The state tourism department is in a scramble over how to spend R49.16 crore before March 31, which is the allocation under the Maharashtra Publicity of Tourism Media Plan. The erstwhile BJP government had earmarked Rs 84 crore for the financial year April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020, but two elections back-to-back meant not a penny of it was spent. Failure to use the amount will send it right back to the treasury.

The tourism department has approved plans to spend Rs 49.16 crore before the end of the current fiscal year. The erstwhile Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-Shiv Sena government had made provision for Rs 84 core for the promotion and development of tourism in the state on the national and international levels, for the fiscal year 2019-2020.