Devendra Fadnavis says Maharashtra Budget 2026 follows ‘Viksit Bharat’ roadmap

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said the Maharashtra Budget 2026 has been prepared in line with the roadmap for ldquoViksit Bharatrdquo and aims to accelerate economic growth infrastructure development and welfare initiatives in the stateSpeaking to reporters after presenting the budget in the state assembly Fadnavis said the financial plan reflects the broader national vision of building a developed India while addressing key commitments made by the ruling Mahayuti alliance which includes the Bharatiya Janata Party BJP Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party NCPThe chief minister who also holds the finance portfolio presented a Rs 769467 crore budget outlining major welfare schemes infrastructure investment and fiscal targets for the upcoming financial yearBudget aligned with Viksit Bharat visionFadnavis said the budget has been structured around the longterm goal of strengthening Maharashtrarsquos position as the economic powerhouse of the countryldquoThe Maharashtra Budget for 2026ndash27 is based on the roadmap for Viksit Bharat and focuses on accelerating development across sectorsrdquo the chief minister said while interacting with the mediaHe reiterated that Maharashtra remains the financial engine of India and expressed confidence that the state will achieve the goal of becoming a USD 5 trillion economy by 2047The government has also proposed Rs 1 lakh crore in capital expenditure which will be directed towards infrastructure development economic growth initiatives and public servicesFarm loan waiver fulfils Mahayuti promiseOne of the key highlights of the budget is the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Shetkari Karjmafi Yojana a farm loan waiver scheme announced by the chief ministerUnder the scheme crop loans of up to Rs 2 lakh taken until September 30 2025 will be waived for eligible farmersFadnavis said the initiative fulfils the promise made by the Mahayuti alliance ahead of the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly electionsAdditionally farmers who have been regular in repaying their loans will receive an incentive of Rs 50000 recognising responsible financial behaviour among borrowersLadki Bahin Yojana to continueThe chief minister also confirmed that the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana launched in 2024 will continue with adequate financial allocation in the new budgetUnder the scheme eligible women receive Rs 1500 per month as financial assistance from the state government The programme is aimed at supporting women from economically weaker sections and strengthening household incomesFadnavis said the government remains committed to welfare schemes that empower women and provide financial security to vulnerable familiesFocus on rural infrastructure and connectivityThe budget also emphasises improvements in rural infrastructure The chief minister announced that all villages in Maharashtra with a population of more than 1000 will be connected by concrete roadsThe move is expected to improve connectivity in rural areas facilitate economic activity and enhance access to essential services such as healthcare and educationFiscal discipline maintainedWhile presenting the financial estimates Fadnavis outlined the statersquos fiscal outlook for the coming yearAccording to the budget revenue receipts are estimated at Rs 616099 crore while revenue expenditure is projected at Rs 656651 croreThe revenue deficit is estimated at Rs 40552 crore while the fiscal deficit for 2026ndash27 is projected at Rs 150491 croreDespite these figures the chief minister said the government has managed to keep the fiscal deficit below 3 per cent of the Gross State Domestic Product GSDP maintaining financial disciplineHe also noted that Maharashtrarsquos revenue deficit has consistently remained below 1 per cent of the GSDP reflecting stable fiscal managementMahayuti leaders hail the budgetDeputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the government will fulfil all promises made by the Mahayuti alliance and ensure balanced development across the stateMeanwhile Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar described the budget as inclusive and balanced stating that it ensures equitable development across different regions of MaharashtraThe budget according to the government aims to combine economic growth welfare measures and infrastructure development while aligning the statersquos policies with the national vision of a developed India by 2047