Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has called the state’s latest budget “balanced and people-oriented”, aligning with the vision of a developed Maharashtra within a developed India. The budget is structured around a five-point agenda focusing on agriculture, industry, infrastructure, employment, and social development.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Emphasises The State's Commitment To Infrastructure Development

Fadnavis emphasised the state’s commitment to infrastructure development, particularly road expansion, with long-term planning extending up to 20 years. He also praised the state’s success in housing projects, especially under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, where Maharashtra is on track to complete 20 lakh homes.

The budget also focuses on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, and drone technology to reduce production costs and enhance profitability in the agriculture sector. To support marginalised communities, the budget has significantly increased allocations for social justice and tribal welfare by 43% and 40%, respectively.

'It Would Boost Investments & Jobs,' Says Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar

Expressing confidence that the budget would uphold public trust, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said it would boost investments and jobs. Pawar noted that Maharashtra remains India’s top destination for industrial investment and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). At the World Economic Forum in Davos (January 2025), Maharashtra signed agreements with 63 companies, securing Rs 15.72 lakh crore in investments and creating around 16 lakh jobs.

'A Champion Budget,' Says Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde called it a ‘Champion Budget’ for development, balancing welfare schemes with infrastructure expansion. “The development of countries like the US is largely due to their strong infrastructure. Shinde emphasised that no welfare schemes have been cut. “Instead, we have accelerated infrastructure growth. Development is our agenda, and public welfare is our goal. The budget reflects the state’s vital contribution to building a developed India,” he added.