Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar presented the state Budget for 2025-26, unveiling an ambitious industrial policy aimed at attracting ₹20 lakh crore in investments and generating 50 lakh jobs.
The state’s economy is projected to grow at 7.3% in FY 2024-25, outpacing the national estimate of 6.5%. Maharashtra’s per capita income is expected to rise to ₹3,09,340, though it still trails behind Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Gujarat.
Major Budget Highlights:
- ₹36,000 crore allocated for Ladki Bahin Scheme to support women’s welfare.
- New health and senior citizens policy announced for better healthcare access.
- Metro connectivity between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai International Airport planned.
- Shirdi Airport to get a night landing facility to boost connectivity.
- Vadhvan Port in Palghar to be operational by 2030, with a third airport proposed nearby.
- Mumbai Metropolitan Region to develop into a $1.5 trillion economy by 2047 as part of the state’s long-term growth strategy.
- ₹15.72 lakh crore worth of MoUs signed in Davos, expected to generate 16 lakh jobs.
However, the opposition, led by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, criticized the budget, claiming Maharashtra is burdened by debt and experiencing financial mismanagement.