Mumbai, February 01: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has welcomed the Union Budget 2025-26, praising Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting a progressive and inclusive budget on Saturday, February 1. He highlighted the substantial allocations for Maharashtra's infrastructure projects, tax relief for the middle class and key initiatives benefiting farmers, women, yout, and entrepreneurs. Pawar expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sitharaman for their focus on Maharashtra’s development and the country’s journey towards becoming an economic powerhouse.

He said, "I welcome the decisions taken by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the budget. Maharashtra has received substantial funding for infrastructure projects through the Union Budget, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for the same."

He further said, "An income tax exemption for earnings up to ₹12 lakhs is a significant gift to the middle-class citizens of the country. The decision to raise the TDS limit for senior citizens from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh is also commendable. The complete exemption of customs duty on 36 essential medicines for cancer and other serious diseases will make these medicines more affordable."

"Maharashtra has received ₹1,465.33 crore for the MUTP-3 project from the Union Budget. A provision of ₹837 crore has been made for the Pune Metro. Under the JICA project, ₹230 crore will be allocated for the conservation of the Mula-Mutha River. Additionally, ₹4,003 crore has been sanctioned for four projects related to the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail, ₹126.60 crore for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Training Institute, ₹1,673.41 crore for the Mumbai Metro, ₹683.51 crore for Maharashtra’s rural connectivity improvements, ₹596.57 crore for the Maharashtra Agri Business Network (MAGNET) project, ₹186.44 crore for energy conservation and lift irrigation projects, ₹652.52 crore for the Integrated Green Urban Mobility Project in Mumbai, and ₹1,094.58 crore for economic cluster connectivity projects to support inclusive development," said Ajit Pawar."

He also said, "This budget, centered on farmers, laborers, traders, entrepreneurs, women, youth, students, and the common man, provides opportunities for growth to every individual and empowerment to every section of society. It paves the way for India to become an economic superpower and a developed nation. Maharashtra’s infrastructure development will gain momentum through this budget. The reduction in duties on textiles, leather goods, and fishery products will benefit Maharashtra significantly."

"Various schemes have been announced for farmers, women, youth, and the underprivileged. Women’s skill development has been prioritized. Under the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Yojana, the focus will be on increasing agricultural productivity, storage facilities, irrigation, and credit services, with special attention to 100 districts. Maharashtra will benefit greatly from these initiatives. The decisions regarding increasing the production of cotton and pulses are also advantageous for the state. The decision to raise the Kisan Credit Card limit to ₹5 lakh is welcome. Maharashtra will play a key role in making India the world’s food basket," he said.

Maharashtra Deputy CM also said, "Maharashtra is a leading state in education, higher education, and technical education. Establishing 5 lakh Atal Tinkering Labs in government schools, providing broadband services to schools and health centers, making books available in Indian languages, and increasing student capacity and facilities in IITs and medical colleges will undoubtedly benefit the youth of the state. The decision to issue ID cards for online gig workers and register them on the e-Shram portal is significant, with around 1 crore gig workers to be provided healthcare services under the PM Jan Arogya Yojana. All these decisions have been made with students, youth, and the common people at the center."

"Through the Nuclear Energy Mission, the target of generating 100 gigawatts of energy by 2047 is a crucial step toward making India a superpower. The government’s decision to create an Urban Challenge Fund of ₹1 lakh crore for implementing urban reforms is equally significant. The goal is to increase the number of air travelers to 4 crores through the UDAN scheme at 120 locations across the country. There’s also a policy for the development of 52 major tourist destinations. This budget lays a strong foundation for building a modern India on the path to becoming a developed nation and an economic superpower. Maharashtra will fully support Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s efforts to make India a developed nation and an economic powerhouse. Maharashtra will contribute wholeheartedly to realizing the Prime Minister’s vision," he concluded.