Maharashtra Budget 2026: Key Highlights and Educational Developments

Maharashtra Budget 2026 has brought to light several crucial developments in the state's educational and social sectors. According to the Economic Survey 2025-26, which was tabled in the state legislature, Maharashtra has over 1.45 crore students enrolled in 1.04 lakh primary schools. Additionally, there are 29,641 secondary and higher secondary schools with around 63.6 lakh students.

The survey noted a slight increase in the number of schools providing primary and upper primary education, from 1,04,499 in 2023-24 to 1,04,526 in 2024-25. However, the share of schools located in rural areas dipped marginally from 75.2% in 2023-24 to 75.1% in 2024-25. The ratio of primary schools per thousand children in the relevant age group stood at 10.1 in 2023-24 and declined slightly to 10 in 2024-25.

The percentage of girls' enrolment increased marginally from 47.7 in 2023-24 to 47.8 in 2024-25. The pupil-teacher ratio improved from 31.1 in 2023-24 to 30:1 in 2024-25, indicating a positive trend in teacher availability and student support.

The Economic Survey also highlighted the state's commitment to child welfare and nutrition through the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme. This scheme operates through 1,10,664 anganwadis across 553 child development projects in the state. The services provided include supplementary nutrition, immunisation, health check-ups, referral services, and pre-school education for children below six years, as well as for pregnant and lactating women.

The share of the child budget in the overall state budget rose from 12.9% in 2024-25 (revised estimates) to 13.3% in 2025-26 (budget estimates), demonstrating the government's prioritisation of child welfare and development.

In the area of women's welfare, the state has set up mechanisms such as fast-track courts and “Bharosa” cells, along with more than 1.19 lakh complaint redressal committees in government and private institutions to address crimes against women and workplace harassment. According to the survey, 50,350 crimes against women were reported in the state in 2025, compared with 46,320 in 2024 and 47,029 in 2023, underlining the need for continued efforts to strengthen women's safety and support systems.

The report added that the state government continues to implement a range of social welfare and development schemes aimed at improving health, education, nutrition, and social security outcomes across Maharashtra. These initiatives are crucial for the holistic development of the state and its population, ensuring a better future for all residents.