30-06-2025
Ajit Pawar Proposes Extra Funds For Infrastructure, Backward Communities; NCP-SP Questions Move
Apart from large-scale projects, part of this allocation will be used for the upcoming Nasik Kumbh Mela's planning and execution.
In a major move to strengthen Maharashtra's development goals, Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar presented supplementary demands worth over Rs 57,509 crore during the ongoing monsoon session of the state legislature. This additional funding will mainly go towards building and expanding essential infrastructure such as roads, metro rail projects, and irrigation schemes. Apart from large-scale projects, part of this allocation will be used for the upcoming Nasik Kumbh Mela's planning and execution, ensuring that the state is prepared to manage the massive gathering smoothly.
The supplementary demands also focus on supporting vulnerable and backward communities. Funds have been earmarked for important social welfare schemes like the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Health Scheme and the Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Anudan Yojana. Scholarships for students from backward sections of society are also covered under these new demands. Out of the total amount, over Rs 19,000 crore will go towards essential expenses, while more than Rs 34,000 crore is set aside for various planned programs. A portion of the funding, about Rs 3,664 crore, will come under centrally sponsored schemes, reducing the direct burden on the state exchequer.
Among the specific allocations, the largest share – over Rs 11,000 crore – will be spent on grants recommended by the 15th Finance Commission. Another significant portion, around Rs 3,200 crore, is planned for metro projects and reimbursements to municipal bodies like municipal corporations and councils. Additionally, nearly Rs 2,200 crore is being arranged as margin money loans for cooperative sugar factories through the National Cooperative Development Corporation, supporting the state's crucial sugar industry. Though the gross demand stands at over Rs 57,000 crore, the net burden on the state's finances is estimated to be around Rs 40,645 crore, making this push both ambitious and calculated to balance development with fiscal responsibility.
Social welfare remains a strong focus in these supplementary demands. Funds will strengthen the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Health Scheme and the Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Anudan Yojana, which provide health security and financial assistance to vulnerable and underprivileged families. Scholarships for students from backward communities are also included, ensuring that deserving students can pursue education without financial hurdles.
However, the Opposition has questioned the move. Former Finance minister and NCP(SP) leader Jayant Patil, asked, 'Such huge supplementary demands will put extra burden on the state. If the govt is saying that they have no money for other projects and welfare schemes and state is already under the huge debt, then how they are going to pass such huge supplementary demands?"
By tabling this sizeable supplementary budget, the Maharashtra government has shown that it wants to speed up big-ticket projects while also reaching the state's most backward and weaker sections. The focus is on creating better roads, faster urban mobility, stronger rural infrastructure, and wider social safety nets, aiming for balanced growth across the state.
First Published:
June 30, 2025, 17:27 IST
