Maharashtra to Reap Benefits from Union Budget Amid Rapid Urbanisation: Fadnavis
Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has expressed satisfaction with the Union Budget, terming it a strong and decisive step towards achieving the goal of a developed India. Speaking to the media after the budget was presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Fadnavis emphasized that growing urbanisation is a significant challenge for Maharashtra, and the budget's focus on planned urbanisation for cities with a population of more than five lakh will greatly benefit the state.
The Chief Minister highlighted the encouragement to industry and entrepreneurship, as well as robust measures for investment and employment generation, which lay a solid foundation for sustainable growth. An investment of Rs 12 lakh crore has been earmarked for the infrastructure sector, along with substantial allocations for agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, and irrigation.
Fadnavis also praised the proposal to create dedicated malls and industrial opportunities for women, following the success of the Lakhpati Didi initiative. The provision for hostels for girl students pursuing higher education in every district is also highly significant, he added.
The decision to start emergency medical services (casualty and trauma centers) in district hospitals is expected to give a major boost to the healthcare sector. Fadnavis noted that the Mumbai–Pune and Pune–Hyderabad high-speed corridors are expected to significantly enhance GDP growth. Each Growth Hub will receive ₹5,000 crore over a period of 5 years, benefiting the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Pune Metropolitan Region, and the Nagpur Metropolitan Growth Hub.
Maharashtra is set to benefit to the tune of Rs one lakh crore from the Union Budget. This includes Rs 6,103 crore for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed corridor, Rs 1,702 crore for the Mumbai Metro, Rs 462 crore for MUTP 3, and other projects. Fadnavis further stated that the Union Budget and the Free Trade Agreement with the European Union would provide a significant boost to Maharashtra, which is a leader in the manufacture of gems and jewellery, engineering tools, and textiles.
The state's rapid urbanisation and the budget's focus on planned development are expected to create a more sustainable and prosperous future for Maharashtra. The investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and women's empowerment are crucial steps towards achieving this goal.
