Mumbai, March 6 Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Friday a loan waiver scheme for farmers, under which crop loans up to Rs 2 lakh until September 30, 2025, will be written off.
The Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Shetkari Karjmafi Yojna will benefit farmers, Fadnavis said, adding that there will be a Rs 50,000 incentive for other eligible farmers who make regular loan repayments.
Fadnavis made the announcement while presenting the state budget for 2026-27 in the assembly, becoming the first chief minister of Maharashtra to present the budget.
The Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana for women will continue, and will be adequately funded, Fadnavis said.
All villages in Maharashtra with a population of more than 1,000 will be connected by concrete roads, he said.
Maharashtra is the country's financial engine, and will become a USD 5 trillion economy by 2047, he said.
Fadnavis fondly recalled state finance minister Ajit Pawar, who passed away in an air crash in January. A fitting memorial will be set up for the late NCP leader, he added.
There were emotional scenes in the Lower House as Fadnavis stood up to present the budget. As he rose to begin the speech, members in the House raised slogans of 'Ajit Dada Amar Rahe', paying tributes to the late leader.
After Pawar’s death, Fadnavis has been holding the finance portfolio.