Mumbai, February 23: Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced on Sunday that the state’s flagship initiative, the Girl Sister Scheme, will continue. He dismissed opposition concerns regarding the future of the scheme and confirmed that the 2026-27 state budget will be presented in the Assembly on March 6.
Speaking at a press conference following a traditional tea meeting and cabinet meeting on the eve of the budget session, Shinde emphasized that the Girl Sister Scheme remains a significant welfare initiative aimed at providing support to women.
Under this scheme, eligible female beneficiaries receive financial assistance of ₹1,500 per month. Shinde stated that the program has made a substantial contribution to women’s empowerment and will remain in effect.
He criticized opposition parties for questioning the continuation of the scheme, asserting that the government is committed to welfare initiatives.
The Maharashtra Assembly’s budget session will be held from February 23 to March 25, 2026, with the annual budget set to be presented on March 6.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that he will present the state budget and noted an increase of ₹20,000 crores in financial transfers from the central government to Maharashtra.
Fadnavis acknowledged the contributions of former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in preparing previous state budgets and highlighted 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, alleging that they are divided and engaged in political protests instead of participating in legislative discussions.
Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar also recalled the contributions made by Ajit Pawar in presenting the state budget on several occasions.
Shinde reiterated that the government is focused on welfare measures and economic development, expressing confidence that the upcoming budget will meet the needs of citizens and strengthen the state’s growth.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.