The Union Budget for the fiscal year 2024-25, presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has garnered widespread attention and commendation for its comprehensive approach to national development. The budget, marking the first of the third term under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is noted for its significant investments in infrastructure, education, and welfare.

Highlights of the Budget

Rs. 7,545 crores allocated for Maharashtra’s Infrastructure projects

The Union Budget has allocated a substantial Rs. 7,545 crores for various infrastructure projects across Maharashtra. This allocation aims to support both urban and rural development and includes:

- Vidarbha-Marathwada Drought Relief: ₹600 crores for irrigation projects.

- Rural Road Improvement: ₹400 crores.

- Economic Corridor Development: ₹466 crores.

- Sustainable Agriculture: ₹598 crores.

- Agriculture and Rural Transformation: ₹150 crores.

Urban Transport and Metro Projects:

- Mumbai Urban Transport: ₹908 crores.

- Mumbai Metro: ₹1,087 crores.

- Nagpur Metro: ₹683 crores.

- Pune Metro: ₹814 crores.

Industrial and Green Urban Projects:

- Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor: ₹499 crores.

- Mumbai Metropolitan Region Green Urban Mobility: ₹150 crores.

River Conservation and Revival:

- Nag-Nadi Revival Project: ₹500 crores.

- Mula Mutha River Conservation Project: ₹690 crores.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde: The 'Navratna' Budget

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde described the budget as a 'Navratna' budget, emphasizing its focus on nine key areas:

1. Farmers: ₹1.52 lakh crores for agriculture and allied sectors, promotion of natural farming.

2. Relief to Common People: New tax structure and tax relief measures.

3. Rural Development: ₹2.66 lakh crores for rural development projects.

4. Youth Employment: Creation of 50 lakh jobs, internship opportunities, and skill development training for 20 lakh youths.

5. Infrastructure: ₹11 lakh crores for infrastructure projects, including roads and metro systems.

Shinde expressed confidence that these measures will transform rural areas, strengthen urban infrastructure, and support overall development in Maharashtra.

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis: A balanced and future-oriented Budget

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis praised the Union Budget as a "balanced budget" that invests heavily in India's future. He emphasized the following points:

-Youth Employment: Introduction of a skill development program to train 1 crore youths, with financial support of ₹5,000 per month and ₹6,000 lump sum.

- Education Loans: Loans up to ₹10 lakhs with a 3% interest concession.

- Capital Investment: Record ₹11 lakh crores allocated for various sectors, including electricity and infrastructure.

- Tax Relief: Around ₹17,500 crores in tax relief for the public.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar: Visionary and public welfare Budget

Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar hailed the budget for its visionary approach and focus on public welfare. Key highlights include:

- Agriculture: ₹1.52 lakh crores for enhancing productivity and extending food security through the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana.

- Youth and Employment: ₹1.48 lakh crores for education, skill development, and job creation, including internships and industrial parks.

- Tax Relief and Consumer Benefits: Increased exemptions and deductions, along with reduced duties on essential goods.

Pawar expressed that the budget will fortify confidence in Prime Minister Modi’s leadership and support comprehensive development across various sectors.

Higher Education Minister Chandrakant Patil: Empowering education

Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil commended the budget for its focus on education:

- Education Loans: Introduction of loans up to ₹10 lakhs for higher education.

- E-Vouchers: Annual distribution of e-vouchers to one lakh students.

- National Research Fund: Establishment of a fund for basic research and model development.

- Innovation Promotion: ₹1 lakh crore funding mechanism for promoting innovation.

Patil highlighted that these provisions are designed to enhance educational opportunities and foster innovation, providing a new direction for higher education in India.