Mumbai, February 22 (). Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday said that the state government’s flagship scheme Girl Sister Scheme will continue. He dismissed opposition concerns over the future of the scheme and announced that the state budget for 2026-27 will be presented in the Assembly on March 6.
Addressing a press conference after the traditional tea meeting and cabinet meeting held on the eve of the budget session, Shinde said the Girl Child Scheme remains an important welfare initiative launched with the aim of providing support to women.
Under this scheme, eligible women beneficiaries get financial assistance of Rs 1,500 per month. Shinde said that this program has made significant contribution in women empowerment and it will continue.
He criticized opposition parties for raising questions on the continuation of the scheme and said the government was committed to welfare initiatives.
The budget session of the Maharashtra Assembly is scheduled to be held from February 23 to March 25, 2026, with the annual budget to be presented on March 6.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that he will present the state budget and said that financial transfers to Maharashtra from the central government have increased by Rs 20,000 crore.
Fadnavis also acknowledged the contribution of former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar in drafting previous state budgets and noted his experience and role in shaping fiscal policy.
Commenting on the boycott of the traditional tea meeting by the Maha Vikas Aghadi, Shinde criticized the opposition, accusing it of being divided and indulging in political protests instead of participating in legislative discussions.
Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar also recalled the contribution made by former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in presenting the state budget on several occasions.
Shinde reiterated that the government is focused on welfare measures and economic growth and expressed confidence that the upcoming budget will meet the needs of the citizens and strengthen the development of the state.
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