Eye on polls, Maha budget targets thrust areas to achieve $1 Trillion economy (Lead)
Mumbai, Feb 27 (IANS) Eyeing the forthcoming parliamentary and Maharashtra Assembly elections, the MahaYuti Government presented its Interim Budget 2024-2025 with a strong focus on key areas to achieve a $1 Trillion economy. Deputy Chief Minister and Finance & Planning Minister Ajit Pawar proposed various measures to boost infrastructure, development, and welfare schemes.
As per the Interim Budget estimates, Rs 600,522 crore is proposed as total expenditure, with a revenue expenditure of Rs 508,492 crore and revenue deficit of Rs 9,734 crore. The budget aims to push for sectors like roads, railways, metros, power, ports, and airports. Dy CM Ajit Pawar announced progress on the Bullet Train Project and proposed an outlay of Rs 1.92 lakh-crore for next fiscal projects.
The Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC) will focus on projects in various sectors, including roads, railways, and power. The budget also allocates funds for departments like Rural Development, Home, Energy, Agriculture, and Water Resources. Relief measures for drought-affected areas were emphasized, with support provided to farmers facing crop losses.
Highlights for Mumbai include extending the Bandra-Versova Sea Link, Eastern Freeway, and funds for the Virar-Alibaug multi-modal corridor. Infrastructure projects like the Pune-Ring Road, Jalna-Nanded Expressway, and new railway lines were mentioned, along with development works at ports and fishing ports.
To boost job creation, the government plans to set up garment industry complexes and industrial units under the CM Employment Creation Program. Measures to promote exports, infrastructure development, and projects under the Amrit 2.0 Mission were outlined in the budget. The aim is to create jobs, enhance connectivity, and support economic growth in the state.
