Budget 2023: Devendra Fadnavis delivers for Maharashtra
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis used a tablet to present the state Budget — a sign of the evolution of the state into ‘Magnetic Maharashtra’, poised to become a 1 trillion dollar economy. Fadnavis delivered a futuristic, forward-looking, and holistic Budget that focused on long-term growth. He announced schemes for the welfare of all sections of society, from women and backward classes to farmers, ensuring that they receive their due.
Devendra Fadnavis is a visionary who understands that any state can only grow when its cultural, religious, and historical identity is preserved. This ensures social cohesion and a sense of belongingness among citizens. By earmarking Rs 350 crore for the 350th year celebration of the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and setting up parks in major cities of Maharashtra that depict the life of the great Maratha king, Fadnavis has ensured that the message of bravery, dignity, welfare of all, and freedom by the great king will echo in public consciousness. Preservation of all forts associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is also a step in this direction.
Farmers in Maharashtra deserved a compassionate government, and Fadnavis proved to be a messiah for them in this Budget. His two major announcements include Re 1 insurance scheme for farmers and a Rs 6,000 annual assistance to farmers by the state government. This monetary assistance is besides Rs 6,000 given by the Centre, making the annual welfare payment to farmers Rs 12,000.
Insurance for crops ensures that in case of a natural calamity, if crops are destroyed, farmers will receive money as compensation, ensuring their survival. The Rs 12,000 annual welfare payment ensures that farmers have extra cash for their emergency needs. Organic farming is another thrust of the Budget, ensuring the preservation of the environment and reducing the usage of toxic pesticides, keeping in mind soil health and the health of citizens.
Women’s safety is a key theme of the BJP government at the Centre and the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi always emphasises welfare schemes for the upliftment of women. Devendra Fadnavis in Maharashtra has focused on this theme and announced multiple steps for women’s welfare. The reduction of 50 per cent in ticket prices in state transport buses, a program to monitor the health of women across the state, and an increase in the monthly salary of Anganwadi and Asha workers are key instruments of the state’s efforts to ensure the delivery of welfare schemes at the grassroots level.
Employment generation and harnessing of the demographic dividend is a key goal of the Shinde-Fadnavis government. For this, Fadnavis announced the creation of a new logistics hub in Nagpur, Nashik, Mumbai, Pune, Ratnagiri, and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. The Budget also has a provision for a skill development program in 500 village panchayats, along with the opening of government medical colleges in Wardha, Buldhana, Parbhani, Dharashiv, Sindhudurg, Satara, and many other districts of the state.
Environment conservation and the creation of a green economy are crucial in the context of creating a 1 trillion-dollar economy in the state. The global economy is moving towards industries that conserve the environment and are part of the green economy ecosystem. Towards this, Devendra Fadnavis has announced an investment of Rs 75,000 crore towards green hydrogen, green ammonia, solar, and wind energy projects in the state. There is also a provision for the installation of solar power units in 20,000-gram panchayats in the state.
(Abhishek Mishra is a spokesperson of BJP Maharashtra. Views are personal)
