At the budget session for 2025-26 fiscal year Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced significant infrastructure projects which included constructing a third airport for Mumbai. The project stands in Vadhvan port area near Palghar district and will become operational during 2030. Multiple infrastructure advancement plans outlined by the state among which this project stands as one of the priorities.
Pawar disclosed that upgrades will be implemented at Shirdi airport to implement a ‘night landing facility’ because air travel needs are escalating in the area. A metro line connecting the under-construction Navi Mumbai International Airport to the Mumbai International Airport Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj through the airport will provide enhanced transportation access.
Job Opportunities to be Created
During his Budget speech, Ajit Pawar introduced an ambitious industrial policy that seeks investments of Rs 20 lakh crore to generate 50 lakh employment opportunities. The Maharashtra economy will grow at a rate of 7.3% during 2024-25 surpassing the national growth estimate of 6.5%. The state’s yearly income will increase to Rs 3,09,340 while maintaining a yearly rise from Rs 2,78,681 during the prior fiscal period. The per capita income level of Maharashtra stands lower than Tamil Nadu while slightly behind Karnataka and Gujarat.
An increase in debt levels poses a critical issue for Maharashtra as the state projects its total debt stock to expand by 10% to reach Rs 7,82,991 crore in the upcoming 2024-25 fiscal year. The state’s debt continues to rise because liabilities and outstanding loans are expanding throughout Maharashtra. The government has maintained a careful equilibrium between debt management and infrastructure improvements despite increasing debt levels.
Controversy Over Cut in Ladki Bahin Scheme Allocation
One of the most controversial aspects of the Budget was the reduction in the funding for the Ladki Bahin scheme, a flagship welfare initiative. Originally introduced by the previous government, the scheme provides financial support to women across Maharashtra. In the 2025-26 fiscal year, the government allocated Rs 36,000 crore to the scheme, a reduction of Rs 10,000 crore from the previous year’s budget.
This move sparked outrage, as the Mahayuti alliance had promised to increase the Rs 1,500 monthly payout to Rs 2,100 ahead of the 2024 elections. “This budget is full of empty promises, just like the government itself. The promise of Rs 2,100 under the Ladki Bahin scheme remains unfulfilled. It is clear that all their promises were merely ‘chunavi jumla‘ (election tactics),” said Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, criticising the government for not following through on its promises.
Govt Defends Budget Cuts
In defense, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasised that while the government remains committed to the Rs 2,100 increase, fiscal prudence is crucial. “We are committed to gradually increasing the amount as promised, but financial prudence is necessary,” Fadnavis explained. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also reassured the public that the increase to Rs 2,100 would eventually be implemented, but it would require time.
Ajit Pawar, who presented the 2025 Budget for the 11th time, defended the government’s approach, focusing on long-term growth initiatives. However, the reduction in the Ladki Bahin scheme’s allocation remains a point of contention in the ongoing political discourse surrounding the Budget.
