Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Applauded Union Budget, Thanked Prime Minister and Finance Minister for Large Funds to State
Pune :
Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman presented central budget today in parliament. While commenting on that, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said, that Maharashtra has secured a substantial share of funds in the Union Budget 2025. Ajit Pawar welcomed the budget, stating that thousands of crores have been earmarked for various projects across the state through it. He further thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Sitharaman for prioritising Maharashtra’s development through today’s budget.
“The budget is focused on empowering every section of society, including farmers, workers, traders, entrepreneurs, women, youth, and students. It is a visionary budget that will strengthen our economy and push India closer to becoming a global superpower,” Pawar said.
Maharashtra’s infrastructure sector received a significant boost, with key metro and rail projects securing large allocations. The MUTP-3 has been granted Rs 1,465 crore, while the Pune Metro has received Rs 837 crore. Additionally, Rs 1,673 crore has been earmarked for the Mumbai Metro, ensuring improved urban mobility in the state’s commercial capital. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (bullet train) project has also received a massive infusion, with Rs 4,003 crore allocated for its various components, along with Rs 126 crore for a dedicated training institute.
Maharashtra’s rural connectivity will also see improvements with Rs 683 crore allotted for better road networks. “These investments will transform Maharashtra’s transportation landscape, making travel faster, more efficient, and accessible to millions of people,” Pawar remarked.
Pawar further said that significant funding has been designated for green and sustainable projects in Maharashtra. “The state will receive Rs 652 crore for the Integrated Green Urban Mobility Project in Mumbai. The government has also allocated Rs 230 crore under the JICA for the conservation and rejuvenation of the Mula-Mutha river in Pune,” Pawar added.
With a strong focus on energy conservation, the Centre has provided Rs 186 crore for Maharashtra’s Energy Conservation and Lift Irrigation Project. The push for renewable energy continues with the ambitious Nuclear Energy Mission, targeting the generation of 100 gigawatts of nuclear power by 2047.
He said that agriculture and allied sectors have received key allocations aimed at increasing productivity and farmer welfare. The Maharashtra Agri Business Network (Magnet) Project has secured Rs 596 crore to modernise agricultural supply chains. The Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Yojana, which focuses on increasing agricultural storage facilities, irrigation, and credit access, will cover 100 districts across India, significantly benefiting Maharashtra’s farming community. “The decision to increase cotton and pulse production, along with raising the Kisan Credit Card limit to Rs 5 lakh, is a game-changer for our farmers,” Pawar said.
The budget has provided for setting up 5 lakh Atal Tinkering Labs in government schools. Broadband connectivity will be extended to schools and health centres, while initiatives are being taken to make books available in Indian languages and enhance infrastructure in IITs and medical colleges. “This will open new avenues for our youth, providing them access to world-class education and research facilities,” Pawar stated.
For the growing gig economy workforce, the government has announced identity cards for online gig workers, who will also be registered on the e-Shram portal. Additionally, nearly 1 crore gig workers will receive health benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.
Tourism and aviation are also set for a major transformation. The government has committed to increasing air passenger traffic to 4 crore through the UDAN scheme, covering 120 locations. New helipads and airports will be developed in mountainous regions to improve connectivity. Meanwhile, Rs 1 lakh crore has been allocated for the Urban Challenge Fund, which will drive municipal reforms and smart city development in the state. He also expressed belief that Maharashtra will support the efforts of Prime Minister Modi.
