Maharashtra Budget 2025 Live Updates: Metro to link Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport with Navi Mumbai International Airport

Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar presents Maharashtra’s budget in the legislative assembly, facing the critical challenge of balancing welfare commitments with fiscal prudence. A key focus will be the Ladki Bahin Scheme, which currently benefits 2.52 crore women aged 21-65 years. While the Mahayuti government had promised to increase the stipend from ₹1,500 to ₹2,100 per month, financial constraints may hinder this hike. Maharashtra’s debt burden is set to surpass ₹7.82 lakh crore by March 31, with a fiscal deficit projected to cross ₹2 lakh crore—exceeding 3% of the state's GSDP. The government's strategy includes borrowing, monetization, and BOT models to sustain welfare and infrastructure spending. Rising salary, pension, and interest costs further strain state finances, and the Shiv Sena Bhojan scheme may be discontinued to cut expenses. Additionally, an excise duty hike on liquor is being considered as a revenue-generating measure. stay with TOI for live updates