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 where he made 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 noted that the late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar had extensively prepared for the budget. Ajit Pawar was a proponent of economic discipline and had presented the budget 11 times. All his anticipated suggestions and issues will be included in this budget. Fadnavis will present the budget himself 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 crores from tax distribution in the central budget, which is an increase from previous allocations. Additionally, ₹23,000 crores have been secured for two high-speed corridors and railways. The VBG Ram-G scheme has increased the human days from 13 million to 16 million, resulting in an additional ₹1,400 crores.
The CM 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.’ The ‘AI for Agriculture’ international conference was held, regarded as the country’s first Agri AI summit. Ajit Pawar had allocated ₹500 crores for the AI mission. The ‘Mahavistar’ app is benefiting 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 underway. The MMRDA has approved a budget of ₹46,000 crores. Projects like the BKC-Kurla tunnel and Borivali-Thane tunnel will help reduce traffic congestion in Mumbai. Following an accident involving MMRDA officials, some were suspended, fines were imposed, and families of the deceased received ₹15 lakh in assistance. Approval for 125 irrigation projects worth ₹90,000 crores has been granted, with water arrangements being made for Marathwada and Vidarbha. A package of ₹32,000 crores has been allocated for farmers, and NDRF criteria have been increased.
Additionally, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar emotionally stated that Ajit Pawar balanced development and discipline. This budget will accelerate comprehensive development and ensure justice for all sections of society.
