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Maharashtra

Loan waiver of Maharashtra farmers, Deficit state budget presented, memories of Deputy Minister Ajit Pawar fresh: Devendra Fadnavis

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Mumbai: On one hand, the Maharashtra Assembly resolved to boost the economy, while on the other hand, a deficit budget was presented in the absence of Finance Minister Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. State budget presented in Maharashtra Assembly today The budget of the state of Maharashtra for the year 2026-27 was presented in the Legislative Assembly today. State Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis presented this year’s budget. During this budget speech, the Chief Minister made two important announcements while reminiscing the memory of the late Deputy Chief Minister and former Finance Minister Ajit Pawar and paying tribute to him. Reminiscing the memory of Ajit Dada, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis became emotional while presenting the budget. On this occasion, Devendra Fadnavis highlighted Ajit Pawar’s contribution to the state’s economy. Ajit Dada is not with us today, but his relationship with the budget was very strong. He has presented a record 11 state budgets. A hardworking man was his true identity. The Chief Minister made the following two important announcements to appreciate the work of Ajit Pawar. A grand memorial will be built by the state government according to the personality and achievements of Ajit Pawar. Also, the ‘Ajit Pawar Gatimaan Nagari Samman’ award will be started for those who have shown excellence in administrative work and civic amenities. The Chief Minister said that this budget is being dedicated entirely to Ajit Pawar. Ajit Pawar was known for his discipline and work speed. This new award will be given to carry forward the legacy of his dynamic work. After this announcement, the members present in the House applauded the decision.

Loan waiver of Rs 2 lakh for farmers

Loan waiver was announced for the farmers of the state. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced this while presenting the state budget. Devendra Fadnavis has announced that this loan waiver is under the Panyabai Ahilyabai Holkar Farmers’ Loan Waiver Scheme.

Loan waiver of up to Rs 2 lakh has been announced for eligible farmers who have outstanding crop loans till September 30, 2025. It has also been announced that a concessional benefit of up to Rs 50,000 will be given to those farmers who repay their loans regularly.

Which farmers are eligible for loan waiver?

Farmers with outstanding loans of up to Rs 2 lakh
Only those farmers who have outstanding crop loans will be eligible.

The outstanding loans will be waived off till September 30, 2025.

Farmers who repay their loans regularly will be given a concessional benefit of up to Rs 50,000.

Key points for agriculture in the budget
Farmers’ crop loans up to Rs 2 lakh waived, eligible farmers will benefit till September 30, 2025. Farmers who repay their loans regularly will be given incentives of up to Rs 50,000. Farm workers will participate in the Gopinath Munde Accident Scheme. Five roads have been approved. More than 30 lakh farmers are being provided with weather and market price information.

The help of AIG is being taken in all four agricultural universities. This is helping to increase the income of farmers. The agricultural stake scheme is being implemented. 1 crore 31 lakh farmer identity cards have been created till February. Infrastructure will be created by increasing investment in four years.

Maharashtra Natural Agriculture Mission will start in the next two years. Gopinath Munde Scheme will now include farm workers on board. A special scheme will be implemented for women shepherds and goats.

Maharashtra Budget Revenue Deficit Reduced to 1%
This year, Rs 7,69,467 crore was allocated for expenditure in the budget. This year’s budget is facing a deficit of Rs 40,552 crore. The government has succeeded in keeping the fiscal deficit below 3% and the revenue deficit has remained below 1%. Special focus has also been given to Naxal-affected areas in this budget. An investment of Rs 2 lakh crore has been made in Gadchiroli. Vidarbha has also been given a better share in this budget. Devendra Fadnavis has presented a deficit budget in the House of Assembly. Along with this, concrete roads have been approved in the budget to connect village roads with development. Villages with a population of more than 1,000 will be connected with concrete roads. Waterways in Mumbai will be expanded by 340 km. Devendra Fadnavis also said that the number of passengers, which was 1.6 crore, will increase to 7 crore. This budget also claims 50 lakh employment opportunities in the state, along with many gifts to villages and cities. 30 lakh farmers will be provided with environmental information, which is sure to increase agricultural production. ID of 13.1 crore farmers will be completed by February. Maharashtra Natural Agricultural Production has been started in the next two years. The target is to develop a $50 billion center in Mumbai and Pune to connect Maharashtra with development.

Crime

47-Year-Old Custody Escapee Arrested In Virar After Tea Stall Dispute Raised Suspicion

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Mumbai: In a dramatic turn of events, a habitual offender who had escaped from police custody at the Colaba Sessions Court earlier this week has been arrested in Virar. The breakthrough came after a seemingly minor dispute at a local tea stall drew attention to his identity.

The accused, Harrison Anthony Joseph, 47, a resident of the Crawford Market area, had fled from police custody on April 7. He had been brought from Arthur Road Jail to attend a court hearing when he managed to escape within the court premises, raising serious concerns about security lapses.

Joseph is no stranger to law enforcement. Around 20 serious cases are registered against him across multiple police stations in Mumbai, including MRA Marg, Colaba, Wadala, Sewri, and L T Marg. His offences range from possession of weapons to involvement in a deadly assault.

The accused’s run came to an unexpected end in Virar West on Thursday morning. He was reportedly involved in an argument over payment at a tea stall located near a municipal ward office. His behaviour raised suspicion among Beat Marshal Dinesh Sanap and security guard Akshay Desai.

When questioned, Joseph failed to provide satisfactory answers, prompting officials to detain him and take him to Bolinj Police Station. During interrogation by Senior Police Inspector Prakash Kawale and PSI Navnath Kadam, he confessed to escaping from court custody.

Police officials confirmed his identity and extensive criminal record. Deputy Commissioner of Police Suhas Bavche stated that Joseph has a history of housebreaking and theft, along with offences under the POCSO Act. He had also been externed multiple times in the past, in 2007, 2012, 2019, and 2022.

Authorities are now investigating the circumstances that enabled his escape, even as they credit alert personnel for ensuring his swift arrest.

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Maharashtra

‘3-Hour Concert On 90th Birthday…’: Maha CM Fadnavis Pays Heartfelt Tribute To Ashatai, Recalls Her Passion For Music

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Mumbai: Legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle passed away at the age of 92 in Mumbai on April 12. According to Dr Pratit Samdani, Breach Candy Hospital, the singer died due to multiple-organ failure. The news of her death was also confirmed by her son, Anand Bhosle. News of her death has sent shockwaves across millions of fans, including Maharashtra leaders.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis paid an emotional tribute to legendary singer, remembering her lifelong dedication to music and calling her one of the greatest singers in the world. Recalling her immense contribution to music, Fadnavis said that on her 90th birthday, Asha Bhosle performed a three-hour concert, reflecting her extraordinary passion and unwavering commitment to the art.

He called her passing an irreparable loss not only to India but to the entire world of music.

While speaking to the media in Nagpur, he said, “This is a very sad time for music lovers in India and across the world. With the passing of Asha Tai Bhosle, India has lost its second great musical star after Lata Didi. From childhood until the age of 92, she devoted her entire life to music, serving it till her last breath. Whether classical, pop, or rock, there was hardly any genre or language in India in which she had not sung. Her contribution of over 12,000 songs in more than 20 languages is unparalleled. Her passing is an irreparable loss not only to India but to the entire world of music.”

He also added, “She served continuously till the age of 92. On her 90th birthday, she gave a three-hour concert. She is one of the best singers in the world.” 

With a career spanning over eight decades, Asha Bhosle, the younger sister of Lata Mangeshkar, was known for her versatility and has sung many memorable melodies, from romantic songs to ghazals to peppy numbers.

Among her most popular songs are ‘Abhi Na Jao Chhod Kar’, ‘In Ankhon Ki Masti’, ‘Dil Cheez Kya Hai’, ‘Piya Tu Ab to Aaja’, ‘Duniya Mein Logon Ko’, and ‘Zaara Se Jhoom Loon Main’, among many others.

Bhosle recorded over 12,000 songs in different Indian languages and has been the voice for many leading ladies, from Meena Kumari, Madhubala, Zeenat Aman, to Kajol, Urmila Matondkar and also South actors like Padmini and Vyjayanthimala.

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Crime

26-Year-Old Woman Found Hanging In Thane Hotel; Probe Underway

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Thane: A 26-year-old woman has been found hanging at a hotel in Maharashtra’s Thane district, prompting police to launch a probe into her death from various angles, officials said on Sunday.

The woman had come to the hotel located in the Ambernath area and was found hanging from a ceiling fan in a room there on Friday night, they said.

After being alerted by the hotel staff, police rushed to the spot and sent the body to a government hospital for a post-mortem, an official from Ambernath police station said.

The police have as of now registered a case of accidental death and are conducting a probe to ascertain whether it was a suicide or somebody killed her, he said.

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