Maharashtra: Pune’s Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar’s Budget Faces Backlash Over Unmet Promises and Funding Gaps
Maharashtra: Pune's Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar’s Budget Faces Backlash Over Unmet Promises and Funding Gaps
Pune, March 11, 2025: Maharashtra Finance Minister Ajit Pawar’s budget has drawn criticism from political parties and social activists, with concerns raised over unmet promises, lack of clarity on funding sources, and inadequate provisions for key sectors.
Pawar, who hails from Pune district, was expected to introduce major reforms benefiting the city and state. However, critics argue that the budget lacks concrete measures to improve employment, social welfare, and economic growth. The Ladki Bahin Yojana, which was supposed to provide ₹2,100 per month to women, finds no mention in the financial plan. Similarly, the government’s pledge to recruit 25,000 women in the police force is absent.
The budget outlines an ambitious ₹15 lakh crore investment and the creation of 15 lakh jobs, but concerns persist over job creation viability as reports indicate a decline in the state’s production sector.
Activists also raised concerns over funding cuts for Scheduled Castes, with reports stating that allocations have been reduced by 50% over the last five years, despite claims of a 42% increase in development plans. The farming community also expressed disappointment, as the long-promised loan waiver has not been addressed in the budget.
Additionally, the Disabled Welfare Fund, which mandates 5% budget allocation, has received only 1% funding, leaving specially abled individuals feeling ignored. Unorganised laborers, farm workers, and daily wage earners have also been overlooked, with no concrete provisions for their social security.
Meanwhile, followers of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar have criticized the budget for failing to allocate funds for the Vijay Stambh Shaurya Smarak, a long-promised memorial. Community leaders plan to meet Ajit Pawar in Mumbai to demand necessary provisions in future supplementary budget allocations.
With a ₹1 lakh crore deficit, questions remain over how the government will secure funds for its proposed projects, further fueling doubts about the budget’s feasibility.
