Maharashtra Budget 2026–27: ₹2 Lakh Farm Loan Waiver, Women Welfare and Social Justice Schemes Announced

Mumbai: The Maharashtra Budget 2026–27 outlines a series of welfare and social justice initiatives, including a farm loan waiver, financial support for women and continued funding for programmes aimed at Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other backward communities.

Presenting the Budget in the Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Farmer Debt Waiver Scheme, under which eligible farmers with overdue crop loans will receive a waiver of up to ₹2 lakh.

The government also announced an incentive benefit of up to ₹50,000 for farmers who have regularly repaid their crop loans, aimed at encouraging financial discipline and supporting the stability of the agricultural credit system.

In addition to the loan waiver, the government said long-term measures will be implemented to reduce farmers’ dependence on repeated borrowing and strengthen the agricultural economy.

The Budget also makes substantial allocations for the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

For the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan, the government has proposed an outlay of ₹23,150 crore for 2026–27. Various schemes including scholarships, hostels and livelihood programmes are being implemented through institutions such as the Mahatma Phule Backward Class Development Corporation and the Annabhau Sathe Development Corporation.

For tribal welfare programmes, an allocation of ₹21,723 crore has been proposed under the Tribal Sub Plan for the coming financial year. Several programmes are being implemented for tribal communities, including education initiatives, financial assistance and infrastructure development in tribal areas.

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The government also announced that a special package will be implemented for particularly vulnerable tribal groups such as Katkari, Kolam and Madia communities, as well as the Pardhi community.

Various welfare schemes for Other Backward Classes, Vimukt Jati and Nomadic Tribes are also being continued through institutions such as the Vasantrao Naik Development Corporation and the Maharashtra State OBC Finance and Development Corporation.

The Budget also emphasised support for women’s empowerment programmes. Substantial provision has been made for the Mukhyamantri Mazi Ladki Bahin Yojana, a flagship scheme aimed at providing financial assistance to women beneficiaries.

In addition, the government said that around 37 lakh women have already been covered under the Lakhpati Didi programme through the Maharashtra State Rural Livelihood Mission. The state aims to create another 25 lakh “Lakhpati Didis” during 2026–27 by promoting women-led self-help groups and livelihood activities.

To strengthen marketing opportunities for women’s self-help groups, the government has approved the establishment of “Umed Mall – District Sales Centres” in 13 districts during the first phase.

The Budget also announced that a policy for single women will be formulated after completion of an ongoing statewide survey.

According to the government, these welfare initiatives aim to promote inclusive development while strengthening social security and livelihood opportunities for vulnerable sections of society.