra Budget 2026 will incorporate key proposals and priorities envisioned by late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who had undertaken extensive groundwork before his untimely demise
Vidhan Bhavan. File Photo
The Maharashtra Legislature’s Budget Session is set to commence on Monday, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressing confidence that the upcoming financial plan will strike a balance between public welfare and fiscal prudence. The state government has announced that at least 15 Bills will be introduced during the session.
Ajit Pawar’s groundwork to shape Budget proposals
According to an official release, the Maharashtra Budget 2026 will incorporate key proposals and priorities envisioned by late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who had undertaken extensive groundwork before his untimely demise. The government reiterated its commitment to providing relief to citizens while maintaining strict financial discipline and, if required, adopting corrective measures to ensure fiscal stability.
Budget to be presented on March 6, says Fadnavis
Fadnavis confirmed that the Maharashtra Budget 2026 will be presented on March 6. “Ajit Pawar had made detailed preparations and was set to present a comprehensive Budget. He always adhered to financial discipline, and we will continue in the same direction,” he said, reported ANI.
Centre’s allocations, infra push to boost state economy
Highlighting recent financial developments, the Chief Minister noted that Maharashtra has received an additional allocation of Rs 2,000 crore in the Union Budget. The state is also expected to receive Rs 98,306 crore through tax devolution. He added that several demands raised by the state government have been accepted by the Centre, which will significantly benefit Maharashtra’s development trajectory.
Among key infrastructure announcements, Fadnavis said two high-speed corridors have been approved for the state, while the Railway Budget has earmarked Rs 23,000 crore for Maharashtra. He also pointed out that increased allocation under employment schemes would boost the state’s resources. Under the VB G Ram G scheme, Maharashtra’s demand for additional manpower has been accepted, increasing the allocation from 1,300 lakh man-days to 1,600 lakh man-days, bringing an estimated additional Rs 1,400 crore.
Focus on jobs, infrastructure, agriculture and AI initiatives
Describing the session as one of the longest legislative sittings in the country, the Chief Minister said it would prioritise issues concerning the poor and common citizens. He also announced that details of the Rs 30 lakh crore investment agreements signed at Davos will be presented in the Assembly to address misconceptions and provide clarity.
Fadnavis emphasised Maharashtra’s push in emerging technologies, particularly in agriculture. He noted that a provision of Rs 500 crore had been made for the AI Mission in the earlier Budget, leading to the development of the ‘Mahavistar’ app. Currently used by nearly 30 lakh farmers, the platform provides information on weather, crop conditions, and market prices, and now includes support for the tribal Bhili language. The state aims to leverage artificial intelligence to reduce agricultural production costs by 25 to 40 per cent.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the investment agreements signed at the World Economic Forum in Davos are expected to generate 40 to 50 lakh jobs. He added that infrastructure projects worth nearly Rs 1 lakh crore are underway, with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) approving a budget of Rs 46,000 crore.
To address traffic congestion in Mumbai, key projects such as the BKC-Kurla Tunnel, Borivali-Thane Tunnel, and Mulund Tunnel are progressing. Shinde also informed that strict action has been taken in the recent MMRDA accident case, including suspension of officials, financial penalties, and arrests, along with compensation for affected families, reported ANI.
In the irrigation sector, 125 projects have received revised administrative approval amounting to around Rs 90,000 crore. The government is also taking measures to tackle drought conditions in Marathwada and improve water supply in Vidarbha. Funding has been sanctioned for key dam projects, including Poshir, Shilar, and Kalu.
Additionally, a Rs 32,000 crore package has been announced for farmers, with revised norms under the National Disaster Response Fund increasing compensation eligibility from two hectares to three hectares. The government has also assured daytime electricity supply for agricultural needs.
Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar highlighted that the traditional pre-session tea meeting serves as a platform for constructive dialogue on development issues. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to public trust and noted Ajit Pawar’s legacy of presenting 11 Budgets, which significantly contributed to the state’s economic growth.
Expressing confidence in the upcoming financial plan, she said the Budget presented this year would further accelerate inclusive development and ensure equitable progress across all sections of society.
(With inputs from ANI)
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