Uddhav Thackeray Criticizes Maharashtra Budget, Welcomes Farmer Relief
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has criticized the Maharashtra state budget, calling it an election gimmick. He pointed out that the budget lacks schemes for youth employment and growth. However, he welcomed the relief measures for farmers.
Key Announcements in the Budget
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who also holds the finance portfolio, presented the budget during the Monsoon Session of the Maharashtra Assembly. He announced the ‘Mukhyanantri Majhi Ladki Bahin’ scheme, which will provide Rs 1,500 per month to women aged 21-60. This scheme is inspired by Madhya Pradesh’s Ladli Behna Yojana.
Other benefits announced include:
- Rs 5,000 per hectare bonus for cotton and soybean farmers.
- Rs 5 per litre bonus for milk-producing farmers.
- Increased monetary help in deaths due to animal attacks, with the next of kin receiving Rs 25 lakh instead of Rs 20 lakh.
- Three free cylinders per year for all households under the CM Anna Chhatra Yojana.
The Monsoon Session of the Maharashtra Assembly began on June 28 and will continue until July 12. This is the last legislative session before the state assembly polls, which will be held in the next four months.
