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Senior NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil criticised the Maharashtra budget, pointing out gaps in farm loan waivers, rural development, and social welfare allocations. While the state government announced a crop loan waiver of up to INR 2 lakh until September 2025, Patil said it falls short of the INR 5 lakh promised during the election. He also highlighted rising state debt, underfunded social and agricultural schemes, and the closure of rural schools amid large infrastructure loans. Patil urged the government to address AI-related challenges and inclusive growth concerns.
Senior NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil raised concerns in the Maharashtra assembly over the state budget, claiming it falls short on critical issues such as farm loan relief, rural development, and social welfare. He accused the ruling Mahayuti government of not fully delivering on promises made to farmers, particularly regarding loan waivers. Advertisement
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also handles the finance portfolio, had presented a budget of INR 7,69,467 crore earlier this week, announcing that Maharashtra aims to become a USD 5 trillion economy by 2047. The budget included a farm loan waiver scheme covering crop loans of up to INR 2 lakh for loans taken till September 30, 2025.
Patil noted that the chief minister had promised farm loan waivers of up to INR 5 lakh during the election campaign, but only INR 2 lakh has been waived so far. He added that many farmers, especially in Vidarbha, continue to face heavy debts. He also recalled that the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi government, in which the NCP (SP) was a partner, had launched a significant farm loan waiver programme in 2019.
Highlighting what he described as a contradictory approach, Patil criticised the government for closing under-populated Marathi medium schools in remote areas to save funds, while simultaneously taking on large loans for infrastructure projects. He also pointed out that Maharashtra's debt has surged from around INR 4 lakh crore to over INR 11 lakh crore in recent years, arguing that the budget focuses heavily on infrastructure but neglects farmers and social welfare.
Patil expressed concern over allocations for social welfare, agriculture, and dairy development. He cited underfunding in schemes such as the Matsya Sampada Yojana and measures for dairy farmers. The legislator also questioned the government's plans to manage challenges arising from technological changes, including potential employment losses due to artificial intelligence.
On economic performance, Patil claimed that Maharashtra is lagging behind states like Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu in terms of growth. Using GST and sectoral data, he noted that the state has slipped from its previous top position in economic rankings.
He stressed that while the government talks about inclusive growth, the budget fails to translate promises into actionable measures. Patil urged that fiscal discipline should not come at the expense of rural and social sectors. The debate over the budget is expected to continue in the coming days, with opposition leaders scrutinising allocations across different sectors.
Source PTI
FAQ
1. Who criticised the Maharashtra budget and why?
Senior NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil raised objections in the state assembly, arguing that the budget falls short on farm loan waivers, rural development, and social welfare allocations. He stated that promised relief for farmers and underfunded social schemes have not been adequately addressed.
2. What farm loan waiver was announced in the budget?
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a crop loan waiver covering loans up to INR 2 lakh for loans taken until September 30, 2025. Patil criticised this, noting it is below the INR 5 lakh waiver promised during the election campaign.
3. How has the budget addressed rural development and social welfare?
Patil argued that allocations for rural development, social welfare, agriculture, and dairy schemes remain insufficient. He highlighted underfunding in programmes such as the Matsya Sampada Yojana and concerns over rural school closures, pointing to a gap between infrastructure spending and grassroots support.
4. What are the fiscal concerns raised by Patil?
Patil noted that Maharashtra's state debt has risen sharply from around INR 4 lakh crore to over INR 11 lakh crore in recent years. He criticised the government for prioritising large infrastructure loans while neglecting the welfare of farmers and rural communities.
5. What economic comparison did Patil make?
Using GST and sectoral data, Patil claimed Maharashtra is lagging behind states like Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu in terms of economic growth, arguing that despite the government's goal of becoming a USD 5 trillion economy by 2047, current allocations fail to promote inclusive growth.
6. What further actions did Patil suggest?
He urged the government to strengthen rural and social sector support without compromising fiscal discipline. Patil also emphasised preparing for technological changes, such as potential employment impacts from artificial intelligence, and ensuring that budget promises translate into actionable measures for farmers and citizens.
7. What is the expected outcome of the budget debate?
The debate in the Maharashtra assembly is ongoing, with opposition leaders scrutinising sector-wise allocations and pushing for more support for farmers, rural communities, and social welfare programmes.
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