‘Maha budget fulfils expectations of common people,” expresses former corporator Shatrughna Kate
Pimple Saudagar: Maharashtra State’s Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, presented the first budget of the Shinde-Fadnavis government for the financial year 2023-24. The budget aims to fulfill the hopes and expectations of the future and provide justice to all sections of society, expressed Shatrughna Kate, former corporator of Pimple Saudagar.
The budget includes various provisions for sustainable agriculture, farmers, inclusive development of all sections of society including women, tribals, backward classes, OBCs, infrastructure development through substantial capital investment, employment generation, competent, skilled, employable youth, and environment-friendly development.
The budget has fulfilled the expectation of reducing the burden on pockets and increasing savings, giving relief to the common people. It gives justice to women, students, senior citizens, farmers, laborers, organized and unorganized sectors, and all sections of society.
The important points included in the budget are as follows:
- Firstly, this year marks the 350th year of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation. The budget includes a provision of 350 crores for this festival. The state will build parks on the character of Shiva in various cities, including Ambegaon (Pune).
- Secondly, the budget includes the Namo Shetkari Maha Sanman Nidhi Yojana, where Baliraja will get ₹ 12,000/- per annum Sanman Nidhi. The Shivaji Maharaj Concept Park is also a part of this scheme.
- Thirdly, farmers in Maharashtra will now get crop insurance cover for just one rupee, and there is a loan waiver for farmers in the state.
- Fourthly, the budget includes the “Magel Tyala Shet Tale” (Farm lakes upon demand) scheme’s extensive expansion, the Gopinath Munde Shetkari Suraksha Sanugrah Subsidy Scheme, and direct financial assistance to farmers in cash instead of food grains.
- Fifthly, the second phase of the Jalyukta Shivar Yojana will be started in 5000 villages, and about ₹ 20,000 crore will be allocated for the Jaljeevan Mission.
- Sixthly, the budget includes a 50% discount on ticket prices for women in the bus service of the State Transport Corporation, and the Lake Ladki Scheme for yellow and orange ration card holders. The scheme provides benefits for girls in the family, such as ₹ 5000/- per girl child after birth, ₹ 75,000/- ₹ after the girl attains 18 years of age, and other benefits.
- Seventhly, the budget includes substantial remuneration for teaching staff and an average increment of ₹ 10,000/-. It also includes a substantial increase in remuneration for Asha Swayamsevak and Anganwadi Sevika.
- Eighthly, the budget includes 50 hostels for working women, insurance coverage under the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana, substantial scholarships to students, and free uniforms for students of all categories up to 8th standard in local government schools.
- Ninthly, the budget includes the construction of a Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray clinic, Citizens Facilitation centers for senior citizens in every city, and expansion of the Vayoshree scheme.
- Lastly, the budget includes provisions for various metro projects, development of various religious areas that are the glory of Maharashtra, setting up government medical colleges at 14 places in the state, construction and expansion of airports, and the announcement of a new corporation for various communities in the state.
