As Maharashtra gears up for its budget session starting February 23, 2026, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has set the tone with bold assurances of citizen-centric policies. Speaking at a pre-session media briefing in Mumbai, he outlined a vision for relief packaged with unwavering fiscal responsibility.
The budget, slated for presentation by Fadnavis himself on March 6, draws heavily from the late Ajit Pawar’s groundwork. Known for his 11 budget presentations and fiscal hawkishness, Pawar’s blueprint ensures comprehensive coverage of key issues. Fifteen legislative bills are also on the agenda.
Central aid has been a boon: Rs 98,306 crore in tax shares surpass prior allocations, complemented by Rs 23,000 crore for high-speed corridors and rail. The VBG Ram-Ji program’s expansion to 160 million human-days nets an additional Rs 1,400 crore for the state.
Addressing skepticism, Fadnavis vowed detailed disclosures on Davos’ Rs 30 lakh crore MoUs in the house, clearing the air. Maharashtra led at the India AI Summit with a groundbreaking ‘AI for Agriculture’ event. With Pawar’s Rs 500 crore AI mission push, the Mahavistar app now reaches 3 million farmers—even in Bhilli—poised to cut farming costs by up to 40%.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde projected 40-50 lakh jobs from Davos pacts, alongside Rs 1 lakh crore in infra projects. MMRDA’s Rs 46,000 crore outlay includes traffic-busting tunnels in Mumbai. Post a fatal MMRDA mishap, accountability was swift: suspensions, penalties, and Rs 15 lakh per bereaved family.
Water security advances with Rs 90,000 crore for 125 irrigation schemes targeting drought-prone Marathwada and Vidarbha. A Rs 32,000 crore farmer aid package and upgraded NDRF standards round out the relief measures.
Emotionally, Sunetra Pawar highlighted her late husband’s synergy of progress and prudence, predicting the budget will accelerate all-round growth and equitable benefits.