Do you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness today? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign for March 7. Aries March 21 – April 20Marriage, or a commitment for marriage is revealed for singles. Insist on being professional if at the receiving end of attitude. Cosmic tip: Be self-protective by being sure what’s good for you. TaurusApril 21 – May 20Having emerged stronger after last year’s trials; it takes a lot for you to get agitated now. Make sure a discussion is respectful.Cosmic tip: Enjoy the simple pleasures of life. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Those in a relationship manage to discuss some areas of conflict. Later, discuss other issues. Don’t drive at night if travelling out of town.Cosmic tip: Flow in the path life takes by maintaining faith. Cancer June 22 – July 23Planetary changes favour relocation within the city or to another city. Being calm makes it easier to understand nuances of a situation.Cosmic tip: Ask for clarity instead of presuming the worst. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Despite a situational issue, the mood is cheerful. Sometimes answers emerge from the sub-conscious if another issue demands attention. Cosmic tip: Take the middle path if solutions seem too drastic. Avoid haste. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Employed Virgos have a raise in salary. Self-employed Virgos enter a karmic cycle of too much new work, with matching results.Cosmic tip: Settle a matter in a way that makes everyone happy. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22This karmic cycle favours buying/selling property. Rolling income increases, but expenses increase too for a while. There’s an influx of relatives arriving to stay.Cosmic tip: Be aware of your legal rights. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22A legal document couched in legal language sounds simple enough but is not. Making time for family is important. Cosmic tip: Retain the joy of living with an attitude of thankfulness. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Have points written down and a plan of action ready for a meeting with a difficult client. Cosmic tip: Consciously leave behind annoying delays with your usual practical manner. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20A new relationship is best avoided since this karmic cycle advises restraint and patience. There are many unconsidered options about work.Cosmic tip: Enjoy the joy of receiving an unexpected gift. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Travel for work increases, and though you love traveling, going on holiday is a better option. Cosmic tip: Keep focus razor sharp for loopholes and clever language that lulls you into trusting. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20The need to control is understandable, but at least the simple work can be handled by a team member. Cosmic tip: Live in the present moment by being in control of thoughts/emotions.
07 March,2026 02:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseNCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Friday moved a discharge application before a special court here in connection with the Maharashtra State Co-operative Bank (MSCB) 'scam' case. Pawar, who filed the application through his advocate Kushal Mor, claimed no money laundering case is made out as the predicate offence has been closed. The MSCB money laundering case stemmed from an August 2019 FIR filed by the Mumbai Police Economic Offences Wing (EOW) that alleged fraudulent sale of SSKs (Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana or cooperative sugar mills) by the then officers and directors of MSCB at throwaway prices to their relatives/private persons without following due procedure. Besides Pawar, his close associate and businessman Rajendra Ingwale and five others have sought discharge in the case.The special judge for MPs/MLAs cases, Mahesh Jadhav asked ED the file its response by March 17. Pawar, who represents the Karjat-Jamkhed assembly seat in Ahilyanagar district, was named as an accused in the third chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate in July last year. The probe agency has alleged that MSCB, in order to recover an outstanding loan of Rs 80.56 crore of Kannad SSK Limited in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, took possession of its assets on July 13, 2009 under Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest (SARFAESI) Act. The MSCB then conducted an auction on August 30, 2012 of Kannad SSK by fixing a "very low" reserve price based on a questionable valuation report, the ED alleged. "Apart from Baramati Agro Limited, two other parties entered the bidding process. The bidder with the highest bid was technically disqualified on flimsy grounds, whereas the other bidder was already a close business associate of Baramati Agro Ltd with no financial capacity or experience of running a sugar unit," it said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
06 March,2026 09:55 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIWater supply will remain completely shut in some areas and available at low pressure in parts of Goregaon (East) for 24 hours from March 10 to March 11 due to water pipeline connection work, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said on Friday. According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the disruption will begin at 9 am on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, and continue till 9 am on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, affecting several localities in P East and P South wards. The civic body said the work involves connecting a diverted 750 mm diameter water pipeline located on the approach road of the flyover on Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari Road in Goregaon (East). The repair and connection work will be carried out over a 24-hour period, during which water supply in certain areas will remain either completely shut or supplied at low pressure. Areas where water supply will remain completely shut P East Ward Shivshahi Project (regular supply timing: 11:45 pm to 5:45 am) Shrikrishna Nagar and Indira Gandhi Research Institute (regular supply timing: 3:30 am to 9:00 am) P South Ward Satellite Tower Santosh Nagar Mali Nagar Hable Pada Umarshet Pada Nagarmode Pada Sunil Maidan Areas along Film City Road (Regular supply timing in these areas: 12 midnight to 3 am) Areas where water supply will be at low pressure In P South Ward, water supply will be available at low pressure in the following areas: Mohan Gokhale Road Krishna Vatika Road Sai Marg Arya Bhaskar Road (Regular supply timing: 12 midnight to 3 am) Advisory for residents The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has advised residents in the affected areas to store adequate water in advance and use it carefully during the 24-hour maintenance period. The civic body also cautioned that water may appear muddy for a few days after the work is completed. As a precautionary measure, citizens have been advised to filter and boil water before drinking. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has appealed to residents to cooperate with the authorities and use water judiciously while the maintenance work is underway.
06 March,2026 09:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWestern Railway will carry out a night jumbo block between Mahim and Santacruz stations during the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday, March 7–8, 2026, to undertake essential maintenance work on tracks, signalling systems and overhead equipment. According to a press release issued by Western Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Vineet Abhishek, the block will be in effect from 1:00 am to 4:30 am on the UP and DOWN slow lines between Mahim and Santacruz. During the block period, all Down slow line trains will be diverted to the Down fast line between Mumbai Central and Santacruz stations. Due to inadequate platform length at certain stations, these trains will halt twice at Lower Parel, Mahim and Khar Road stations. However, trains will not halt at Mahalaxmi, Prabhadevi and Matunga Road stations during the block period as the fast line platforms are not available at these stations. Western Railway also stated that some suburban services will remain cancelled during the block period. Commuters can check the detailed list of affected trains with station masters at all suburban stations. Meanwhile, the railway administration clarified that there will be no daytime block on the Western Railway suburban section on Sunday, March 8, 2026. WR collects over Rs 191 crore in fines from ticketless travellers Meanwhile, Western Railway (WR) has recovered more than Rs 191 crore in fines after detecting nearly 30 lakh cases of ticketless and irregular travel during intensive ticket checking drives carried out between April 2025 and February 2026. This is a surge of over 42 per cent compared to the corresponding period last year, WR said in a press release issued by Chief Public Relations Officer Vineet Abhishek. The release further stated that the ticket-checking staff, under the supervision of senior commercial officers, carried out extensive checks in Mumbai suburban local trains, long-distance Mail and Express trains, passenger services and holiday special trains. The drives were aimed at curbing ticketless travel, minimising revenue leakage and promoting travel discipline among passengers. During February 2026 alone, nearly three lakh cases of ticketless and irregular travel were detected, leading to the recovery of around Rs 18.50 crore in fines. This marks an increase of more than 10 per cent compared to the same month last year. In the Mumbai suburban section, intensive checking drives also yielded significant results. In February 2026, about 87,000 cases of ticketless and irregular travel were detected, resulting in the recovery of Rs 4.28 crore. Cumulatively, from April 2025 to February 2026, more than 10 lakh cases were detected in the Mumbai suburban network, with total fines amounting to nearly Rs 50 crore, including penalties collected in air-conditioned (AC) local trains. WR also conducted focused checking drives in AC suburban local services to prevent unauthorised travel by passengers holding general tickets. Between April 2025 and February 2026, more than 1.16 lakh penalty cases were booked in AC local trains, resulting in the recovery of Rs 3.76 crore in fines — an increase of nearly 99 per cent compared to the corresponding period last year. Officials said the drives will continue as part of WR’s efforts to curb ticketless travel and ensure disciplined and authorised travel across its network.
06 March,2026 08:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a major push towards technology-driven policing, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday announced that police personnel across the state will be equipped with body-worn cameras over the next three years. The initiative was unveiled as part of the Maharashtra Budget 2026, aimed at modernising law enforcement and strengthening transparency and accountability in policing. The proposal is part of the state government’s broader “Viksit Maharashtra 2047” vision, which focuses on adopting advanced technology to improve governance, public safety and justice delivery. Body-worn cameras for smart policing According to the chief minister, body-worn cameras will be provided to police personnel in a phased manner over the next three years. The devices are expected to enhance transparency in police operations, improve evidence collection during investigations and increase accountability in interactions between police personnel and citizens. Officials said the move is aimed at building public trust while also ensuring better documentation of policing activities. Maharashtra Land Title Bill to reduce property disputes As part of legal reforms, the government has also proposed the Maharashtra Land Title Bill, also referred to as the Hakkadhari Bill. The proposed legislation aims to reduce disputes related to property ownership, prevent malpractices in property transfers and ensure stronger protection of citizens’ property rights. The bill is expected to bring greater clarity and transparency to land ownership records, which have often been a source of disputes and litigation. Push for paperless governance and digital services The government reiterated its commitment to expanding digital governance across departments. Fadnavis said the state plans to computerise 100 per cent of land transactions, implement a fully functional e-office system, and gradually transition towards paperless government operations. These measures are aimed at improving administrative efficiency, reducing delays and making government services more accessible to citizens and businesses. Comprehensive cybersecurity framework planned To strengthen digital security, the government will implement a comprehensive cybersecurity policy aligned with the vision of Viksit Maharashtra 2047. The policy is intended to ensure that Maharashtra develops into a secure and reliable digital ecosystem, capable of protecting sensitive government data and digital infrastructure. As part of this initiative, an advanced State Data Centre will be established in Nagpur to safeguard the state’s sovereign data and support government applications. Technology-driven policing and forensic capabilities The state government also plans to expand the use of technology in policing and crime investigation. Measures announced in the budget include complete digitisation of police records, deployment of advanced CCTV systems and establishment of cyber forensic centres in all districts. In addition, Intelligent Traffic Management Systems (ITMS) will be introduced to improve traffic monitoring and enhance road safety. To strengthen forensic investigation capabilities, the government has already deployed 21 mobile forensic vehicles on a pilot basis, enabling faster and more efficient crime scene analysis. The chief minister also said the Maharashtra Cyber Crime Security Corporation has been made operational to improve monitoring of cyber threats and enhance citizen safety in the digital domain. AI technology to tackle wildlife conflict The government has also announced plans to deploy Artificial Intelligence-based systems to address human-wildlife conflict, which has become a growing concern in several parts of the state. These measures will include AI-based early detection of wildlife movement, thermal drones for night patrolling, command-and-control centres and solar fencing systems. Disaster management infrastructure to be strengthened In addition to policing reforms, the government plans to strengthen disaster preparedness. A State Disaster Management Institute will be established at MIHAN in Nagpur to promote research and develop strategies for dealing with natural and man-made disasters. The state has also approved the creation of a State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) with four battalions, modelled on the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), to improve emergency response capabilities across Maharashtra. These initiatives, according to the government, are part of a broader strategy to modernise governance systems while improving safety, security and resilience across the state.
06 March,2026 08:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA fire broke out in a residential flat in Thane on Thursday evening, but no injuries were reported, officials from the Thane Municipal Corporation’s Disaster Management Cell said. According to officials, the incident occurred around 5:32 pm on March 6, 2026, after the Disaster Management Cell received information from the Rustamji Fire Station about a fire inside a flat in A2 Wing of Building No. 73 at Vrindavan Society in Thane (West). The fire started in Room No. 02 on the ground floor, owned by Ashok Semla, in the ground-plus-four-storey residential building. Authorities said the blaze originated from a washing machine inside the house. A fire brigade team rushed to the spot with one rescue vehicle after receiving the alert. However, local residents had already managed to control and extinguish the fire before firefighters arrived, officials said. The fire caused damage to household appliances including a washing machine, refrigerator and electrical wiring, which were partially burnt. Officials confirmed that no injuries were reported, and the situation was brought fully under control. Six vehicles gutted in fire at auto garage compound in Thane; no injuries In another incident, six four-wheelers, including two scrapped vehicles, were gutted after a fire broke out at an auto garage compound in Maharashtra's Thane city in the early hours of Thursday, an official said. Nobody was injured in the blaze that erupted around 1 am in the open space of Achutanand Auto Garage in the Wagle Estate area, said Yasin Tadvi from the Thane Municipal Corporation's Disaster Management Cell. Six four-wheelers parked in the compound, including a scrapped mini truck and an Ambassador car, along with some discarded materials, caught fire, Tadvi said. Fire brigade personnel extinguished the blaze by around 1.50 am with the help of Disaster Management Cell staff, he said. Further investigation into the cause of the fire is underway, the official added. Fire breaks out in girls' hostel of Palghar ashram school; all 87 inmates evacuated Meanwhile, a fire broke out in a girls' hostel of a state-run ashram school in Maharashtra's Palghar district on Thursday, though there are no reports of injuries as all 87 inmates were successfully evacuated, a civic official said.
06 March,2026 08:02 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra’s total debt stock is projected to cross Rs 11 lakh crore in the financial year 2026-27, reflecting a steady rise in government borrowing to fund large infrastructure projects and welfare schemes, according to the state budget documents released on Friday. The figures show that Maharashtra’s total debt is estimated at Rs 11,02,654 crore in 2026-27, marking a significant increase from Rs 9,73,989 crore in 2025-26 and Rs 8,40,247 crore in 2024–25. Government officials said the rising borrowing requirement is largely driven by increased spending on major infrastructure projects and social welfare programmes aimed at boosting economic growth and improving public services. State debt more than doubles in eight years Budget data indicates that Maharashtra’s debt burden has more than doubled over the past decade. In 2018–19, the state’s debt stood at Rs 4,07,152 crore, which represented 16.1 per cent of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). Over the following years, the debt continued to rise steadily. It increased to Rs 4,51,117 crore in 2019–20, Rs 5,19,086 crore in 2020–21, and Rs 5,76,868 crore in 2021–22. The upward trend continued with the debt reaching Rs 6,29,235 crore in 2022–23, Rs 7,18,507 crore in 2023–24, and Rs 8,40,247 crore in 2024–25. The latest estimates show the debt climbing to Rs 9,73,989 crore in 2025–26 and crossing the Rs 11 lakh crore mark in 2026–27. Infrastructure spending driving borrowing Officials said the increase in borrowing is closely linked to the state government’s aggressive push for infrastructure development. Over the past few years, Maharashtra has invested heavily in metro rail projects, expressways, irrigation works and large urban infrastructure initiatives, particularly in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). These projects are expected to improve connectivity, strengthen economic activity and create employment opportunities across the state. Welfare schemes also add to financial pressure Alongside infrastructure spending, the government has expanded several welfare initiatives, which have also increased fiscal pressure. Schemes such as the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, which provides financial assistance to women, and subsidies and loan relief measures for farmers have contributed to higher government expenditure. According to the budget documents, the state government will continue to rely on borrowing to meet its spending requirements in the coming years. Borrowing expected to reach Rs 1.5 lakh crore For the financial year 2026–27, Maharashtra is expected to raise around Rs 1.5 lakh crore through loans and other liabilities. Most of this borrowing will come through state government bonds issued in the open market, while the remaining funds will be sourced from Central government loans and other financial institutions. As borrowing increases, the cost of servicing the debt is also rising. The budget estimates that interest payments alone will reach Rs 70,055 crore in 2026–27. Debt level still within fiscal limits Despite the increase in borrowing, the state government maintains that Maharashtra’s debt remains within manageable limits relative to the size of its economy. According to the Medium Term Fiscal Policy Strategy Statement presented with the budget, the government aims to keep the state’s debt below 25 per cent of the GSDP. The debt-to-GSDP ratio is projected to be around 20.38 per cent in 2026–27, which is within the fiscal responsibility framework. The fiscal deficit is also expected to remain under control, with projections indicating that it will stay between 2.7 and 2.9 per cent of GSDP over the next two years, below the 3 per cent limit set under fiscal rules. Rising state borrowing a national trend The increase in Maharashtra’s debt reflects a broader trend across several Indian states. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, many large states such as Punjab, Rajasthan and West Bengal have witnessed a rise in borrowing due to increased spending on welfare programmes and infrastructure development. According to assessments by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the combined debt of Indian states could remain between 28 and 30 per cent of the national GDP in the coming years. However, officials note that Maharashtra’s large economy and relatively strong tax revenue base help maintain fiscal stability despite the rising debt levels.
06 March,2026 07:51 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday announced the establishment of a naturopathy and wellness centre in Dare village, the native place of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in Satara district, while presenting the Maharashtra Budget 2026 in the legislative assembly. The proposed centre will focus on addressing stress, lifestyle-related diseases, mental health issues and preventive healthcare, reflecting the government’s broader push towards holistic wellness and alternative healthcare practices. Naturopathy centre planned in Satara During his Budget speech, Fadnavis said the naturopathy centre in Dare village will provide facilities aimed at promoting natural healing methods and preventive care. The initiative is expected to offer therapies and programmes focused on stress management, mental well-being and lifestyle disorders, which are increasingly affecting people due to changing lifestyles and work patterns. Officials said the centre will also encourage awareness about natural treatment systems and healthy living practices among citizens. Wellness centre based on Vedic knowledge planned in MMR The chief minister also announced that a Centre of Excellence in wellness will be established in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). According to the proposal, the centre will be based on Vedic knowledge and traditional Indian music, combining ancient wellness practices with modern research and development in holistic health. The facility is expected to promote traditional healing systems while positioning Maharashtra as a hub for wellness-based research and tourism. Leather design and innovation centre in Bandra As part of initiatives to promote design innovation and entrepreneurship, the government has also proposed setting up a modern leather art design and production centre in Bandra, Mumbai. The centre will be housed in a multi-storey building equipped with advanced facilities, including spaces for innovation, research, training and entrepreneurship development. The project is aimed at strengthening the design ecosystem in the leather sector and supporting artisans, designers and startups working in leather-based products. BIRSA scheme to support tribal entrepreneurs Fadnavis also announced approval for the BIRSA (BHarat Innovation, Research, Start-ups for Aatmanirbharta) scheme, which aims to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship among tribal youth. Under the initiative, tribal youth will be supported to become innovative entrepreneurs and industrialists, helping create employment opportunities and promote economic development in tribal regions. Skill and mobility support for youth under DAKSH The chief minister further said that the Development of Applied Knowledge and Skills for Human Development (DAKSH) programme, which is being implemented with support from the World Bank, will lead to the establishment of MAHIMA (Maharashtra Agency for Holistic International Mobility and Advancement). Through MAHIMA, young people will receive language training, skill development programmes and financial guidance to prepare them for employment opportunities abroad. Counselling services to expand through ‘Nav Disha’ centres In addition, the government plans to establish ‘Nav Disha’ centres across the state to expand counselling services and build a more structured system for mental health and personal guidance. The centres are expected to provide counselling support and guidance for individuals dealing with stress, career challenges and other personal issues. Fadnavis said these initiatives are part of the state government’s efforts to strengthen wellness, skill development and innovation ecosystems, while promoting inclusive development and better opportunities for youth across Maharashtra.
06 March,2026 07:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will seek assistance from experts at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay to verify the design of the proposed Bhandup railway overbridge (ROB), particularly focusing on a sharp turn in its alignment. The decision was taken after civic officials reviewed the progress of the infrastructure project aimed at improving connectivity between Bhandup East and Bhandup West. During an inspection of the site on Friday, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar directed that the design of the bridge undergo independent technical verification by IIT-Bombay experts to ensure safety and smooth traffic movement once the structure becomes operational. IIT-B experts to review sharp turn in bridge alignment According to civic officials, the proposed overbridge includes a sharp turn at the point where the structure descends onto Veer Savarkar Road before connecting with the east–west road alignment. Although the design has been prepared according to established engineering standards, Bangar instructed that it be independently reviewed by specialists from IIT-Bombay to eliminate any potential safety concerns. In addition to the design review, he also directed officials to conduct a comprehensive traffic simulation study. The study will analyse projected traffic flow and help determine whether any design modifications are required to ensure safe and efficient vehicular movement after the bridge opens. Project to improve east–west connectivity in Bhandup The proposed 530-metre-long railway overbridge is expected to significantly improve connectivity between the eastern and western parts of Bhandup, which currently lack a direct road link across the railway tracks. Once completed, the bridge will connect Veer Savarkar Road with Lal Bahadur Shastri (LBS) Road, providing commuters with a faster route between the two sides of the suburb. At present, motorists travelling between Bhandup East and Bhandup West often have to take a detour of nearly five kilometres, resulting in longer travel times and traffic congestion. The new bridge is expected to reduce travel time considerably while easing pressure on major roads in the area. Project expected to ease traffic congestion Civic officials said the bridge will also help reduce traffic load on nearby routes, particularly the Jogeshwari–Vikhroli Link Road (JVLR) and surrounding arterial roads. Bangar also emphasised the need to ensure pedestrian safety and accessibility. He directed project engineers to incorporate accessible footpaths on the bridge to facilitate safe movement for pedestrians, railway commuters and local residents. Construction progress and timeline The BMC issued the work order for the project in October 2023, while actual construction work began in 2024. According to officials, around 30 per cent of the construction work has been completed so far. The bridge will pass over the railway tracks near Bhandup railway station and will consist of 14 spans, including sections on both sides of the railway line and two spans crossing the tracks. The road width will be 11.5 metres within municipal limits and 15.6 metres across the railway section. On the western side of the project, piling and pile cap work for the pillars has been completed and girders have already been installed between the initial spans. On the eastern side, piling work for some pillars has also been completed. Steel girders for the railway section are currently being fabricated at a facility in Ambala, officials said. Land acquisition and utility shifting underway Bangar also reviewed issues related to land acquisition and infrastructure relocation linked to the project. The civic body’s Development Planning Department will handle the acquisition of salt pan land required for the 27.45-metre road alignment. Meanwhile, the Hydraulic Engineer’s Department is working on shifting major water pipelines of 600 mm and 900 mm diameter that currently obstruct the foundation area on the eastern side. The civic official instructed departments involved in the project to ensure that the work progresses smoothly and that the bridge is completed and opened for traffic by January 31, 2027, as planned. Once operational, the Bhandup railway overbridge is expected to reduce congestion, cut travel time and improve connectivity across the eastern suburb, benefiting thousands of daily commuters.
06 March,2026 07:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said the Maharashtra Budget 2026 has been prepared in line with the roadmap for “Viksit Bharat” and aims to accelerate economic growth, infrastructure development and welfare initiatives in the state. Speaking to reporters after presenting the budget in the state assembly, Fadnavis said the financial plan reflects the broader national vision of building a developed India while addressing key commitments made by the ruling Mahayuti alliance, which includes the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The chief minister, who also holds the finance portfolio, presented a Rs 7,69,467 crore budget, outlining major welfare schemes, infrastructure investment and fiscal targets for the upcoming financial year. Budget aligned with Viksit Bharat vision Fadnavis said the budget has been structured around the long-term goal of strengthening Maharashtra’s position as the economic powerhouse of the country. “The Maharashtra Budget for 2026–27 is based on the roadmap for Viksit Bharat and focuses on accelerating development across sectors,” the chief minister said while interacting with the media. He reiterated that Maharashtra remains the financial engine of India and expressed confidence that the state will achieve the goal of becoming a USD 5 trillion economy by 2047. The government has also proposed Rs 1 lakh crore in capital expenditure, which will be directed towards infrastructure development, economic growth initiatives and public services. Farm loan waiver fulfils Mahayuti promise One of the key highlights of the budget is the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Shetkari Karjmafi Yojana, a farm loan waiver scheme announced by the chief minister. Under the scheme, crop loans of up to Rs 2 lakh taken until September 30, 2025 will be waived for eligible farmers. Fadnavis said the initiative fulfils the promise made by the Mahayuti alliance ahead of the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. Additionally, farmers who have been regular in repaying their loans will receive an incentive of Rs 50,000, recognising responsible financial behaviour among borrowers. Ladki Bahin Yojana to continue The chief minister also confirmed that the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, launched in 2024, will continue with adequate financial allocation in the new budget. Under the scheme, eligible women receive Rs 1,500 per month as financial assistance from the state government. The programme is aimed at supporting women from economically weaker sections and strengthening household incomes. Fadnavis said the government remains committed to welfare schemes that empower women and provide financial security to vulnerable families. Focus on rural infrastructure and connectivity The budget also emphasises improvements in rural infrastructure. The chief minister announced that all villages in Maharashtra with a population of more than 1,000 will be connected by concrete roads. The move is expected to improve connectivity in rural areas, facilitate economic activity and enhance access to essential services such as healthcare and education. Fiscal discipline maintained While presenting the financial estimates, Fadnavis outlined the state’s fiscal outlook for the coming year. According to the budget, revenue receipts are estimated at Rs 6,16,099 crore, while revenue expenditure is projected at Rs 6,56,651 crore. The revenue deficit is estimated at Rs 40,552 crore, while the fiscal deficit for 2026–27 is projected at Rs 1,50,491 crore. Despite these figures, the chief minister said the government has managed to keep the fiscal deficit below 3 per cent of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), maintaining financial discipline. He also noted that Maharashtra’s revenue deficit has consistently remained below 1 per cent of the GSDP, reflecting stable fiscal management. Mahayuti leaders hail the budget Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the government will fulfil all promises made by the Mahayuti alliance and ensure balanced development across the state. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar described the budget as inclusive and balanced, stating that it ensures equitable development across different regions of Maharashtra. The budget, according to the government, aims to combine economic growth, welfare measures and infrastructure development, while aligning the state’s policies with the national vision of a developed India by 2047.
06 March,2026 06:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra government on Friday announced a crop loan waiver of up to Rs 2 lakh for eligible farmers while presenting the Maharashtra Budget 2026, along with a commitment to continue the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana aimed at supporting economically weaker women. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who currently holds the finance portfolio, presented a Rs 7,69,467 crore state budget in the legislative assembly and outlined several welfare and development initiatives. He also reiterated the state government’s long-term goal of transforming Maharashtra into a USD 5 trillion economy by 2047. Rs 2 lakh crop loan waiver for farmers One of the key announcements in the budget was the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Shetkari Karjmafi Yojana, under which crop loans of up to Rs 2 lakh taken until September 30, 2025 will be waived for eligible farmers. The chief minister said the scheme is aimed at providing relief to farmers struggling with debt and improving their financial stability. In addition to the waiver, the government will also provide an incentive of Rs 50,000 to farmers who have been regular in repaying their loans, recognising their financial discipline. The announcement is expected to benefit a large number of farmers across the state and provide support to the agricultural sector, which continues to face challenges such as fluctuating crop prices and climate-related uncertainties. Ladki Bahin Yojana to continue Fadnavis also confirmed that the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, launched in 2024 to provide financial assistance to women from economically weaker sections, will continue with adequate funding in the upcoming financial year. Under the scheme, eligible women receive Rs 1,500 per month as direct financial support from the state government. The chief minister said the government remains committed to strengthening social welfare schemes that empower women and support low-income households. Push for rural infrastructure The budget also emphasises improvements in rural infrastructure. According to the chief minister, all villages with a population of more than 1,000 will be connected by concrete roads as part of the government’s efforts to enhance connectivity and support development in rural areas. Better road connectivity is expected to improve access to markets, healthcare and educational facilities in villages across Maharashtra. State finances and fiscal outlook While presenting the budget, Fadnavis outlined the state’s financial position for the upcoming fiscal year. The revenue receipts are estimated at Rs 6,16,099 crore, while revenue expenditure is projected at Rs 6,56,651 crore. This results in a revenue deficit of Rs 40,552 crore for the financial year 2026–27. The fiscal deficit is estimated at Rs 1,50,491 crore, though the chief minister said the government has managed to keep it below 3 per cent of the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), in line with fiscal discipline targets. He also noted that Maharashtra’s revenue deficit has consistently remained below 1 per cent of the GSDP, reflecting the state’s relatively stable financial management. Emotional tribute to Ajit Pawar During his speech, Fadnavis paid tribute to former state finance minister Ajit Pawar, who died in an air crash earlier this year. The chief minister announced that the government would build a memorial in honour of the late Nationalist Congress Party leader. The assembly witnessed emotional moments as members raised slogans of "Ajit Dada Amar Rahe" when Fadnavis rose to present the budget. Following Pawar’s death in January, the chief minister has been handling the finance portfolio in addition to his other responsibilities.
06 March,2026 06:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
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