Maharashtra Department Schemes Update 2026 

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Policy Update
Arjya Shree Pande

Background  

Maharashtra, with a geographical area of 3,07,713 sq. km as the third largest state and a population of approximately 12.96 crore as of 2026 projections, (Technical Group on Population Projections, 2020) as the third most populous, is characterised by a long Arabian Sea coastline of about 720–840 km (Konkan region), the Western Ghats (Sahyadri range), the Deccan Plateau, sharp regional contrasts in rainfall and development, high urban concentration around Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, tribal concentration in districts such as Gadchiroli, Nandurbar and parts of the Sahyadri and Satpura ranges, and recurrent drought and water stress particularly in the rain-shadow Marathwada and parts of western plateau districts (Solapur, Ahmednagar/Ahilyanagar, Beed etc.). 

These structural features make effective welfare delivery and balanced regional development central to the state development strategy. 

In recent years, the Government of Maharashtra has strengthened monitoring of key welfare and development programmes through the Chief Minister’s Office and departmental dashboards. The Budget Speech of 6 March 2026 (presented by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis) outlined the roadmap under Viksit Maharashtra 2047, structured around four pillars they are – progressive, sustainable, inclusive and good governance, and aligned with the national Viksit Bharat vision.   

In the Maharashtra Budget 2026-27, the fiscal outlay (net expenditure, excluding debt repayment) is estimated at approximately ₹7.69 lakh crore, against a projected Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of ₹54.09 lakh crore (PRS Legislative Research, 2026). Delivery is anchored through Aadhaar-enabled Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), the extensive network of citizen service centres, state portals and integrated systems for scheme implementation and grievance redressal. 

MAHARASHTRA FLAGSHIP SCHEMES AND BUDGET UPDATE 2026, DEPARTMENT WISE LIST (39 DEPARTMENTS)  

Agriculture Department, Maharashtra 

  1. Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi Yojana (state top-up to PM-KISAN) 

Launch Year: 2023. 

This scheme is linked with the PM Kisan Portal scheme of the Central Government.  

Assistance: ₹6,000 from PM-Kisan and ₹6,000 from this scheme, together, farmers get a total assistance of ₹12,000 annually.  

Process: Money is sent directly to the bank account of the beneficiaries. 

 Budgeted – ₹6,060 crore in 2026-27. 

  1. Mukhyamantri Baliraja Mofat Veej Yojana (Chief Minister Baliraja Free Power Scheme) 

Launched in April, 2024.  

Free electricity for agricultural pumps up to 7.5 HP. Benefits >44 lakh farmers. 

2026-27 Budget: ₹23,000 crore (proposed). 

This covers 100% concession on electricity bills for eligible agricultural pump consumers (up to 7.5 HP). 

  1. Nanaji Deshmukh Krishi Sanjeevani Prakalp (Phase 2 / 2.0) 

Phase 2 (PoCRA 2.0) was officially launched in 2025–2026 financial year, following the original launch of Phase 1 in January 2018. 

Phase 2 planned investment ~₹6,000 crore over years. Supports value chains, FPOs, and climate adaptation. 

  1.  PMKSY – Per Drop More Crop (PDMC / Micro Irrigation) 

Launched on July 1, 2015. 

2026-27: Demand outlay ₹945 crore | Proposed/Outlay for budgeting ₹305.45 crore. 

Recent: Administrative approval for total programme ≈ ₹477.28 crore (Central share ≈ ₹286.37 crore + State share) for 2026-27 covering 96,044 beneficiaries.  

  1. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) and National Food Security Mission (NFSM) components 

Launch Year: 2007–08 (August 2007). 

2026-27: Demand ₹441.85 crore | Proposed ₹201.05 crore. 

Recent performance: Centre released ₹335 crore; State utilised >75% (≈ ₹260 crore), becoming the first state eligible for the second instalment of ₹335 crore (with State matching share ≈ ₹223 crore → total ≈ ₹558 crore available). Funds support micro-irrigation, mechanisation, organic farming, soil health, etc. 

2025-26: Outlay ₹238.15 crore | Anticipated ₹238.15 crore. 

2026-27: Proposed/Outlay for budgeting ≈ ₹118.73 crore. 

  1. State-sponsored Agricultural Mechanization Scheme 

Launched in the 2014–15 financial year. 

2025-26: Outlay ₹400 crore | Anticipated ₹400 crore. 

2026-27: Demand ₹440 crore | Proposed for budgeting ₹20 crore. 

Broader context (including central SMAM / RKVY mechanisation components): Record subsidy distribution of ≈ ₹1,121–1,126 crore in 2025-26 to ≈ 1.60 lakh farmers. 

  1. Maharashtra Agriculture-Artificial Intelligence Policy 2025-29 + AI / Digital Twin initiatives 

Approved by the state cabinet in June 2025, & expanded into structured implementation phases beginning in 2026. 

Earlier (2025-26 Budget context): ₹500 crore mentioned over two years for AI and advanced technology promotion in agriculture (crop planning, cost reduction, productivity, markets). 

  1. Mukhyamantri Baliraja Farm Roads Scheme (Mukhyamantri Baliraja Shet-Panand Raste Yojana) 

Launched in December 14, 2025. 

Approved around late 2025; full rollout in 2025-26 / 2026-27. Aims at all-weather motorable farm-to-field roads (Panand Raste) with 100% mechanised construction, royalty waiver on minor minerals, geo-tagging, and cluster-based tendering. 

Allocation: ₹1,000 crore reserved/earmarked in the Budget. Rate support ≈ ₹15 lakh per km for construction. 

  1. Horticulture schemes (MIDH, nurseries, citrus estates, etc.) 

Officially launched on April 1, 2014. 

Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH / NHM): Centrally sponsored (60:40 Centre: State). 

2025-26 AAP: Total ≈ ₹170.83 crore (Centre share ≈ ₹102.50 crore; State ≈ ₹68.33 crore). Administrative approvals and second instalments released (e.g., Centre ₹38.50 crore + State matching in one GR). 

Animal Husbandry Department, Maharashtra 

  1. Mukhyamantri Gramin Pashudhan Udyojakata Yojana (Chief Minister’s Rural Livestock Entrepreneurship Scheme) –  

Launch Date – 9 March 2026. 

Subsidy typically 50% (general) to 75% (SC/ST); prioritizes small/marginal farmers, women SHGs, etc. Includes components for fodder development and related support. GRs issued in early 2026. Proposed provision reported: ≈ ₹99.45 crore. 

  1. Veterinary Services & Animal Health  

Covers treatment, vaccination, disease investigation labs, bio-products, and infrastructure strengthening. 

Initially it was announced during the state budget session in 2017, with subsequent implementation rollouts  in January and April 2021. 

BE 2026-27: ≈ ₹1,109 crore. 

  1. Cattle & Buffalo Development 

The central framework overseeing cattle and buffalo breeding in Maharashtra was initiated with the establishment of the Maharashtra Livestock Development Board (MLDB) in 2002.  

Objectives – Breed improvement, artificial insemination . 

BE 2026-27: ≈ ₹208 crore 

  1. A-HELP (Pashusakhi) 

Launched in Maharashtra on March 12, 2024. 

Community animal health worker programme. 

Costs are embedded mainly under: 

101 – Veterinary Services & Animal Health (≈ ₹1,109 crore BE 2026-27) 

109 – Extension and Training (≈ ₹330 crore BE 2026-27) 

Co-operation, Marketing and Textiles Department, Maharashtra 

  1. Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Shetkari Karjmukti Yojana 2026 (Farm Loan Waiver) 

Launched in 2026. 

₹20,552 crore (supplementary demand, June 2026) Overall scheme outlay estimate: ₹36,585–40,980+ crore 

Highest component of the department’s ₹22,015.42 crore supplementary allocation. Disbursements ongoing (over ₹10,115 crore released to ~12.58 lakh farmers by late August 2026). 

Cultural Affairs Department, Maharashtra 

  1. Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Senior Litterateurs & Artists Honorarium Scheme 

The Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Senior Litterateurs & Artists Honorarium Scheme was officially renamed and restructured under its current title in July 2022, building upon the older “Vriddha Sahityik va Kalavant Mandhan Yojana” originally established in 1954–1955. 

Budget allocation – 2025-26 

Allocation shown: ₹1.508 crore. 

Covers scholarships for students of classical vocal and instrumental music + support to registered institutions working in classical music. 

Dairy Development Department, Maharashtra 

  1.  Vidarbha & Marathwada Dairy Development Project – Phase 2  

The second phase of the Vidarbha and Marathwada Dairy Development Project in Maharashtra was planned to start in September 2025 following the release of the first instalment of funds in late August 2025.  

Coverage: 19 districts of Vidarbha and Marathwada (2024-25 to 2026-27). 

Total project cost: ₹328.42 crore. 

State share / government support: ≈ ₹149–149.26 crore. 

Beneficiary contribution: ≈ ₹179.16 crore. 

Key components: Distribution of high-yielding milk cows/buffaloes; artificial insemination & embryo transfer; fodder development; balanced feed & fertility supplements; animal health support. 

Environment and Climate Change Department, Maharashtra 

  1. Majhi Vasundhara Abhiyan (My Earth Campaign) 

Launched in Maharashtra on October 2, 2020.  

Specific line-item outlay for 2026-27 under the department’s ~₹254.80 crore is not separately quantified in summarised public sources. Earlier editions funded awards and works partly via Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) resources and departmental grants. 

Finance Department, Maharashtra 

  1. Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladaki Bahin Yojana  

Monthly cash transfer of ₹1,500 to eligible women. 

Launched in June to August in 2024. 

2026-27 BE allocation: ₹26,500 crore. 

Fisheries Department, Maharashtra 

  1. Mukhyamantri Matsya Sampada Yojana —  

 Launched in May 9, 2025. 

Allocated ₹1,240 crore in the 2026‑27 budget, announced by CM Fadnavis to run alongside PMMSY. 

  1. HSD Diesel Sales-Tax Reimbursement — ₹147.78 crore.  

 Launch date is June 19, 2025. 

Single largest recurring line; refunds sales tax on diesel used by mechanized marine fishing boats. 

Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department, Maharashtra 

  1. Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) & National Food Security Act (NFSA) 

Officially implemented in Maharashtra on February 1, 2014. 

Allocation: ₹4,291.48 crore 

Details: It funds intra-state grain transport, handling costs, Fair Price Shop (FPS) dealer margins, and computerized supply chain infrastructure across the state’s shops.  

  1.   Shivbhojan Scheme 

Launched on January 26, 2020. 

Allocation: ₹160.00 crore  

Details: This specific allocation acts as a continuous subsidy to keep meal costs capped at ₹5 to ₹10 for the beneficiary at active urban and semi-urban distribution hubs.  

  1.  Anandacha Shidha (Festive Ration Kit Distribution) 

Launched on October 4, 2022. 

Allocation: ₹827.35 crore (Per active festive cycle) 

Details: Rather than a standard static budget item, this funding operates dynamically per phase. Each widespread distribution run (covering over 1.57 to 1.6 crore ration cards) pulls a dedicated allocation from state reserves to absorb the procurement costs of grocery items. 

Forest Department, Maharashtra 

  1. Amrutvruksh — 300 Crore Plantation Campaign (2026–2047) 

Launched its implementation phase on June 15, 2024. 

The department’s headline mission, a 21-year drive to plant 300 crore trees statewide, timed to the “Viksit Maharashtra 2047” vision. The 2026‑27 state budget carries a ₹300 crore allocation for the tree plantation drive under this campaign. 

General Administration Department, Maharashtra 

  1. Administrative Infrastructure & State Guest Houses Modernization Budget Allocation:  

Officially approved in August 2026. 

Allotted ₹295 crore under the Capital Outlay on Public Works and Secretariat Economic Services. 

  1. Chief Minister’s Fellowship Programme 

Launched on May 8, 2026. 

Budget Allocation: Apportioned ₹11.20 crore out of the central administrative contingency fund. 

Greater Mumbai Police, Maharashtra 

  1. Mumbai Police Housing Township Project Total Projected Project Outlay: ₹20,000 crore. 

Launch Date: January 17, 2026 

 Current FY 2026-27 Budget Allocation: ₹100 crore sanctioned as initial token funding. Financial Framework: 30% direct state government budgetary allocation and 70% institutional loans backed by state guarantees. 

  1. Mega Police Modernisation Scheme  

Total Approved Allocation:₹733.28 crore. 

Officially announced and approved on June 16, 2026. 

Financial Framework: 60:40 cost-sharing model, where the Central Government funds 60% and the Maharashtra State Government funds 40%. 

Higher and Technical Education Department, Maharashtra 

  1. Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Tuition Fee Scholarship Scheme 

Launched around 2017 – 18 

The Maharashtra State Budget 2026-27 allocated ₹322 crore to the Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Tuition Fee Scholarship Scheme, representing an 82.3% reduction from the previous cycle. 

Home Department, Maharashtra 

  1. Police Housing & Modernization Programme: ₹22,501.36 crore Mumbai Police Housing Mega Project: 

Approval Date: January 17, 2026. 

The state government cleared a massive ₹20,000 crore redevelopment master plan. This project revamps 75 aging police colonies to support 45,000 personnel.  

Police Personnel Housing Construction Advances: An additional ₹1,768.08 crore has been officially sanctioned specifically to clear housing loan advances for 5,459 individual state police applicants.  

  1. Traffic & Transport Safety:  

The ₹53,928 Crore Outlay: This is the total macro-allocation specifically designated for the Transport Sector in the 2026-27 state budget, managing roads, bridges, and multimodal connectivity. 

₹10.50 crore is set aside under direct state safety schemes, integrated tightly with the macro transport infrastructure and vehicle modernizing concessions totalling  over ₹53,928 crore. 

  1. MHADA Affordable Housing & Lotteries  

Launched on March 30, 2026. 

Total Institutional Budget: ₹17,430.73 crore allocated for its comprehensive annual operations.  

Core Construction Outlay: ₹10,585 crore explicitly earmarked to construct 13,012 brand-new affordable homes across regional boards like Mumbai, Pune, Konkan, and Nagpur. 

Regional Board Windows: Mumbai Board: ₹6,747 crore to target 2,538 city-centric flats. Konkan Board: ₹1,497 crore for 5,112 coastal area apartments. Pune Board: ₹664 crore deployed toward localized unit construction. 

  1. “Majhe Ghar, Majha Adhikar” & MahaAwas Fund 

Approval Date: May 20, 2025 

A landmark component of the revised State Housing Policy aims to build 35 lakh affordable homes within 5 years.  

Policy Capital: Supported by the expansion of the MahaAwas Fund to ₹20,000 crore to catalyse self-redevelopment and establish long-term land banks across the state. 

₹70,000 crore investment allocated for the comprehensive program. 

Labour Department, Maharashtra 

  1. Gopinath Munde Shetkari Apghat Suraksha Sanugrah Yojana 

Scheme launched on April 19, 2023. 

Budget Allocation: ₹120.00 crore  

Financial Focus: Covers insurance and ex-gratia compensation for farmers and newly expanded groups. 

Payout Structure: Disbursements provide ₹2 lakh for accidental death or major permanent disability, and ₹1 lakh for partial disability.  

  1. Maharashtra Kamgar Kalyan Mandal Schemes 

Launched on July 1, 1953. 

Budget Allocation: Funded through dedicated welfare cess mechanisms and integrated departmental grants within the ₹6,748.59 crore overall umbrella layout for the Industries, Energy, and Labour Department. 

Financial Focus: Distributed across community clinics, literacy funds, worker child educational stipends, and infrastructural grants for labour recreation centers managed by the Maharashtra Labour Welfare Board. 

Law and Judiciary Department, Maharashtra 

  1. e-Courts and Digital Justice – 

The e-Courts Mission Mode Project was nationally launched across India, including Maharashtra, in 2007 as part of the National e-Governance Plan. 

The transformation of sub-district and district-level judiciaries is guided primarily by Phase III of the e-Courts Mission Mode Project (2023–2027), backed by a unified nationwide allocation of ₹7,210 crore. For the current fiscal cycle, central pooling has maintained an annual flow of ₹1,200 crore. 

Maharashtra Cyber Department 

  1. State Cyber Security Project 

launched on October 11, 2024. 

Consumes the primary chunk of the ₹837 Crore baseline capital. It finances the foundational state-wide infrastructure and links all commissionerates. 

Marathi Language Department 

  1. Driver Language Training & Literacy Collaboration Allocated Budget: 

Formally rolled out on June 3, 2026. 

Funded via a ₹50 Crore Annual Dissemination Allotment & Regional Enforcement Pools. 

Details: The functional language check and training drives targeting transport operators, auto-rickshaws, and public taxi drivers are financed under the department’s dedicated ₹50 Crore annual budget for language dissemination. This covers training modules, translation setups, and coordination with local transport offices to issue QR-verified language proficiency clearances. 

Medical Education and Drugs Department, Maharashtra 

  1. Upgradation of Government Medical Colleges and Increase in MBBS Seats (started 2019-20) 

Infrastructure upgrades (faculty, lecture halls, labs, s, staff quarters, equipment) to increase MBBS seats and support EWS reservation. Cap typically ≤ ₹60 crore per institution (for ~50 seats). 

Centre share: 60% (₹539.9 crore overall reference); State: 40% (₹360 crore). 

2025-26 budgetary provision: ₹180 crore (disbursed figures cited as ~₹120 crore in related reporting). 

  1. Upgrading Existing District Hospitals and Starting New Medical Colleges (started 2014) 

Establishing new medical colleges attached to district/referral hospitals (≥200 beds, no existing college) to address manpower shortages. Requires detailed project report; State bears 40%. 

Centre: 60% (₹308.4 crore reference); State: 40% (₹205.6 crore). 

2025-26 provision: ₹263.4 crore (disbursed figures higher in some reporting, reflecting progress). 

Minority Development Department, Maharashtra 

  1. Skill Development Training Programme 2025-26 budgetary provision: 

Launched on October 9, 2025. 

Target: Trains 75,000 trainees every year across the state.  

Focuses on modern industry needs like electric vehicles (EVs), solar energy, drones, AI, additive manufacturing, and cybersecurity. 

₹151 crore under the relevant head. Funds are released in phases to training institutes for selected programmes. 

Motor Vehicles Department (R.T.O.), Maharashtra 

  1. Maharashtra Electric Vehicle Policy 2025 (effective 1 April 2025 – 31 March 2030) 

Aims to position Maharashtra as a leading EV hub. 

Key incentives: Purchase subsidies; 100% exemption from motor vehicle tax and registration fees for EVs registered in the policy period; 100% toll exemption for passenger EVs on key corridors (Yashwantrao Chavan Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Samruddhi Mahamarg, Atal Setu). 

Infrastructure: Charging stations every 25 km on state/national highways; VGF support for public chargers; R&D grants; Automated Testing Stations; digital battery passport. 

Financial commitment: Reports cite ~₹1,993–1,995 crore for subsidies, manufacturing incentives, and charging.  

Other Backward Bahujan Welfare Department, Maharashtra 

  1. Scholarship for higher studies abroad (VJNT, OBC & SBC) 

The Foreign Education Scholarship Scheme for VJNT, OBC, and SBC students in Maharashtra was initially approved and rolled out for implementation starting around the 2024–25 academic year, through the Other Backward Bahujan Welfare Department and managed via portals like the Maharashtra Government Foreign Scholarship Portal and MahaJyoti. 

Infrastructure Support: To complement foreign and local higher studies, the state specifically released targeted sub-allocations like ₹15 crore under the 2025–26 layout to construct and advance state-of-the-art dedicated student hostels. 

Planning Department, Maharashtra 

  1. District Annual Plan (DAP) 

The state established the Planning Department on September 1, 1972, which created District Planning and Development Councils (DPDCs) to formulate localized decentralized programs. The subsequent formalization and release of the district evaluation framework began functioning under the Fifth Five-Year Plan in 1974.  

2025-26: Approximately ₹20,165 crore. 

2026-27: ₹21,867 crore. 

  1. Employment Guarantee Scheme (EGS) wing / MGNREGS coordination 

The Employment Guarantee Scheme (EGS) in Maharashtra was initially piloted as early as 1965, officially sanctioned statewide by a government resolution in March 1972, and given formal statutory backing via the Maharashtra Employment Guarantee Act passed in 1977. 

Voted BE around ₹5,050 crore scale for related items in 2025-26. State share and coordination under Planning; full MGNREGS expenditure is shared (Central + State) and reported higher in implementation data. 

  1. Annasaheb Patil Economically Backward Development Corporation 

Established on November 27, 1998 by the Government of Maharashtra. 

₹750 crore budgeted for 2025-26 for implementation of schemes; ₹300 crore released/allocated in one reported tranche. 

Public Health and Family Welfare Department, Maharashtra 

  1. Integrated Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY) + Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) 

The Ayushman CAPF health insurance scheme was unveiled on 23rd January 2021, which was jointly introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs in association with the National Health Authority (NHA). The scheme offers Ayushman Bharat Yojana (AB PM-JAY) benefits to all current CAPF members along with their dependents, offering a cashless insurance cover of ₹5 lakhs per year per family in any PMJAY-empanelled hospitals in India.  

Economic Survey 2025-26: ~6.50 lakh beneficiaries and expenditure of ₹2,797.43 crore (2025-26 up to December).  

  1. National Health Mission (NHM) / National Rural Health Mission 

The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) was launched nationally  on April 12, 2005. 

Primary care, maternal & child health, disease control, infrastructure strengthening. 

Explicit 2026-27 allocation: ₹3,824 crore. 

Includes components such as District Mental Health Programme, RMNCAH+N, RBSK, immunisation, etc. 

  1. Ambulance procurement 

The rollout of Maharashtra’s major ₹1,600 crore to launch with MEMS 108 ambulance project began in November 2025. Implemented across five phased rollouts statewide. 

Supplementary demand references: proposal of ~₹96.85 crore; ₹25.10 crore (and later ₹25.25 crore) sanctioned via supplementary for purchase; process ongoing for hundreds of Type-B ambulances.  

  1. Medicine/equipment norms for PHCs/Sub-Centres 

The uniform national norms and guidelines for medicine and equipment in Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Sub-Centres (Health & Wellness Centres) follow the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS), which were initially launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, in 2012 and subsequently revised in April 2022 (with ongoing updates like the Ayushman Arogya Mandir essential drug lists released through July 2026).  

Within this, a focused allocation of ₹5,980.08 crore has been designated explicitly for strengthening public healthcare, expanding early disease detection networks, and establishing digital tracking infrastructure.  

Rural Primary Health Initiative: To enhance rural PHC utility, the state government announced a ₹4,500 crore disease detection initiative called the Pragati Yojana, which focuses on scaling up large-scale screenings for diabetes, cancer, and heart conditions at the grassroots level. 

Public Works Department, Maharashtra 

  1. Maharashtra Amritkaal Road Development Plan (2025–2047)  

Budget linkage: ~₹10,047 crore provision referenced in related 2026 discussions; 1,541 works approved with emphasis on regional balance. Supports broader PWD capital works. 

  1. Maharashtra State Road Improvement Project / Maharashtra Road Improvement Project (AIIB + NDB assisted) 

Officially approved and launched in 2026. 

External assistance: ~USD 1 billion each from Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and New Development Bank (NDB) in two phases. 

Total Funding: $2 billion total ($1 billion each from AIIB and NDB) 

Implementation Period: 3 years 

Phase 1 examples: ~USD 715 million per institution track (external ~USD 500 million + state share), covering ~750 km each via EPC mode. Strengthens connectivity for economic, industrial, and agricultural routes. 

  1. Mukhyamantri Gram Sadak Yojana (MGSY / Chief Minister’s Rural Roads Scheme) – Phase 3 

The Mukhyamantri Gram Sadak Yojana (MMGSY) Phase 3 in Maharashtra was approved and launched in16 March 2024. 

Target Scale: The state government sanctioned a total of 23,000 kilometres of rural roads for development and upgrade under this phase. 

Cabinet-approved (June 2026): ₹6,429 crore for ~3,500 km roads + bridges. 

Funding: AIIB loan ~USD 500 million (~₹4,500 crore, ~70%); state share ~₹1,929 crore (30%). Additional ~2,500 km via state resources. Loan terms include long repayment with grace period.  

Recent approvals included rural road projects worth ≈₹123 crore under PMGSY-IV for Maharashtra. 

2026-27: Approximately ₹13,651 crore allocated to Gramvikas  under the State Development Plan. 

Revenue and Forest Department, Maharashtra 

  1. Mass Tree Plantation / Afforestation Campaigns (Harit Maharashtra / related drives) 

Officially launched on July 1, 2016, with an initial target of planting 2.82 crore saplings on a single day. 

The initiative scaled up into consecutive yearly targets—planting 4 crore trees in 2017, 13 crore starting July 1, 2018, and concluding with a massive 33 crore sapling target in 2019. 

2025 (Harit Maharashtra – Samruddha Maharashtra Abhiyan): A fresh state-wide drive was executed with a target of 10 crore trees.  

February 2026 (Green Maharashtra Mission – 300 Crore Trees): The latest and largest phase launched in early 2026, aiming to plant 300 crore trees over a multi-year period stretching toward 2031–2047. On August 4, 2026, the Planning Department formally set up the “Maha Vriksha Lagwad Cell” to exclusively monitor this massive environmental campaign. 

2025-26 budgeted outlay under the scheme: ≈₹568.50 crore; funds released in instalments.  

  1. Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA / State CAMPA) 

The CAMPA was conceived following a Supreme Court order in 2002, but State CAMPA authorities were formally structured and institutionalized nationwide following the passage of the Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF) Act, 2016 and its rules coming into force on September 30, 2018. 

Annual Plan of Operations (APO) 2025-26: ≈₹1,202.90 crore (Compensatory Afforestation, Catchment Area Treatment, Integrated Wildlife Management Plans, NPV components, and interest components). 

  1. Project Tiger & Project Elephant (Centrally Sponsored) 

Project Tiger: Launched nationally by the Government of India on April 1, 1973.  

Project Elephant: Launched nationally by the Ministry of Environment and Forests in February 1992 as a centrally sponsored scheme.  

Central releases continue (example: first instalment of ≈₹23.73 crore under Project Tiger & Elephant for 2025-26 toward an approved programme of higher value).  

  1. Reserved Forest Survey, Settlement and Demarcation  

The Maharashtra government officially launched the implementation of its comprehensive field survey, demarcation, and settlement framework on September 5, 2025.  

2025-26 Budgeted: ₹148.50 crore (₹14,850 lakh). 

Released/Sanctioned examples: One major sanction of ≈₹6.2 crore (September 2025 GR) for boundary pillars, protection walls, chain-link fencing, and DGPS mapping across circles. 

  1. Bamboo Research/Training Centre (Chichpalli, Chandrapur), Maharashtra Bamboo Development Board (MBDB), and related bamboo industry support (aligned with Bamboo Industry Policy 2025) 

Maharashtra Bamboo Industry Policy 2025: Approved on October 15, 2025, with a financial outlay of ₹1,534 crore for 2025–2030 to establish 15 dedicated bamboo clusters and drive industrial growth.  

BRTC has been operational and offering state-recognized diploma courses since 2017. It further expanded its scope by receiving approval from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) for a 3-year standalone diploma starting in the 2026–27 academic year, alongside conducting regular artisan, furniture, and handicraft training programs through 2025. 

  1. Intensification of Forest Protection, Fire Management, and Related Works (often under CAMPA or CSS) 

Launched during India’s 10th Five-Year Plan (2002–2007) as the “Integrated Forest Protection Scheme”.  

It was subsequently revised, renamed, and expanded as the IFMS in 2009. In 2017, this CSS framework was revamped specifically into the Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme (FPM). 

State CAMPA APO 2025-26: ≈₹1,202.90 crore total includes protection, fire prevention/management components under NPV, interest, and mandatory activities; site-specific CA, CAT plans, Integrated Wildlife Management Plans.  

  1. Human–Wildlife Conflict Mitigation & Compensation 

The structured and statutory framework for the Maharashtra Payment of Compensation for Loss, Injury or Damage Caused by Wild Animals Act was formally enacted and brought into force in 2023 and officially gazetted and implemented in February 2024. 

Compensation Limits: Fatalities receive ₹25 lakh, permanent disabilities receive ₹7.5 lakh, and serious injuries are compensated up to ₹5 lakh. 

District-level examples (e.g., Kolhapur 2025-26): ≈₹13.7 crore disbursed in one district alone. 

Forest Department (2025-26 BE): Approximately ₹2,507 crore (contemporary reporting at Budget presentation time); Environment Department ≈₹245 crore.  

Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department, Maharashtra 

  1. Chief Minister Samruddha Panchayat Raj Abhiyan 

State award/incentive campaign for Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis & Zilla Parishads (launched for 2025-26). Cabinet approved annual provision for awards. 

~₹290.33 crore (awards/prizes at taluka/district/division/state levels). 

School Education and Sports Department, Maharashtra 

  1. Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) 

 Launched nationwide, including in Maharashtra, in the 2018–19 academic session. 

Integration: It merged three erstwhile schemes: Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), and Teacher Education (TE). 

Scope: It covers holistic school education from pre-school up to Class 12. 

2026-27 Budget provision: ₹2,608 crore (explicitly noted in sector analysis). 

  1. Right to Education (RTE) Act implementation / Fee Reimbursement Ongoing.  

The Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009 came into force nationally on April 1, 2010, with implementation and 25% quota admissions in Maharashtra beginning around 2011–2012 / February 2014. 

Recent action (June 2026 GR): ₹62.85 crore sanctioned for reimbursement of pending claims under 2026-27 funds, to be utilised by March 2027.  

  1. Free School Bags / Educational Materials for Students (Classes 1–8 in local self-government body schools) 

Launch Date: August 20, 2026. 

Target Group: Students studying in Classes 1 through 8 in local body/self-government run schools across Maharashtra. 

Objective: Reduce basic education expenses, ease financial burdens on families, and encourage regular student attendance. 

State initiative aligned with RTE and NEP 2020 goals. Administrative approval for ~₹174 crore proposal; ~₹165 crore sanctioned (recent GRs, 2026). Benefits ~41+ lakh students in local body schools.  

  1. Assistance to non-government colleges / aided institutions: 

The grant-in-aid and stepwise financial assistance framework for non-government and private aided educational institutions in Maharashtra traces back to policies formalized in 1989 and 1999, with major stepwise private school and college grant policies further expanded in 2009 and subsequent updates. 

₹10,128 crore allocated (2026-27) – significant support for salaries etc. in the broader education ecosystem. 

  1. Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN / Mid-Day Meal) 

The Mid-Day Meal Scheme (now renamed as PM POSHAN) was introduced in Maharashtra in 1995 (specifically implemented as dry rations in the 1995–96 academic year) following its national launch on August 15, 1995. 

Re-branded nationally by the Union Government in September 2021. 

Shifted to hot cooked meals following Supreme Court directives, though full rollout across every remote district took until September 2008. 

2026-27 – 

₹12,750 crore, latest Union Budget allocation. 

Social Justice and Special Assistance Department, Maharashtra 

  1. Maharashtra Startup, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Policy 

The Maharashtra Startup, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Policy 2025 was officially launched on August 6, 2025. 

₹500-crore Maha-Fund (or CM Mega Fund / Chief Minister’s Mega Fund for Entrepreneurship and Innovation); subsidised loans; incubation infrastructure; global startup exchange; 300-acre Maharashtra Innovation City. 

Additional elements: ₹200-crore venture fund; ₹100-crore fund with SIDBI (1:2 public-private structure). 

  1. Apprenticeship / Chief Minister-linked Youth Training / Apprenticeship Schemes (incl. Mukhyamantri Yuva Karya Prashikshan Yojana / CM Youth Training) 

Launched in 2024 (specifically on August 1, 2024). 

Target Group: Unemployed youth aged 18 to 35 in Maharashtra  

Eligibility: Minimum 12th pass, ITI, Diploma, Graduate, or Post Graduate  

Monthly Stipend:₹6,000 for 12th pass₹8,000 for ITI/Diploma₹10,000 for Graduates/Post Graduates. 

Reported budget provision/reference: Up to ₹5,500 crore associated with the scheme in some official/portal descriptions (for scale of training opportunities). 

Additional: ₹418 crore sanctioned via supplementary demands to continue the programme. 

  1. ITI Modernisation / Transformation under PM-SETU and Related Programmes 

The PM-SETU scheme was nationally launched on October 4, 2025, and its rollout in Maharashtra was approved by the state cabinet on January 27, 2026. 

Implementation Model: Hub-and-spoke model upgrading government Industrial Training Institutes with industry-led execution.  

Key Focus: Modern infrastructure, advanced engineering, electric vehicles, and electronics manufacturing. 

First-phase (clusters in Nagpur, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Pune): Total outlay ~₹242 crore over 5 years (hub-and-spoke model). 

Cost-sharing: Centre ~50%, State ~33% (≈ ₹98 crore for one cluster / approved state contribution), Industry ~17%. 

Broader ITI reforms supported by external funding: ~₹4,200 crore (ADB) + ~₹1,400 crore (World Bank) referenced for modernisation/alignment with industry needs. National PM-SETU is a large multi-year scheme (₹60,000 crore total nationally with 50:33:17 split). 

Textiles Department, Maharashtra 

  1. PM MITRA Park Amravati:  

Launched in 2023. 

Part of the central government’s initiative to set up seven PM Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel Parks to boost the domestic textile sector.  

Impact: Designed to support cotton farmers in the Vidarbha region and attract large-scale textile investments and employment. 

One of the seven central PM Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel Parks. Central scheme outlay is ₹4,445 crore nationally (2021-22 to 2027-28). State role is partnership/land/infrastructure facilitation. 

  1. Technical Textile R&D Outlay:  

Launched in March 2025. 

The comprehensive R&D outlays and infrastructure directives are embedded within the state’s Integrated and Sustainable Textile Policy (2023–2028). 

Six Technical Textile Parks: The policy mandates establishing six dedicated Technical Textile Parks across Maharashtra’s revenue divisions, requiring a minimum fixed capital investment of ₹400 crore per park. 

Linked to MTTM – ₹50 crore annual R&D outlay referenced for promotion of research, innovation, eco-friendly materials, and related activities. Broader policy support includes funds for technical textile parks (capital subsidy up to ₹250 crore for parks meeting criteria of min. 10 units, ₹400 crore FCI, etc.). 

Tourism Department, Maharashtra 

  1. Destination & Circuit Development Plan: 

Launch  Year: 2026 (May) 

₹2,500 crore total allocation dedicated to expanding the 5 existing major regional circuits (Pune, Nagpur, Coastal Mumbai, Nashik, and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar) into 100 localized sub-circuits.  

Per-Circuit Allocation: ₹25 crore assigned to each individual sub-circuit over a multi-year execution timeline.  

Broader Investment Target: Mobilizing ₹1,00,000 crore in cumulative private-public capital investment by 2034 to create 18 million (18 lakh) jobs. 

  1. MTDC Golden Jubilee Initiative 

The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation Limited (MTDC) marked its Golden Jubilee (50 years) in 2025, having originally been incorporated on January 20, 1975. 

Total Project Outlay: ₹250 crore dedicated to modernising and upgrading 50 key tourist destinations. 

Constituency-Level Distribution: ₹5 crore allocated to each participating constituency/spot to develop targeted tourist amenities. 

  1. Public-Private Partnership (PPP) & Financial Targets Private Capital Target:  

It was approved by the state cabinet on February 10, 2026, announced in the state budget on March 6, 2026, and officially notified via Government Resolution (GR) on March 5, 2026. 

Operates on a pooled foundational budget allocation of ₹200 crore. 

Tribal Development Department, Maharashtra 

  1.   Providing Basic Facilities Within Villages In Rural Areas As Suggested By Hon. People’s Representatives 

Formally launched in March 27, 2015.  

Complementary Central/State Infrastructural Boost (2025–2026): For structural Gram Panchayat works directly tied to governance infrastructure, the Maharashtra government approved ₹324.28 crore for the construction of 500 new digital ready Gram Panchayat buildings (under a 60:40 Centre-State shared split). 

Central Finance Commission Untied Grants: Maharashtra recently received single-tranche releases of over ₹410 crore to ₹717 crore specifically for rural sanitation, water management, and location specific infrastructure gaps. 

Combined provisions for infrastructure development at the village level total ₹467.88 crore.  

  1. Tribal Road and Bridge Development:  

The core infrastructure scheme dedicated to tribal road and bridge development in Maharashtra is the Bhagwan Birsa Munda Jodaraste Scheme, which was officially launched in 2023. 

Objective: The primary goal is to connect all remote tribal hamlets (padas) in 17 tribal-dominated districts of Maharashtra to perennial main roads. This ensures uninterrupted, all-weather access to primary health centers, market hubs, and ashram schools.  

Project Scope: The scheme covers the construction and upgrading of approximately 6,838 kilometres of roads. 

For the Bhagwan Birsa Munda Jodaraste Scheme, the government allocated an estimated project cost of ₹5,000 crore (₹50 billion) toward this infrastructure boost. 

State-level provisions earmark ₹600 crore for new road constructions and major road repairs in remote scheduled zones. Allocation: ₹600.00 crore total state-level outlay combining ₹400.00 crore for new road connectivity and ₹200.00 crore for ongoing road repairs/up gradation in hilly and remote tribal terrains (supplemented by local district-level provisions of ₹281.80 crore). 

Water Conservation Department, Maharashtra 

  1. Atal Bhujal Yojana: 

Launched nationally on 25 December 2019 

Covers water-stressed rural areas, specifically targeting hundreds of Gram Panchayats and villages across designated districts in Maharashtra. 

Objective: Improve groundwater management and promote community-led water budgeting. 

Central-state groundwater management scheme extended through March 2026 with a total revised outlay of ₹965.15 crore targeting critical and over-exploited blocks. This comprises ₹185.06 crore for institutional capacity building and ₹780.09 crore in performance-based incentive grants. 

Water Resources Department, Maharashtra 

  1. Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan 2.0:  

Launch Year: 2022 .Original Scheme (Phase 1): Launched on January 26, 2015. 

Core Objective: To make drought-prone villages water-self-reliant by deepening and widening streams, constructing cement and earthen stop dams, and removing silt.  

Key Focus in 2.0: Stricter regulations on groundwater mining, promoting crop diversification away from water-intensive crops like sugarcane, and encouraging drip irrigation. 

Focuses on comprehensive water conservation, drought mitigation, and groundwater recharge across thousands of micro-watersheds. Key investments including Rs 550 crore for Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan 2.0. 

  1. Marathwada Water Grid & River-Linking Projects: 

The Marathwada Water Grid project was first conceptualized and proposed in 2016. 

Objective: To supply stable drinking water and tackle cyclical drought conditions across districts like Aurangabad, Latur, and Beed. 

Diverts surplus basin waterto chronically arid regions. Rs 7,500 crore for Marathwada water grid and river-linking projects. 

Water Supply and Sanitation Department, Maharashtra 

  1. Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)Budget Allocation Strategy:  

Launched nationwide on August 15, 2019. 

Maharashtra Implementation: Maharashtra began rolling out its Annual Action Plans right after launch, targeting its over 1.4 crore rural households for 100% tap water saturation (Har Ghar Jal). Extension (JJM 2.0): The mission has been extended up to December 2028 with a restructured framework and enhanced national outlay. 

Funding operates on a 50:50 cost-sharing model between the Central Government and the State of Maharashtra. The expenditure is drawn directly out of the department’s ₹5,818 crore layout to complete remaining household connection grids. 

Women and Child Development Department, Maharashtra 

  1. Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana (flagship cash-transfer scheme) 

Approved on June 28, 2024, and officially rolled out in June and July 2024. 

Benefit Amount: ₹1,500 per month via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) 

Target Group: Eligible women aged 21 to 65 years in Maharashtra 

2026-27 BE: ₹26,500 crore. 

The Finance Department is the money provider. It controls the overarching state budget, officially sanctions the total funds needed, and releases the cash through the state’s budget distribution channels.  

The Women and Child Development Department is the nodal administrative department. They handle the management, maintain the portal, verify who is eligible, and run the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) systems to send the ₹1,500 to women. 

  1. Rehabilitation / auxiliary grant scheme for released (female) juvenile prisoners / probationers 

Originally launched in 1993. 

Originally introduced with a nominal amount of ₹1,000, it was significantly revamped and raised to ₹25,000 via a Government Resolution dated October 14, 2016. 

The grant amount was further doubled to ₹50,000 (effective August 18, 2026) and expanded to include individuals acquitted after spending at least one year in custody. 

Recent budget provision mentioned: ₹0.44 crore (₹44 lakh) for the relevant financial year. 

  1.  Saksham Anganwadi & POSHAN 2.0 / ICDS-related (nutrition, Anganwadi services, adolescent girls, Poshan Abhiyaan) 

Launch September 7, 2021. 

Financial Year 2026–27: The allocation was increased to ₹23,100 crore, marking roughly a 5% upward growth to step up child welfare infrastructure and nutrition programs nationwide. 

Conclusion 

The Maharashtra Budget 2026–27 presents a broad-based approach to development, balancing fiscal stability with investments in infrastructure, agriculture, education, employment and social welfare. With a total outlay of ₹8.34 lakh crore, which refers to the total overall budget outlay or gross expenditure allocation, the budget seeks to strengthen public service delivery and promote more inclusive and regionally balanced growth across all 36 districts of the state. Overall, its focus on economic expansion alongside welfare oriented spending reflects Maharashtra’s broader objective of sustaining growth while addressing the developmental needs of its diverse population. 

References  

  1. Agriculture Department, Government of Maharashtra. (2025). Namo Shetakari Mahasanmaan Nidhi Yojana. Maharashtra Plan Schemes Information Management System (MP-SIMS). https://mpsims.maharashtra.gov.in/MPSIMSWEB/schemePublicListAgriculture  
  1. Directorate of Municipal Administration, Government of Maharashtra. (2025). Urban welfare programs and local body assistance. https://mahadma.maharashtra.gov.in/en/home/  
  1. Directorate of Town Planning, Government of Maharashtra. (2025). Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR 2025). https://dtp.maharashtra.gov.in/ 
  1. Electronics, Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence Department, Government of Maharashtra. (2025). State IT policies and artificial intelligence promotion guidelines. https://it.maharashtra.gov.in/directory/ 
  1. Finance Department, Government of Maharashtra. (2025). State budgetary provisions and allocation policies for public welfare schemes (2025-26). https://finance.maharashtra.gov.in/en/ 
  1. Industries, Investment and Services Department, Government of Maharashtra. (2025). Chief Minister Employment Generation Programme (CMEGP). https://industry.maharashtra.gov.in/en 
  1. Labour Department, Government of Maharashtra. (2025). Social Security Code and welfare frameworks for unorganized labour. https://labour.maharashtra.gov.in/en 
  1. Planning Department, Government of Maharashtra. (2025). Decentralized planning framework and district plan formulation guidelines (2025-26). https://plan.maharashtra.gov.in/en/ 
  1. Public Health Department, Government of Maharashtra. (2025). National Health Mission (NHM) and Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana implementation. https://phd.maharashtra.gov.in/en/ 
  1. Public Works Department, Government of Maharashtra. (2025). Maharashtra Amritkal Road Development Plan and Performance Budget 2025-26. https://pwd.maharashtra.gov.in/en/ 
  1. Social Justice and Special Assistance Department, Government of Maharashtra. (2025). Mukhyamantri Vayoshri Yojana and SwDs post-matric educational scholarship. https://nashik.gov.in/en/scheme/mukhyamantri-vayoshri-yojana/ 
  1. Tribal Development Department, Government of Maharashtra. (2025). Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) budgetary allocation and welfare schemes (2025-26). https://tribal.maharashtra.gov.in/ 
  1. Water Supply and Sanitation Department, Government of Maharashtra. Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and rural clean water distribution frameworks (2025-26). maharashtra.gov.in 

About the contributor 

Arjya Shree Pande is a Research and Editorial Intern at IMPRI. She is currently pursuing a Masters in Sociology and Advanced Post Graduate Diplomas in Communication for Social Behaviour Change, technical support (UNICEF) and Global Politics. She is seeking analytical, policy, or programme oriented roles in international, governmental, or development settings where she wants her experience in research, behavioural insights, and governance expertise can be applied to evidence based decision making, public service delivery, and technology enabled social impact. 

Acknowledgments  

The author sincerely expresses gratitude to the reviewers ( Khushi, Divya N & Anamika P K ), IMPRI India and the editorial team for their valuable comments, constructive suggestions, and continuous guidance throughout the preparation of this article. 

Disclaimer 

All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation. 

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