Budget 2025-26 Presented by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar to Strengthen PM Modi’s Vision of a Developed India by 2047

“Maharashtra will not stop now… Development will not be delayed anymore…” — Determination of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar while presenting the Budget

A budget ensuring substantial provisions for agriculture, allied sectors, industry, trade, education, healthcare, tourism, infrastructure, and social development — Announcement by Deputy Chief Minister & Finance Minister Ajit Pawar

Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to make India a developed nation by 2047. Strengthening this commitment, Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar presented the state budget for 2025-26 in the Legislative Assembly today.

Declaring, “Maharashtra will not stop now… Development will not be delayed anymore…” Pawar emphasized that this budget includes significant provisions for agriculture, industry, trade, education, healthcare, tourism, infrastructure, and social development. The budget aims to attract domestic and foreign investment, create employment and self-employment opportunities, and fulfill the trust expressed by voters during the assembly elections.

While presenting his eleventh state budget, Ajit Pawar expressed confidence that it would successfully deliver on the expectations of the people of Maharashtra.

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Tribute to Great Leaders

At the beginning of his budget speech, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar paid homage to Maharashtra’s revered leaders, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Rajmata Jijau, Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Ahilyabai Holkar, Savitribai Phule, and Annabhau Sathe.

He also acknowledged:
• The 350th martyrdom year of Guru Tegh Bahadur
• The 300th birth anniversary of Rajmata Tarabai
• The 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar
• The 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution

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Encouraging Investment and Economic Growth

Deputy CM Ajit Pawar emphasized that Maharashtra remains the leader in industrial development and foreign direct investment (FDI).

During the World Economic Forum in Davos (January 2025), the Maharashtra government signed MoUs with 63 companies, securing an investment of ₹15.72 lakh crore, which is expected to generate approximately 16 lakh jobs.

Additionally, the budget introduces a “Tax Amnesty Scheme” to settle outstanding dues of public sector undertakings under various tax laws that existed before the implementation of GST. This scheme will be named “Maharashtra Tax, Interest, Penalty, or Late Fee (Settlement for Public Sector Companies) Act, 2025” and will remain effective until December 31, 2025.

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Key Highlights of Maharashtra Budget 2025-26

1. Fiscal Responsibility and Financial Management:
   • The fiscal deficit has been kept below 3% of the state’s GSDP, as per fiscal responsibility norms.
   • The revenue deficit has consistently remained below 1% of the state’s GSDP.
   • The fiscal deficit for FY 2025-26 stands at ₹1,36,235 crore.
2. Boosting Economic Reforms and Growth:
   • Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s economy is targeted to grow from $140 billion to $300 billion by 2030 and $1.5 trillion by 2047.
   • Infrastructure projects such as Vadhavan Port, Navi Mumbai International Airport, Bullet Train, Multi-Modal Corridor, Metro, and underground tunnels will make the Mumbai region a global investment hub.
3. “Make in Maharashtra” for Industrial Development:
   • A new industrial policy will be launched to attract investment worth ₹40 lakh crore and create 50 lakh jobs over the next five years.
4. Agriculture Sector Growth:
   • Maharashtra’s agriculture sector rebounded from -3.3% to 8.7% growth in 2024-25 due to government initiatives.
   • The budget focuses on farmers’ income growth, value addition in agriculture, irrigation, and solar power for electricity needs.
5. Maximizing Central Government Funds:
   • Special efforts will be made to ensure maximum central assistance for Maharashtra under centrally-sponsored schemes.
6. GST Revenue Growth:
   • Maharashtra’s GST revenue is increasing by 12-14% annually.
7. Infrastructure and Development Financing:
   • The government will secure funds through central assistance, international financial institutions, public asset monetization, and innovative investment initiatives.
8. Roads, Ports, Airports, and Transport:
   • Major budget allocation for highways, ports, airports, waterways, metro, rail, and bus transport.
   • Highest financial support for rural roads and state highways.
9. Housing for All:
   • A new State Housing Policy will be announced to achieve the goal of “Housing for All” within five years.
   • ₹15,000 crore for rural housing and ₹8,100 crore for urban housing projects.
10. Welfare Schemes & Social Development:
    • A 33% increase in the annual state plan to ₹62,560 crore.
    • A 42% rise in allocations for Scheduled Caste schemes and a 40% rise for Tribal Sub-Plan schemes.
11. Efficient Public Schemes Implementation:
    • A high-level committee will evaluate ongoing schemes and suggest improvements.
    • Better fund allocation and resource mobilization for effective implementation.
12. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for Transparency:
    • All individual beneficiary schemes will be processed through DBT from April 1, 2025.
13. Preserving Maharashtra’s Cultural Heritage:
    • Increased budget allocation for monument conservation, pilgrimage site development, and tourism projects.
    • Promotion of water tourism through new initiatives.
14. Sports Development:
    • Infrastructure development for sports and increased financial support for athletes.
15. Strengthening the Public Distribution System (PDS):
    • Implementation of Smart PDS and blockchain technology for transparency in food distribution.
16. Strengthening the Cooperative Sector:
    • State-level programs and festivals will highlight Maharashtra’s leadership in the cooperative sector.
17. Strengthening Public Healthcare:
    • A new state health policy will ensure quality healthcare within a 5 km radius for every citizen.
18. Education and Women’s Empowerment:
    • Full reimbursement of education and examination fees for female students pursuing vocational education under the National Education Policy.
19. Strengthening the Judicial System:
    • Infrastructure improvements for faster legal proceedings and judicial reforms.

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Conclusion

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has presented a progressive, investment-driven, and people-centric budget, aligning Maharashtra’s vision with India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

This budget aims to boost economic growth, infrastructure, agriculture, social development, and employment generation while ensuring fiscal discipline.

The government’s next challenge is effective implementation—which will determine Maharashtra’s journey toward a stronger and more prosperous future.