Mumbai, February 23: The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly’s budget session is set to commence on February 23, 2026. On the eve of the session, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis held a press conference to make significant announcements. He stated that the budget will provide relief to the public while maintaining financial discipline. Tough decisions will be made if necessary.
CM Fadnavis highlighted that the late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar had extensively prepared for the budget. Pawar, a proponent of economic discipline, had presented the budget 11 times. All of his anticipated suggestions and issues will be incorporated into this budget. Fadnavis himself will present the budget on March 6, during which 15 bills will be introduced.
He mentioned that Maharashtra has received substantial assistance from the central government. The state will receive ₹98,306 crore from tax distribution in the central budget, which is an increase from previous allocations. Additionally, ₹23,000 crore has been secured for two high-speed corridors and railways. The VB G Ram-G scheme has increased human-days from 13 million to 16 million, resulting in an additional ₹1,400 crore.
The Chief Minister further stated that detailed information regarding the ₹30 lakh crore investment agreements made in Davos will be shared in the Assembly to dispel any misconceptions. Maharashtra played an active role in the ‘India AI Summit,’ hosting the ‘AI for Agriculture’ international conference, recognized as the country’s first Agri AI summit. Ajit Pawar had allocated ₹500 crore for the AI mission. The ‘Mahavistar’ app has benefited 3 million farmers, now including the Bhili language. AI could reduce agricultural production costs by 25-40%.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde mentioned that the Davos agreements are expected to create 4-5 million jobs. Infrastructure projects worth ₹1 lakh crore are currently underway. The MMRDA’s budget of ₹46,000 crore has been approved. Projects like the BKC-Kurla tunnel and Borivali-Thane tunnel will help reduce traffic congestion in Mumbai. Following an accident involving the MMRDA, officials were suspended, fines were imposed, and ₹15 lakh assistance was provided to the families of the deceased. Approval has been granted for 125 irrigation projects worth ₹90,000 crore, ensuring water supply for Marathwada and Vidarbha. A package of ₹32,000 crore has been allocated for farmers, and NDRF criteria have been increased.
Additionally, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar emotionally remarked that Ajit Pawar balanced development and discipline. This budget will accelerate comprehensive development and ensure justice for all sections of society.
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