The Maharashtra government on Friday announced that the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana will continue, alongside a crop loan waiver scheme aimed at supporting farmers. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the finance portfolio, presented the Rs 7,69,467 crore state budget for 2026–27 in the assembly, emphasizing fiscal prudence and social welfare measures.
Under the budget, the government will write off crop loans of up to Rs 2 lakh for eligible farmers taken until September 30, 2025. The scheme, named Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Shetkari Karjmafi Yojna, is expected to provide relief to a large number of farmers. Fadnavis also announced a Rs 50,000 incentive for farmers who are regular in repaying loans, encouraging responsible financial practices.
The Ladki Bahin Yojana, launched in 2024, provides eligible women with Rs 1,500 per month. Fadnavis stated that the scheme will receive adequate allocation to continue supporting poorer women across the state. The government also highlighted plans to improve rural connectivity, with villages having a population of more than 1,000 to be connected by concrete roads.
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On fiscal matters, the Chief Minister estimated revenue receipts at Rs 6,16,099 crore and revenue expenditure at Rs 6,56,651 crore, resulting in a revenue deficit of Rs 40,552 crore. The fiscal deficit for 2026–27 is projected at Rs 1,50,491 crore, keeping it below 3 percent of the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). Fadnavis noted that the state’s revenue deficit has consistently remained under 1 percent of GSDP.
During the budget presentation, Fadnavis paid tribute to the late former state finance minister Ajit Pawar, who passed away in an air crash in January. Emotional scenes were witnessed in the assembly as members raised slogans of “Ajit Dada Amar Rahe,” and the Chief Minister announced plans for a befitting memorial for the late leader.
The budget presentation highlighted Maharashtra’s focus on social welfare, rural development, and fiscal discipline, while aiming to position the state on track to become a $5 trillion economy by 2047.
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