Instead, he told IANS, the budget proposals were announced after taking into account all legal and financial aspects and, above all, after the expected increase in tax revenue. He said through the budget the state government has reiterated its commitment and determination to increase growth and achieve the ambitious target of a $1 trillion economy.
IANS: The opposition has criticized the state government over the budget proposals calling them misleading and deceptive. What is your opinion?
Ajit Pawar: This is the false narrative of the opposition. I'm not new to all these things. This is my tenth budget and I have taken into account all the technical, legal and financial aspects. Due care has been taken in fiscal management, especially restricting revenue and fiscal deficit to the prescribed limit of 3 per cent of the gross domestic product of the State. It seems that the opposition's reaction stems from their fear of losing in the upcoming Assembly elections. The government is committed to effectively implement the budget proposals so that eligible beneficiaries benefit.
IANS: Women, youth, farmers, Muslims and Dalits, who voted against the Mahayuti in the general elections, have been given weightage in the budget. What is your comment?
Ajit Pawar: Maharashtra has achieved development by putting women at the centre, following the Shiv-Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar legacy of progressivism. It is our duty, as a government, to open the doors of opportunity to our sisters and encourage them. Keeping this aspect in mind, the government has proposed the comprehensive scheme 'Mukhya Mantri Mazi Ladki Bahin Yojana', to provide Rs 1,500 per month to eligible women between 21 and 60 years of age, for their overall advancement, including economic independence and self-sufficiency. , health and nutrition. The 'Mukhya Mantri Annapurna Yojana', which will provide three free gas cylinders per household annually, aims to provide clean fuel to reduce health problems among women.
To help struggling farmers, the government has proposed, among other things, free electricity of up to 7.5 horsepower for agricultural pumps with a provision of Rs 14,761 crore to be allocated for subsidies. Also, under the 'Mukhya Mantri Baliraja Vij Savlat Yojana', the burden of power bills of farmers due to use of pumps will be borne by the state government. This will benefit 44.06 lakh farmers. The government plans to give away solar pumps to 8.5 lakh farmers. The government is committed to supporting farmers at various levels, upholding the motto "Self-Reliant Farmers, Prosperous Farmers".
Various proposals for youth emphasize skills development and entrepreneurship, while financial support is proposed to make youth more competent and technology-savvy.
IANS: These plans will put an additional burden of Rs 96,000 crore on the Treasury at a time when it is estimated to have a revenue shortfall of Rs 20,051 crore and a fiscal deficit of Rs 1.10 lakh crore. Is there enough legroom for these expenses?
Ajit Pawar: The government has enough leeway to bear the additional burden. This is because the state expects tax revenue of Rs 4,19,972.28 crore in 2024-25 as against Rs 3,96,051.50 crore in 2023-24. Maharashtra has been leading in GST collection since its introduction in 2017. The state is expected to mobilize Rs 220,000 crore through GST (Rs 154,000 crore), VAT (Rs 62,500 crore) and the professional tax (3,500 million rupees). Additionally, the government expects higher collection of excise duty, stamp duty and registration fees and other taxes. The government is not compromising on fiscal management but is strictly adhering to various parameters.
IANS: Is it possible to achieve a trillion dollar economy?
Ajit Pawar: I am of the opinion that a government, an industry or an individual should aim high and take necessary steps to achieve it. The State has managed to maintain the debt within the prescribed fiscal indicators, achieving a balance between deposits and expenses. Keeping the financial health of the state strong is the policy of the government. Capital investment in the state is being increased to achieve a trillion dollar economy. The infrastructure projects will be completed timely through various public companies, special purpose companies and municipal corporations of the state.
IANS: The opposition has criticized the state government over the budget proposals calling them misleading and deceptive. What is your opinion?
Ajit Pawar: This is the false narrative of the opposition. I'm not new to all these things. This is my tenth budget and I have taken into account all the technical, legal and financial aspects. Due care has been taken in fiscal management, especially restricting revenue and fiscal deficit to the prescribed limit of 3 per cent of the gross domestic product of the State. It seems that the opposition's reaction stems from their fear of losing in the upcoming Assembly elections. The government is committed to effectively implement the budget proposals so that eligible beneficiaries benefit.
IANS: Women, youth, farmers, Muslims and Dalits, who voted against the Mahayuti in the general elections, have been given weightage in the budget. What is your comment?
Ajit Pawar: Maharashtra has achieved development by putting women at the centre, following the Shiv-Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar legacy of progressivism. It is our duty, as a government, to open the doors of opportunity to our sisters and encourage them. Keeping this aspect in mind, the government has proposed the comprehensive scheme 'Mukhya Mantri Mazi Ladki Bahin Yojana', to provide Rs 1,500 per month to eligible women between 21 and 60 years of age, for their overall advancement, including economic independence and self-sufficiency. , health and nutrition. The 'Mukhya Mantri Annapurna Yojana', which will provide three free gas cylinders per household annually, aims to provide clean fuel to reduce health problems among women.
To help struggling farmers, the government has proposed, among other things, free electricity of up to 7.5 horsepower for agricultural pumps with a provision of Rs 14,761 crore to be allocated for subsidies. Also, under the 'Mukhya Mantri Baliraja Vij Savlat Yojana', the burden of power bills of farmers due to use of pumps will be borne by the state government. This will benefit 44.06 lakh farmers. The government plans to give away solar pumps to 8.5 lakh farmers. The government is committed to supporting farmers at various levels, upholding the motto "Self-Reliant Farmers, Prosperous Farmers".
Various proposals for youth emphasize skills development and entrepreneurship, while financial support is proposed to make youth more competent and technology-savvy.
IANS: These plans will put an additional burden of Rs 96,000 crore on the Treasury at a time when it is estimated to have a revenue shortfall of Rs 20,051 crore and a fiscal deficit of Rs 1.10 lakh crore. Is there enough legroom for these expenses?
Ajit Pawar: The government has enough leeway to bear the additional burden. This is because the state expects tax revenue of Rs 4,19,972.28 crore in 2024-25 as against Rs 3,96,051.50 crore in 2023-24. Maharashtra has been leading in GST collection since its introduction in 2017. The state is expected to mobilize Rs 220,000 crore through GST (Rs 154,000 crore), VAT (Rs 62,500 crore) and the professional tax (3,500 million rupees). Additionally, the government expects higher collection of excise duty, stamp duty and registration fees and other taxes. The government is not compromising on fiscal management but is strictly adhering to various parameters.
IANS: Is it possible to achieve a trillion dollar economy?
Ajit Pawar: I am of the opinion that a government, an industry or an individual should aim high and take necessary steps to achieve it. The State has managed to maintain the debt within the prescribed fiscal indicators, achieving a balance between deposits and expenses. Keeping the financial health of the state strong is the policy of the government. Capital investment in the state is being increased to achieve a trillion dollar economy. The infrastructure projects will be completed timely through various public companies, special purpose companies and municipal corporations of the state.
