Changes on Tax Front & other Changes proposed in Maharashtra Budget 2019

Amendments in Tax Laws – Highlights and detailed explanation

(A) Goods and Services Tax.—Constant efforts are being made to facilitate business in the GST with a view of “ Ease of Doing Business ”.

(B) Maharashtra Settlement of Arrears of Tax, Interest, Penalty or Late Fee Ordinance, 2019.

1. The First Phase of Settlement Scheme will end on 31st July 2019 whereas, the Second Phase will end on 31st August 2019.

2. An amendment is done to bring clarity as to whether, the adjustment of tax would be towards undisputed tax or towards disputed tax.

3. Now the benefits of Amnesty would be available in respect of outstanding tax in the ratio of undisputed tax and disputed tax, proportionately.

4. To remove the ambiguity regarding availability of set-off under VAT Rules vis-a-vis tax paid under Entry Tax Act.

5. Self-assessment of amount of tax, interest, late fee payable or the penalty imposable under the Relevant Act is now provided.

6. Only the tax amount recommended by auditor in Form-704 and accepted by dealer is proposed to be undisputed. This will give relief in respect of interest and late fee.

7. The amendments shall be effective retrospectively with effect from 1st April 2019.

(C) Profession Tax Act

1. As per “ Ease of Doing Business” policy all enrollment certificate holders are allowed to pay profession tax upto the end of the respective year.

2. Provision for penalty in respect of enrollment holder for late registration is done away with. Instead of levy of fixed interest @ 1.25% is proposed.

(D) Maharashtra Value Added Tax Act

1. The refund claimed by the dealer in returns or as mentioned in audit report in Form-704, can be considered while transaction-wise assessments.

2. No need to file audit report in Form-704 for the dealers, having turnover more than Rs. 1 crore and tax liability of Rs. 25,000 or less in a year.

> Profession Tax Act :—

• All professionals, holding enrolment certificate are liable to pay profession tax every year in advance upto 30th June of the said year. As many of these enrolled persons also have employees, they are required to file periodic returns under the Profession Tax Act. Periodicity of such returns is dependent on their yearly tax liability and hence compliances are required frequently. Considering all these aspects, and in accordance with “Ease of Doing Business” policy, I propose that all enrolment certificate holders shall be allowed to pay profession tax upto the end of the respective year. I am sure that by this proposal all the professionals shall get relief. This amendment shall be applicable from 2019-20 onwards.
• As per the existing provisions, if any professional obtains enrollment certificate late, then penalty at rupees 2 per day can be imposed. Penalty can be unjust in such cases. Therefore, I propose to delete this provision regarding penalty for default in obtaining enrollment certificate. However, as discipline is necessary in tax compliance, I propose, in such cases, to charge fixed interest at the rate of 1.25% per month or part thereof.

> Maharashtra Value Added Tax Act :—

• As per the prevailing practice in the State Tax Department, the dealers are assessed either transaction-wise or comprehensively. Some dealers claim refund in their returns but at the same time data analysis undertaken by the Department, shows that there could be tax liability in respect of some transactions of such dealers. Very often, to avoid the production of all the books of accounts by dealers, such cases are selected for transaction-wise assessments, considering the tax liability, which also saves time of dealers. It is proposed to make changes in the VAT law so that the refund, claimed in returns or as mentioned in audit report in Form-704, can be considered even in cases, which are selected for transaction-wise assessments. Such returns or audit reports in Form-704 should have been filed upto 31st March 2019. Due to this proposal, the dealers, whose claim of refund in returns or as mentioned in audit report in Form-704 is more than the revenue risk determined by the assessing authority, can be granted remaining refund, after adjustment of dues. At the same time, demand shall be raised for the net tax liability from the dealers, whose refund claim in returns or as mentioned in audit report in Form-704 is less than the tax liability determined by the assessing officer. The grant of the said refund shall be subject to such conditions, restrictions and safeguards, as may be prescribed. I am proposing this amendment from 1st April 2005, so that the amended provision becomes applicable even for pending appeals.
• Dealers, whose turnover is more than rupees one crore, are required to get their accounts audited by a auditor and file an audit report in Form-704 with the department. As the honourable members of this August House are aware that on the introduction of GST, only six commodities are liable to VAT from 1st July 2017. Due to taxation at first stage on some goods, the tax liability of many dealers is very less or even nil, even though their annual turnover is more than rupees one crore. Considering these aspects, I propose that the VAT dealers, whose turnover in a year is above rupees one crore but tax liability in that year does not exceed rupees twenty five thousand, need not get their accounts audited by a auditor and need not file audit report in Form-704. This amendment shall be applicable from 2019-20 onwards. I am sure that this proposal would spare the compliance cost of most of the VAT dealers.

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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ADDITIONAL BUDGET SPEECH
DATED 18^TH JUNE, 2019
BY HONOURABLE MINISTER (FINANCE, PLANNING & FOREST)
SHRI SUDHIR MUNGANTIWAR

PART I

• An inclusive, progressive, employment oriented budget covering all constituents of the society including farmers, youth, women, divyang and deprived classes.
• A new scheme namely, Chief Minister Employment Generation Programme is going to be launched under New Industrial Policy, 2019
• Fifty Industrial parks will be built at taluka level for micro, small and medium industries.
• Government has decided to revive the Maharashtra Economic Development Council to achieve the goal of One Trillion USD economy for Maharashtra by 2025.
• An outlay of Rs. 100 Crores has been reserved to give grant to Khadi and Village Industries Board for strengthening of rural economy and traditional village trades.
• An outlay of Rs. 200 Crores for Self-employment Scheme for Widows, Abandoned and Divorcee Women.
• An outlay of Rs. 100 Crores for employment of women and youths belonging to minority communities.
• A Rs. 500 Crore Programme for creation of employment in Naxal-affected areas, Rs. 100 Crore to be provided this year.
• Skill Development Programme for the Students who have failed in 10th and 12th class exams.
• To strengthen the police force, recruitment for 4649 posts of police constables this year.
• Development of Dhangar community through 22 schemes on the lines of tribal schemes. Rs. 1 Thousand Crore outlay proposed.
• Rate of social assistance scheme raised from 600 to 1000 in Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Yojana and Shrawanbal Yojana. Widows with one child to get Rs. 1100 financial assistance per month and a widow with two children to get Rs. 1200 per month.
• 100 Crore for construction of houses for Divyang.
• An outlay of Rs. 100 Crore for holding various programmes for birth centenary celebrations of Lokshahir Anna Bhau Sathe.
• 200 Crore for OBC corporations.
• Construction of 36 hostels for OBC students.
• Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule Scholarship Scheme for girls in OBC category.
• Late Shri Vasantrao Naik Award to meritorious OBC students studying in 10th and 12th standard, Scheme for construction of Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar assembly halls, Jay Malhar Public Gymnasium and Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Memorial Museum.
• 50 Crore for Development of Pilgrim Places Shri Kshetra Kapil dhara, Taluka and District Beed, Shri Sant Sevalal Maharaj Poharadevi, Tal. Manora, Dist. Washim, Kunkeshwar and Angnewadi in Konkan, Sadguru Sakharam Maharaj, Amalner, Dist. Jalgaon, Nivrutinath Maharaj Muth, Tal-Trimbakeshwar, Dist-Nashik.
• Prajwala Yojana for legal awareness of women.
• Navtejaswini yojana to improve livelihood of rural women programme.
• “ Chullah free and Smoke free Maharashtra ” pilot project to be taken up.
• Assistance by Government through various schemes to farmers suffering from drought and scarcity.
• Provision of more than Rs. 12,597 Crore for Water Resources Department.
• Increase in the limit on grant given to farmers for micro irrigation. An outlay of Rs. 350 Crore.
• Gopinath Munde Shetkari Apghat Vima Yojana scope expanded to entire family, an outlay of Rs. 210 crore, insurance cover will be available to approximately 5.5 Crore people.
• 600 crore will be made available to four Agricultural Universities in the State for their development.
• Financial assistance for conservation and protection of Raigad fort and Shivshrushti Project.
• Additional Rs. 10 crore for Darpankar Balshastri Jambhekar Senior Journalism Sanman Yojana
• Honorarium for Kotwal increased by more than 50 percent and for the Kotwals who have crossed the age limit of 50 Years increase of by three folds.
• Memorial for Bharatratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Mumbai.
• 150 Crore grant for fundamental facilities to Sir J.J. School of Arts, Architecture and Applied Arts College.
• Special funds for the construction of building of High Courts and other courts, in the State.
• In the Budget 2019-20 revenue receipts are estimated at Rs. 3,14, 640.12 Crore.
• Revenue expenditure estimated at Rs.3,34,933.06 Crore.
• Revenue deficit will remain at Rs.20,292.94 Crore.
• New items in additional budget Rs. 1,586.55 Crore.

Highlights

(A) Goods and Services Tax.—Constant efforts are being made to facilitate business in the GST with a view of “ Ease of Doing Business ”.

(B) Maharashtra Settlement of Arrears of Tax, Interest, Penalty or Late Fee Ordinance, 2019.

1. The First Phase of Settlement Scheme will end on 31st July 2019 whereas, the Second Phase will end on 31st August 2019.

2. An amendment is done to bring clarity as to whether, the adjustment of tax would be towards undisputed tax or towards disputed tax.

3. Now the benefits of Amnesty would be available in respect of outstanding tax in the ratio of undisputed tax and disputed tax, proportionately.

4. To remove the ambiguity regarding availability of set-off under VAT Rules vis-a-vis tax paid under Entry Tax Act.

5. Self-assessment of amount of tax, interest, late fee payable or the penalty imposable under the Relevant Act is now provided.

6. Only the tax amount recommended by auditor in Form-704 and accepted by dealer is proposed to be undisputed. This will give relief in respect of interest and late fee.

7. The amendments shall be effective retrospectively with effect from 1st April 2019.

(C) Profession Tax Act

1. As per “ Ease of Doing Business” policy all enrollment certificate holders are allowed to pay profession tax upto the end of the respective year.

2. Provision for penalty in respect of enrollment holder for late registration is done away with. Instead of levy of fixed interest @ 1.25% is proposed.

(D) Maharashtra Value Added Tax Act

1. The refund claimed by the dealer in returns or as mentioned in audit report in Form-704, can be considered while transaction-wise assessments.

2. No need to file audit report in Form-704 for the dealers, having turnover more than Rs. 1 crore and tax liability of Rs. 25,000 or less in a year.

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ADDITIONAL BUDGET SPEECH
DATED 18^TH JUNE, 2019
BY HONOURABLE MINISTER (FINANCE, PLANNING & FOREST)
SHRI SUDHIR MUNGANTIWAR

Honourable Speaker Sir,

With your permission, I wish to present additional budget for the year 2019-20 to this august house.

In the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, a new Government has come into power at the centre with athumping majority under the leadership of Hon. Shri. Narendra Modiji. People of India have responded with enthuiasm and faith to the policy of “ Sabka Saath-Sabka Vikas-SabkaVishwas ” of the Hon. Prime Minsiter.

On 27th February 2019, I had presented Interim Budget of the State to the House.

We have been tirelessly trying for fulfillment of resolutions for contentment of people that have been mentioned in the budgets presented during last four years, in consonance with the said policy. Today I am presenting additional budget for the year 2019-20 before this august house. I wish to draw the attention of this House to the progress of important schemes being implemented by our Government, Department-wise resolutions and budgetary provisions to be made for the year 2019-20.

Relief and Rehabilitation

Assistance by Government through various schemes to farmers suffering from drought and scarcity by

1. The State has experienced drought, due to lower than average rainfall in kharip and rabbi seasons of 2018. Taking into consideration the scarcity criteria, drought situation was declared in 151 talukas of 26 districts in the State. Also, drought situation was declared in the 28 thousand 524 villages where rainfall was less than 750 mm in the revenue circles, rainfall was less than 75 percent of average and crop estimate was less than 50 paise.

A memorandum was sent to the Central Government for assistance considering loss of agriculture, scarcity of drinking water, fodder scarcity in the State. In response to that, the Central Government sanctioned substantial fund of Rs. 4 thousand 563 crore from National Disaster Relief Fund. Out of it, Rs. 4 thousand 249 crore have been actually received.

The State is firmly behind the farmers suffering from the severe drought. To fight this situation persistently, grant of Rs. 4 thousand 461 crore to the farmers in the 17 thousand 985 villages of 151 talukas in 26 districts and amount of grant has been credited to the bank accounts of 66 lakh 88 thousand 422. The Government has taken following decisions for the relief of farmers in the remaining villages :—

(1) Concession in payment of land revenues

(2) Restructuring of Co-operative loans

(3) Stay on recovery of agricultural loans

(4) 5% concession in current electricity bill of agricultural pump sets

(5) Waiver of examination fee for school and college students

(6) Relaxation in the criterion of works under Employment Guarantee Scheme

(7) Drinking water supply by tanker wherever necessary

(8) No disconnection of agricultural pump sets in the villages where scarcity has been declared.

Apart from this, benefit of the schemes applicable in the drought affected area will be given to the farmers in such area where there is drought but it was not possible to declare drought for technical reasons.

Measures in relation to drinking water scarcity

Scarcity Control Room has been set up in all Collector Offices for redress of drinking water scarcity. Powers for approval of tankers were delegated to Sub-Divisional Officer. Piped water supply schemes in the drought affected area, which were closed due to electricity arrears, were restarted by paying 5 % of electricity arrears from scarcity fund. A decision has been taken to pay regular electricity bills of water supply schemes in the rural as well as urban drought affected area for the period November, 2018 to June, 2019 from scarcity fund. Prescribed tender period for works under scarcity measures has been reduced. The rent for drinking water tankers has been increased. It was decided to supply water to fodder camps by tanker through scarcity funds. The rates of compensation for wells acquired for scarcity purpose were revised.A decision has been taken to consider the demand for drinking water based on present population in the villages, urban areas while taking measures under scarcity. Extension was given till 15th June 2019 for approval of special repair proposals of piped water supply schemes approved for the prevention of drinking water scarcity. As on 10th June 2019, 5 thousand 243 villages, 11 thousand 293 huts and settlements are being supplied drinking water through 6 thousand 597 tankers. 9 thousand 925 wells and bore wells have been acquired for drinking water supply and an approval has been given to 2 thousand 438 temporary water supply schemes and special repairs of piped waters supply schemes.

Fodder Camps.

On short term contract, to overcome the fodder scarcity, 29.4 lakh metric ton fodder has been produced on 30 thousand hectre galper. Due to this, intensity of fodder scarcity was reduced.

Upto 10th June 2019, 1 thousand 635 fodder camps have been started in the State wherein 11 lakh 4 thousand 979 animals have benefitted from fodder camps. For the first time, a decision has been taken to start fodder camps for goat and sheep.

The rate of subsidy for livestock in fodder camps has been increased. For big animals, rate of subsidy has been increased from Rs. 70 to Rs. 100 and for small animals, it has been increased from Rs. 35 to Rs. 50.

Samvad Setu.

Hon. Chief Minister had a dialogue with people representatives, sarpanches, officials, gram sevaks, talathis in 139 talukas of 22 districts on measures to overcome scarcity situation. 27 thousand 449 people representatives and officials participated in this dialogue. 884 sarpanches put forward their difficulties and registered their complaints related to drought on the whatsapp number. Instructions have been given to expeditiously resolve the complaints.

Artificial rain.

An approval has been given for artificial rain experiment by aerial cloud seedingto increase rainfall with the help of modern technology by taking advantage of favorable weather conditions in the 2019 monsoon season.

Assistance for redress of natural disasters.

For this purpose, total of Rs. 6 thousand 410 crore provision has been made in the budget. Additional provision will be made if necessary.

Agriculture and allied services

To increase the livelihood of the farmers, the Prime Minister has announced to double the income of the farmers by 2022. To fulfill this goal, the Government has adopted farmer centric policies in the past four years. To increase the farmers’ income, especially in drought affected areas, the Government has implemented special schemes of irrigation, soil and water conservation, agriculture, animal husbandry, dairy and fisheries.

2. Irrigation.

With a view to make available adequate irrigation facilities, additional irrigation capacity of 3 lakh 87 thousand hectare and 1 thousand 905 million cubic metre (67 TMC) water storage capacity has been created in the past 4 ¹/₂years through the Prime Minister Krishi Sinchai Yojana, Baliraja Jal Sanjivani Yojana and various irrigation projects. During the past 4 ¹/₂years, 140 projects have been completed which include Bawanthadi Major Project, Nandur Madhmeshwar Project, Dongargaon Project, Lower Panzara Medium Project and Upper Kundalika Project.

3. Pradhanmantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana.

26 incomplete projects from Maharashtra have been included in Pradhanmantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. The balance cost of these project is Rs. 22 thousand 398 crore, out of which Rs. 3 thousand 138 crore will be received as central assistance. The remaining amount is the state share.Due to Additional irrigation facility of 5 lakh 56 thousand hectare and 47 TMC water storage will be generated through this scheme. Five irrigation projects have been completed by March 2019 and 5 irrigation projects will be completed by June 2019. Remaining irrigation projects will be completed by December, 2020. Gosikhurd National Project is planned to be completed by December 2021. A substantial provision of Rs. 2 thousand 720 crore has been made for the financial year 2019-20 under the Pradhanmantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana.

4. Baliraja Jal Sanjivani Yojana.

Baliraja Jal Sanjivani Yojana has been started with the financial assistance from Central Government for timebound completion of irrigation projects in the suicide prone areas and drought prone areas. This scheme covers total 91 projects which include 83 minor irrigation projects, 3 major and medium projects in Vidarbh and Marathwada regions and 5 major and medium projects in rest of Maharashtra. The remaining cost of these projects is Rs. 15 thousand 326 crore out of which Rs. 3 thousand 831 crore of central funding will be received. The remaining amount of Rs. 10 thousand 213 crore is of State Share. An agreement has been signed for taking loan from NABARD, Infrastructure Development Assistance (NIDA) and Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) for these irrigation projects. A substantial provision of Rs. 1 thousand 531 crore for Baliraja Jal Sanjivani Yojana has been made for the financial year 2019-20.

5. The works of several irrigation projects were pending due to lack of revised administrative approval. During the past 4 ¹/₂years, revised administrative approval to 260 irrigation projects have been given so as to accelerate completion of these projects.

6. Piped Distribution Network.

In comparison with open canals wherein land acquisition is essential for construction of canals, by adopting “irrigation through Piped Distribution Network”, there has been saving on account of land acquisition cost.Works of pipeline distribution system have been proposed on 6.5 lakh hectare area in 109 irrigation projects, out of which, works on 59 thousand 412 hectares area are completed and works on 1 lakh 97 thousand hectares are in progress.

For the financial year 2019-20, provision of Rs. 12 thousand 597 crore 13 lakh 89 thousand is proposed for Water Resources Department. Additional funds, if necessary, will be made available for completion of Irrigation projects.

Soil and Water Conservation

7. Jalyukta Shivar Abhiyan.

Jalyukta Shivar Abhiyan is being implemented from December, 2014 through integrated action plan to overcome scarcity situation. Under this programme, it has been decided to make 25 thousand villages drought free in the next five years by taking up 5 thousand villages per year. During the period 2015-16 to 2018-19, out of selected 22 thousand 590 villages, all works,undertaken as per the water budget plan, have been completed in 18 thousand 649 villages. In these villages, 6 lakh 2 thousand soil and water conservation works have been completed and 26.90 TMC water storage capacity has been created. An expenditure of Rs. 8 thousand 946 crore has been incurred on this scheme.

8. Galmukta Dharan and Galyukta Shivar.

There is a proverb that “Gav kari te rav na kari”. For the removal of sludge in the dam and use it in the fields, Gal mukta Dharan and Galyukta Shivar scheme has been implemented through public participation. Under this scheme, 3.23 crore cubic metre sludge has been lifted from 5 thousand 270 reservoirs and 31 thousand 150 farmers have been benefitted.

For the year 2019-20, a provision of Rs. 3 thousand 182 crore 28 lakh 74 thousand is proposed for Soil and Water Conservation Department.

Employment Guarantee Scheme

9. Farm Ponds on Demand.

To create sustainable irrigation in the drought prone areas, Farm Ponds on Demand is a very important scheme. Under this scheme, farm ponds of 7 different sizes are allowed and grant upto Rs. 50 thousand is permissible to the beneficiary as per size of farm pond. Under this scheme, target of 1 lakh 12 thousand farm ponds was set. However, considering the huge response received to this scheme, works of 1 lakh 67 thousand farm ponds have been completed during the past four years through Farm Ponds on Demand and other schemes.

During the year 2019-20, a target to complete 25 thousand farm ponds has been set and Rs. 125 crore outlay is proposed for this purpose.

10. Implementation of State Convergence Plan under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.

The Government has decided to make convergence of various schemes of different departments with Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. Under this policy, the quality and productiveness of various assets created through various schemes will improve. An expenditure of Rs. 300 crore is expected on skill portion for 28 types of works to be taken up through convergence under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme which is proposed to be made available in the current year.

Agriculture

It is said that “Jithe Samruddha krishi, tethe rajyachi sarshi”. The role of agriculture sector in employment generation in the State is of immense importance. Over a period of time agricultural sector has witnessed structural transformation. The Government has given thrust on adoption of improved agricultural technology, agricultural processing, export of farm produce and agricultural allied industries. I draw your attention to some important provisions of Agriculture Department.

11. Micro Irrigation.

“Per drop more crop” is a need of the hour. Given the limited water resources, It is necessary to encourage farmers to adopt micro irrigation for maximum utilization of scarce resources. It is the intention of the Government to increase the limit on grant given to farmers for micro irrigation.

An outlay of Rs. 350 crore has been reserved for this purpose.

12. Setting up automatic weather forecasting stations.

A decision was taken to set up automatic weather stations at the circle level for better weather forecast. Out of 2 thousand 65 revenue circles, automatic weather stations in 2 thousand 61 revenue circles have been successfully completed. The works of setting up automatic weather stations in the remaining circles is in progress.

13. Prime Minister Fasal Bima Yojana and weather based fruit crop insurance scheme.

In the financial year 2017-18, Rs. 2 thousand 688 crore 81 lakh compensation has been sanctioned by insurance companies and credited to the bank accounts of 52 lakh 26 thousand farmers. In the year 2018-19, in the Kharip and Rabbi season, 1 crore 39 lakh 98 thousand farmers participated in crop insurance scheme and 83 lakh 27 thousand hectares area was insured. An amount of Rs. 3 thousand 397 crore 74 lakh was distributed by insurance companies to 23 lakh 5 thousand farmers in Kharip season. An arrangement for complaint resolution is being made where complaints have been received in respect of compensation.

14. Gopinath Munde Shetkari Apghat Vima Yojana.

Late Shri.Gopinathji Munde was backbone of farmers and workers in Maharashtra. With due respect to his commitment to the farmers, Gopinath Munde Shetkari Apghat Vima Yojana is being implemented with few modifications. In case of unfortunate death of a farmer, compensation to the limit of Rs. 2 lakh is given by the insurance company appointed by the Government. At present, insurance premium on behalf of approximately 1 crore 37 lakh farmers, whose names appear on 7/12 extract, is being paid by Government to the insurance companies. It is proposed to expand the scope of this scheme and give benefit of this scheme to the family of the farmer. Through this, insurance cover will be available to approximately 5.5 crore people. For this purpose, an outlay of Rs. 210 crore is reserved during the year 2019-20.

15. Agricultural Universities  and New Agricultural Colleges.

An amount of Rs. 600 crore will be made available to four Agricultural Universities in the State in the coming three years, at a rate of Rs. 150 crore to each university, for research and other infrastructure improvement facilities. An outlay of Rs. 200 crore has been reserved,at a rate of Rs. 50 crore for each university, for the year 2019-20 for these four agricultural universities.

To promote agricultural education in Chandrapur and Gadchiroli Districts, Government has decided to set up government agricultural college at Mool, Dist. Chandrapur under Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Agricultural University. An approval to establish Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Government Agricultural College at Mauje Halgaon, Tal. Jamkhed, Dist. Ahmednagar, government food technology college at Yavatmal and Krantisingh Nana Patil Food Technology College at Mauje Peth, Dist. Sangli has been given by the Government.

16. Chief Minister Agro Food Processing Scheme.

With a view to give boost to the food processing industry in the State, Chief Minister Agro Food Processing Scheme has been started from 31st October 2017. Under this scheme,46 projects have been approved.

17. Boost to Group Farming.

In 1970-71 average land holding size was 4.28 hectares. Due to population growth and division of land,the average land holding reduced to 1.4 hectares in 2016-17. Hence, to make farming financially viable, a scheme to promote “Group Farming” has been started in the year 2017-18. Under this scheme, grant upto Rs. 1 crore or 60% of project cost is made available. So far, 205 groups have been formed.This scheme has underlined the importance of collective farming. To encourage forming of more farmers’ groups, an outlay of Rs. 100 crore is proposed for the financial year 2019-20.

18. State of Maharashtra Agribusiness and Rural Transformation (SMART).

It is said that “Asel Bajarpeth tar FaydaThet” . In order to give farmers direct access to the market for their agricultural produce and make available all necessary infrastructure facilities in the value chain of sale of farm produce, State of Maharashtra Agribusiness and Rural Transformation (SMART) will be implemented with the help of World Bank. Through this project, it is aimed to create value chains of various crops by directly connecting farmers’ companies to the purchasing companies. This project approximately costs Rs. 2 thousand 220 crore.

19. Encouragement to cashew processing industry.

Maharashtra is leading state in cashew production. There is a great demand for cashews produced in the State in foreign countries. The country receives ample foreign currency through cashew exports. Since the processing industry is limited in comparison to the production, it is necessary to focus on processing industry. Considering this gap in requirement and to give boost to the cashew processing industry, it is proposed to give incentives to the cashew processing industry. In future Rs. 100 crore will be made available for expansion of cashew processing industry. This will benefit both, cashew producing farmers and processing industries.

Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Department

It is necessary to encourage the farmers to set up agro-based industries along with farming. The Government is implementing various schemes to give boost to the agro-based industries. I draw your attention to some of the important provisions of this department.

20. Grant to milk producing farmers.

To give better remuneration to the milk producing farmers in the State, it has been taken decided to extend a subsidy of Rs. 5 per litre for the milk. However, packaged milk is excluded from this scheme.,So far, 42 co-operative milk federations and private milk producers have benefitted under this scheme. Also grant of Rs. 50 per Kg has been given to milk federations and private milk processing industries to encourage export of milk powder. Under this scheme an amount of Rs. 474 crore 52 lakh has been distributed.

21. Setting up of  mobile veterinary clinics (Mukhyamantri  Pashuswasthya Yojana).

A decision has been taken to establish mobile veterinary clinics in remote, hilly, tribal area, in first phase,covering 80 talukas in the State. An expenditure of Rs. 16 crore 74 lakh is expected for this purpose.

22. Gowardhan Govansh Seva Kendra.

Under Gowardhan Govansh scheme an expenditure of Rs. 17 crore has been incurred so far. In the year 2019-20 the scope of this scheme has been expanded and it is proposed to give grant of Rs. 25 lakh to each Goshala, one Goshala in each revenue sub division. A provision of Rs. 34 crore 75 lakh has been made for this purpose.

23. Neelkranti.

Maharashtra is blessed with 720 km length of seashore.There is vast scope for development of fresh water fish and sea fish. Keeping it in mind, the Government is implementing various schemes which include modernisation of Sasoon dock,development fishing port at Karanja, Dist. Raigad, Crab, zinda, nautilus Fish Seed Production centre at Mauje Vagheshwar, Dist. Sindhudurg , setting up of Fisheries College at Pardi, Tal. Morshi, District Amravati, mobile vehicle to farmers’ groups for sale of fish on 90% grant etc.

24. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Shetkari Sanman Yojana, 2017.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Shetkari Sanman Yojana, 2017 is being implemented in the State. At present Rs. 24 thousand 102 crore have been sanctioned to 50.27 lakh account holders. With a view to give benefit of this scheme to more beneficiaries, the scope of this scheme is expanded and Khavti loan has been included in it. The Government is going to take decision shortly to give benefit of this scheme to those farmers who have become ineligible for technical or other reason. The Government is committed to make farmers debt free and in any case there will not be any shortage of funds for this scheme till the last eligible farmer becomes debt free.

25. Atal Arthasahay Yojana.

Under this scheme, financial assistance will be provided to the agricultural, non-agricultural innovative projects and agro-based projects from various cooperative institutions. Funds of Rs. 500 crore have been made available to finance these projects.

26. Bhavantar Yojana.

Grant of Rs. 112 crore 67 lakh has been distributed to 9 thousand 343 tur producing farmers and 130 crore 56 lakh to 96 thousand 611 gram producing farmers under Bhavantar Yojana. Grant of Rs. 114 crore 80 lakh has been distributed to 1 lakh 60 thousand 698 onion producing farmers. In the current year, additional fund of Rs. 390 crore will be made available.

Infrastructure Facilities

27. Road Development.

Path of prosperity passes through better roads. A road length of 2 lakh 99 thousand 446 Kilometer has been developed till today, which includes National Highways, State Highways, Major District Roads, Other District Roads and Village Roads.A target to construct 3 lakh 36 thousand 994 km. length roads has been set in Road Development Plan, 2001-2021.

28. Chief Minister Gram Sadak Yojana.

It has been decided to construct of 30,000 km length of road under Chief Minister Gram Sadak Scheme, at a cost of Rs. 18 thousand 150 crore. Administrative approval has been given to 7 thousand 284 works for construction of 29 thousand 76 km length roads and works of 8 thousand 819 km length roads have been completed. Balance works of length 20 thousand 257 km are under progress. A loan of Rs. 4 thousand 254 crore will be made available by Asian Development Bank for these works.

29. Samruddhi Highway.

Hon’ble Chief Minister had declared on 31st July 2015 in VidhanSabhato construct Nagpur-Mumbai express highway (Samruddhi Mahamarg) having length of 701 km. Samruddhi Highway will pass through 10 districts 26 talukas and 390 villages and an expenditure of Rs. 55 thousand 335 crore is expected on this project. The work of this highway has commenced on 1st January, 2019. This expressway is being constructed under 16 packages out of which work order have been given for 14 packages. The construction work is in full swing.

30. Improvement of Mumbai-Pune Expressway.

The length of Mumbai-Pune expressway is 94.5 km and this highway was opened for traffic in the year 2002. It is proposed to reduce the distance of Mumbai-Pune highway to cut time taken for transportation between two major cities i.e. Mumbai and Pune. An expenditure of Rs. 6695 crore is expected on the construction of this road and work is in progress.

31. Thane Creek Bridge-3.

An administrative approval for Rs. 775.58 crore has been given for construction of third bridge on Thane creek. This project is implemented through private participation and work is in progress.

32. Bandra-Versova Sea link.

The construction of Bandra-Versova Sea link and other related works are being done by Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation. The cost of this project is Rs. 11 thousand 332 crore 82 lakh. It is planned to complete this project within 5 years and work is in progress.

33. Sewri- NhavaSheva Mumbai Trans Harbour Project.

Mumbai Mahanagar Regional Development Authority has taken up Mumbai transharbour project having length of 22km. An amount of Rs. 17 thousand 843 crore is expected to be spent on this project. The work of this project has commenced in March 2018 and it is planned to complete this project till September, 2022.

For the financial year 2019-20 a provision of Rs.16 thousand 25 crores 50 lakhs 96 thousand is proposed for Public Works Department

According to 2011 census, the population of the state is 11 crores 24 lakh and the percentage of urban population is 45.2. There are 396 urban local bodies in the state. I am directing your attention to some important provisions of this Department.

34. Maharashtra Suvarnajayanti Nagorothan Abhiyan.

Maharashtra Suvarnajayanti Nagorothan Abhiyan is being implemented in all the municipal Council, Nagarpanchayti and D class municipal corporation areas of the state to create urban infrastructure. In this campaign, upto Rs.7 thousand 644 crore worth of 145 water supply, sewerage and road projects have been approved. In this campaign, upto Rs.2 thousand 200 crore worth of 40 projects have been completed and the remaining projects are in progress.

For the financial year 2019-20 a provision of Rs. 35 thousand 791 crores 83 lakhs 63 thousand is proposed for Urban development Department.

Energy department

35. Electrifying agricultural Pumpsets.

Considering the demand of farmers for agricultural pump electricity connection, 5 lakh 26 thousand 884 agricultural pumps have been energised in the last 4 years and 5 thousand 110 crore 50 lakh have been spent on this. For the year 2018-19,75 thousand agricultural pumps are aimed at connecting electricity and the expected cost will be Rs.1 thousand 875 crore.

36. Electricity tariff concession.

In the last four years, concessions worth Rs. 15 thousand 72 crores 50 lakh have been provided to the farm customers,Rs 3 thousand 920 crores 14 lakhs to powerlooms and Rs.3 thousand 662 crore 29 lakh to industrial consumers has been given.

37. High Voltage Distribution System.

The government has taken a decision and started implementation of commissioning the High Voltage Distribution system for reduction in distribution losses and supply of electricity to agricultural consumers with proper voltage. As it is beneficial to use high voltage distribution system for giving connections to the agricultural pump sets, a decision was taken last year to use this system for giving connections to the agricultural pump sets. Expected expenditure is around 5 thousand 48 crores 13 lakhs.

38. Establishment of new high tension substations.

A decision has been taken to expand the capacity of old sub stations and set up new sub stations with a view to modernise and expand electricity distribution system. Under this scheme, capacity of 493 substations and 212 substations has been increased.

39. Approval to the new power project at Koradi, Dist. Nagpur. 

39. An in principle approval has been given to set up thermal power generation project of 1320 mega watt capacity at Koradi, Dist. Nagpur. An expenditure of Rs. 8 thousand 407 crore is expected for this project.

40. One Trillion Dollar Economy.

While presenting the budget of 2018-19 it was stated to make economy of Maharashtra worth one trillion dollar (70 lakh Crores) till the year 2025. We are committed to words this goal. However to achieve this we will need cooperation from the common man, industrialist, farmer, trader, experts etc. Accordingly, it is necessary to take steps with proper planning. For that, advice and guidance from renowned economists, experts is required. The State Government has decided to rejuvenate the Maharashtra Economic Development Council. For this purpose, an outlay of Rs. 20 crore is reserved for the year 2019-20.

41. New Industrial Policy, 2019. 

New industrial policy of Maharashtra was declared on 7th March 2019. It aimes to generate 60 lakh new employment by attracting investment worth 10 lakh crore by making the State investment and production centre at world level. . Accordingly, a new scheme namely Chief Minister Employment Generation Programme is going to be started for promising youth in the state which will give encouragement to the self-employment. Under this scheme this year there is a plan to start 10 Thousand small industries and preference will be given to the women and SC ST entrepreneurs.

42. Micro, small and medium industries.

Micro, small and medium industries have more potential of employment generation compared to big industries. Considering this aspect, the Government is going to give impetus to micro, small and medium industries. The Government desires to create maximum employment. Under this scheme, industrial parks will be created at each taluka level for micro, small and medium industries. As a pilot project, it is proposed to create such parks in 50 talukas initially. Out of the total plots developed under this scheme, 30% plots will be reserved for women entrepreneurs. For the year 2019-20 an outlay of Rs. 300 crore will be reserved for this scheme.

43. E-auction of Minerals.

In the process of E-auction of major minerals, auction of 13 out of 16 mining fields received response till date. It is heartening to note that State conducted successful auction of 10 mining fields collectively first time in the country. Due to this auction, the State will receive additional revenue of approximately 3 thousand 562 crore. Also, employment opportunities will be created by way of large investment in the mining fields of Nagpur, Kolhapur, Ratnagiri and Chandrapur districts.

44. New Textile Policy.

The Government has declared new textile policy for the period 2018-23. Under this policy, concessional electricity tariff in the range of Rs. 2 to Rs. 3.77 per unit has been made applicable to cooperative and private yarn mills, knitting, hosiery, garmenting along with power looms. For this expenditure of 540 Crore will be required.

In the past four years, Rs. 367 crore 83 lakh have been distributed on account of interest subsidy on long term loan to textile projects in the State. Also, Rs. 180 crore 89 lakh have been given as 10% assistance to textile units.

45. Revision in the financing pattern for the benefit of cooperative yarn mills.

A decision has been taken to revise the present financial assistance pattern of 10:30:60 for cooperative yarn mills and make it as member’s contribution 5%, Government equity 45% and debt 50% (5:45:50) to give boost to the cooperative textile industries.

46. Gaothan Settlement Project.

It is necessary that more and more maps and surveys are available for proper tax assessment, construction approvals in the gaothan area. A period of approximately 36 months is required for measurement of gaothans in the State with the help of drone or other latest technology. Under this project, GIS mapping of 39 thousand 733 villages will be done for which an expenditure of Rs. 374 crore is expected.

47. Construction of Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar assembly halls.

The Government has decided to construct assembly halls in 61 villages in the memory of Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar. Out of 61 villages, 57 villages have been provided with an amount of Rs. 35.64 crore. More such assembly halls are proposed in the current financial year. Also it is proposed to set up Jay Malhar Public Gymnasium and Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Memorial Museum.

48. Development of Pilgrim Plakhes.

50 crore have been reserved for creating fundamental facilities for the benefit of pilgrims at following pilgrim plakhes in the State: Shri Kshetra Kapildhara, Taluka and District Beed, Shri Sant Sevalal Maharaj Poharadevi, Tal. Manora, Dist. Washim, Kunkeshwar and Angnewadi in Konkan, Sadguru Sakharam Maharaj, Amalner, Dist. Jalgaon. Nivrutinath Muth Tal-Trimbekeshwar, Dist-Nashik. Further funds will be made available as per need.

49. 150th Birth Anniversary of Rashtrapita Mahatma Gandhi.

This year the country is celebrating 150th Birth Anniversary of Rashtrapita Mahatma Gandhi. Various programs will be organized to convey his ideas to the youth in the country and world. Various programs will be organized by Central Government, State Government and jointly by both the Governments on the occasion of 150th Birth Anniversary of Rashtrapita Mahatma Gandhi to convey his ideas to the youth in the country and world. An outlay of Rs. 150 crore has been reserved for this purpose.

50. Strengthening of Rural Economy.

Gandhiji had made appeal to Indian people to go to villages to make villages self sufficient. On his 150th birth anniversary it is our resolve to bring his appeal in reality. Accordingly, Government desires to strengthen rural economy. It is necessary to strengthen 12 balutedar e.g. Potter, Fisherman, Gurav, Cobbler, Matang, Oilman, Barber, Washerman, Gardener, Mahar, Blacksmith, Carpenter who are major factors of rural economy. Accordingly it is planned to incentivize small industry, cottage industry through Maharashtra State Khadi and Village Industries Board. An outlay of Rs. 100 crore has been reserved to give grant to Khadi and Village Industries Board.

51. It will be proper on the occasion of 150th anniversary of the Mahatma Gandhi to strengthen the institution which is the pillar of the Panchayti raj System. The honorarium of Sarpanch will be increased and outlay of Rs.200 Crore is proposed.

52. Pradhanmantri Awas Yojana.

As per the figures of SECC the eligible beneficiaries under Pradhanmantri Aawas Yojana are 12 lakh 39 Thousand 908. During the period 2015-16 to 2018-19, 5 lakh 78 thousand 109 beneficiaries have been sanctioned houses under this scheme out of which 4 lakh 21 thousand 329 houses have been constructed. Remaining 6 Lakh 61 Thousand 799 beneficiaries will also be covered in a planned manner.

Under Pradhanmantri Awas Yojana, a target has been set to construct 19 lakh 40 thousand houses till 2022 and currently 26 lakh citizens have registered themselves under this scheme. During the period 2016-17 to 2018-19 number of sanctioned houses is 11 lakh 8 thousand 810. Implementing agencies have been distributed funds of Rs. 1 Thousand 386 Crore 68 Lakh for construction of houses till date.

53. Homes for Handicapped Persons (Divyang).

Divyang person is an indivisible part of the society. The Government will construct homes for Divyang persons with more than 80% handicap to enable them to live respectfully. For this purpose, an outlay of Rs. 100 crore has been reserved.

For the financial year 2019-20 a provision of Rs. 7 thousand 197 Crore 68 Lakh 34 Thousand is proposed for Housing Department.

54. Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation.

State Transport is operating for years as Lifeline of rural Maharashtra. “ Gav Tethe S.T ” is the tag line of the State Transport Corporation which has connected 91.7% of the villages in the state through rural air-conditioned and urban public transport. Maharashtra State Transport Corporation provides concessions in fares to students, senior citizens, cancer patients, Freedom Fighters etc. Maharashtra State Transport Corporation has 578 bus stations. In the last 3 years, 129 bus stations have been proposed for modernization, out of which 39 works have been completed. 70 bus station works are in progress. For renovation work an expenditure of Rs.136 Crores 51 Lakh has been incurred.

55. Modernisation of Bus Stations at Pilgrim Centres.

While visiting the pilgrim plakhes motivated by devotion, a person tries to get gratification from religious tourism as well. Many times inconvenience at these plakhes reduces his pleasure. The Government desires to transform bus stations at such plakhes into bus stations with all facilities to compliment devotion with gratification. For this purpose, an outlay of Rs. 100 crore has been reserved for the year 2019-20.

56. Bus purchase. 

56. A decision was taken to provide funds to Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation for purchase of 700 Buses and in the financial year 2018-19, funding of Rs. 50 Crores has been made available to the Corporation. In the financial year 2019-20, a grant of Rs. 160 Crores will be made available.

57. Water supply to Marathwada region through integrated grid.

Since last several years Marathwada region has faced drought periodically. The Government has intention of taking permanent measures in this regard. With the use of Integrated Grid System it is possible to overcome the water scarcity for drinking water, agriculture and Industry. Accordingly, money is being made available.

Higher and Technical Education

58. Higher  Education

Books are eyes of human development. An amount of Rs. 5 crore has been made available for digitization of books to Asiatic library, which is fostering the rich heritage of library tradition of Maharashtra. Government is transforming the 8 government recognised public libraries into e-libraries.

59. Teacher Training Program.

In order to update the educational methodologies and technical competence of teachers in institutions associated with higher education it is proposed to train 50000 Teachers in next five years. An outlay of 10 crore is being made for the financial year 2019-20.

60. Late Shri.  Bal Apte, Centre for  studies in Student and Youth Movement.

Approval has been accorded to establish Late Shri. Bal Apte, Centre for studies in Student and Youth Movement, in Mumbai University, for study of students movement. A decision has been taken to give “Late Shri. Vasudev Gaitonde Art Life Achievement Award” to honor renowned and senior artists who have given significant contribution in the field of visual arts. Necessary funds will be made available for this purpose.

61. Grant for fundamental facilities to  Sir J.J. School of Arts, Architecture and Applied Art College.

Sir J. J. School of Arts, Architecture and Applied Arts is having three colleges situated in one complex. All these three colleges, while giving shape to the expression of talented artists, have shaped a generation of great artists. Many legendary names can be taken in this series. A mention of Padmashri Shri. Ram Sutar, who has created an ideal benchmark in art by erecting Statue of Unity of Lohpurush Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on the banks of Narmada, has to be made with honor. A decision has been taken to give funds of Rs. 150 crore for upgradation of facilities at these colleges that have given a noteworthy contribution in creating such great artists. Out of this, an outlay of Rs. 25 crore has been reserved for the financial year 2019-20.

School Education

62. Transformation of Regional and Districts Sports Complexes.

It is necessary to give boost to sports development, to emphasize the importance of healthy and efficient life as well as physical fitness in the minds of youth and elderly people. For this, it is of upmost importance to create necessary sports facilities in regional and district sports complexes. The Government desires to implement special policy for creation of facilities of international level for enabling the sportsmen in Maharashtra to win medals in the 2024 Olympics and bring laurels to the country. For this, it is proposed to spend Rs. 300 crore out of which Rs. 150 crore will be made available in the current year.

The Government intends to develop stadium of international quality at Walunj, Tal. Gangapur, Dist. Aurangabad and set up a state level sports university at Karodi, Dist. Aurangabad.

Medical Education

63. New Medical  Colleges.

An approval has been given to construct new medical colleges at Chandrapur, Gondia and Jalgaon from 2016-17 academic year. Funds of Rs. 614 Crore 67 Lakh are required for the construction of hospital and college building of Government Medical College at Chandrapur. Funds of Rs. 448 Crore 70 Lakh are required for construction of college and hospital building of Government Medical College at Gondia. Funds of Rs. 458 Crore 85 Lakh are required for construction of college and hospital building of Government Medical College at Jalgaon. Funds of Rs. 1522 Crore 23 Lakh are required for construction of all these three colleges.

For the financial year 2019-20, provision of Rs. 3 Thousand 980 Crore 87 Lakh 12 Thousand is proposed for Medical Education and Drugs Department.

Public Health

64. Implementing   Pradhanmantri Jan Arogya  and Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana jointly in the State.

The state is jointly implementing central government‘s Pradhanmantri Jan Arogya Scheme along with the on going state scheme, Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana. Pradhanmantri Jan Arogya Yojna has been implemented in 83 Government hospitals since 23rd September 2018. This Scheme covers 83.72 Lakh beneficiaries while State scheme covers 2.23 Crore beneficiaries. This scheme is implemented in 60:40 ratio. Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojna covers 971 diseases while Pradhanmantri Jan Arogya Yojna covers 1300 diseases. For the financial year 2019-20, provision of Rs. 10 Thousand 581 Crore is proposed for Public Health Department.

Social Services

65. Niradhar Anudhan  Yojana and Nivruttivetan Yojana.

Our Government is giving top priority to the welfare of weaker sectors such as, handicapped (Divyang), widows, divorced and abandoned women. The amount of pension paid to Divyang under Shrawanbal Seva State Pension Scheme and Sanjay Gandhi NiradharAnudan Yojana will be increased.

The financial assistance which elderly, homeless, handicapped, widows etc. are getting currently under Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Anudan Yojana and Shrawanbal Yojana will be increased from Rs. 600 to Rs. 1000.

It is proposed to give financial assistance of Rs. 1100 to the widows having one child and Rs. 1200 who are having two children. For this purpose, additional yearly financial burden of Rs. 1 Thousand 500 Crore is expected.

66. Implementing program of  De-addictionin Wardha, Gadchiroli and Chandrapur Districts.

Wardha district where Mahatma Gandhi was residing is the first district in Maharashtra where prohibition is implemented. Currently, Wardha, Gadchiroli and Chandrapur districts are having prohibition of liquor. To implement the program more effectively in these districts, an outlay of Rs. 50 Crore is being reserved for the year 2019-20.

67. Lokshahir Anna Bhau  Sathe BirthAnniversary.

An outlay of Rs. 100 crore has been reserved for organizing various programs in the State on the occasion of birth anniversary of Lokshahir Anna Bhau Sathe who had highlighted the miseries in life of common people through his literature.

68. Grant to  Voluntary Institutions.

A decision has been taken to increase the grant given for nutritional diet of students and others in aided institutions under Social Justice, VJNT, Women and Child Development Department and Tribal Development Department from Rs. 900 to Rs. 1500 and grants given to HIV affected resident students has been increased from Rs. 990 to Rs. 1650.

69. Self-employment Scheme for Widows,  Abandoned and  Divorcee Women.

Many times the financial distress in the life of widows, abandoned and divorcee women becomes unbearable. It is the responsibility of the society to give support to these women and make them self-sufficient and independent. With this view it is planned to prepare self-employment scheme and make available an outlay of Rs. 200 crore in the first year for this scheme.

For the financial year 2019-20, a provision of Rs. 12 Thousand 303 Crore 94 Lakh 34 Thousand for Social Justice and Special Assistance Department.

VJNT, OBC and SBC

70. Grant to  OBC Corporation.

It has been decided to make available funds of Rs. 200 Crore to Maharashtra State Other Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation on the lines of Annasaheb Patil Financial Development Corporation for the benefit of OBC beneficiaries.

71. Hostels for OBC Students.

An approval has been given to start 18 hostels for boys and 18 for girls totaling 36 hostels in OBC category. For this purpose an outlay of Rs. 200 Crore has been reserved in the year 2019-20.

72. Scholarship Scheme.

It has been decided to implement scholarship scheme in the name of Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule for girls in OBC category studying in 5th to 10th standard. Under this scheme, Rs. 60 per month for girls studying in 5th to 7th standard and Rs. 100 per month for girls studying 8th to 10th standard will be given as scholarship. Total 2 Lakh 20 Thousand girl students will get benefit of this scheme through DBT.

73. Late Shri. Vasantrao   Naik Award to meritorious OBC students  studying in  10th and 12th  standard.

It has been decided to honor meritorious girls and boys among OBC students ranking first in the 10th and 12th examination from State and Division with a cash award of Rs. 1 Lakh and 51 Thousand respectively

74. Special program for development of Dhangar community.

The Government is committed to all round development of the Dhangar community who have been away from mainstream for all these years. The Government intends to implement 22 schemes for development of Dhangar community on the lines of tribal community. It is proposed to make land available for sheep husbandry for landless Dhangar families or insurance for sheep and financial assistance on grant basis for purchase of land. Scheme for students deprived from hostel admission, Swadhar scheme for meritorious students, admission in renowned English medium schools in the city, scholarship schemes for foreign education etc. is under consideration. Apart from this, it is the resolve of the Government to bring Dhangar community in the mainstream by constructing 10 thousand homes in the first phase for homeless persons in this society and making available some other special facilities. For this purpose, funds of Rs. 1000 Crores will be made available.

This provision will be met from general scheme and will have no impact on the funds reserved for tribal community.

For the financial year 2019-20, a provision of Rs. 2 Thousand 814 Crore 71 Lakh 18 Thousand is proposed for VJNT, OBC and SBC department.

75. A.P.J. Abdul  Kalam Amrut  Ahar  Yojana. 

Balanced diet is being given six times a week to pregnant women and lactating mothers in tribal area and 1 lakh 52 thousand women are getting benefit of this scheme every month. 8.37 lakh children are being provided with eggs, bananas four times a week under nutritional diet program. Every year approximately Rs. 140 crore are spent on this scheme.

76. Shabri  Adivasi  Gharkul Yojana.

During the past four years 36 thousand 181 beneficiaries have been given grants amounting to Rs. 524 Crore 34 Lakh for houses under Shabri Adivasi Gharkul Yojana.

In last four years Rs.777 Crore have been spent under Thakkar Bappa tribal wasti Sudhar Yojna.

In schedule areas of the State, Gram Panchayatare given 5 percent untied funds under tribal sub plan. From year 15-16 onwards Rs.787 Crore have been given directly to 2880 Gram Panchayat by the Government.

Today 53000 students are taking education in recognized residential schools. A provision of 350 Crore is made every year.

In the state, Government Hostels provide free accommodation, food and other educational material to 56,338 students. An expenditure of Rs.500 Crore is made every year.

For the year 2019-20 and outlay of 10 Thousand 705 Crore has been proposed.

77. Employment  for Minority women and youth.

In order to provide various employment opportunities to women and youth from minority community an outlay of Rs.100 Crore is proposed for the purpose of skill development program and other employment related equipment’s. Further a new ITI has been opened at Malegaon, Dist. Nashik with a student capacity of 450 and having two batches each for 10 vocations.

Women and Child Development

78. Prajwala Yojana.

In order to create awareness regarding legal matters, social and financial knowledge among the members of women SHGs, it is proposed to implement the scheme via Maharashtra Women Commission.

79. Navtejaswini Yojna.

The Government has taken a decision to implement Navtejaswini Yojna in order to improve standard of life and their entrepreneurship skills which will in turn help them to progress further. Under this program 365 organizations were created which helped empowerment of rural women. Navtejaswini Gramin Livelihood development is an ambitious program of 528 Crore. This can uplift 1 Lakh families from poverty. The state will receive loan worth 335 Crore from IFAD. Through this scheme the movement of 5 lakh, SHGs will be accelerated and all the initiatives related to women empowerment will get effectively implemented.

80. In order to strengthen the Police force permission has been given to fill 18,922 vacant posts of police constables. Similarly 4,649 posts have been approved for this year. To prevent and to put an end Naxal activity in the state modern weapons, instruments and technologies will be used simultaneously Police will be provided with necessary facilities and powers by implementing Integrated Program. Necessary funds will be made available.

81. Women  Safety  Initiative Program.

A decision has been taken to implement this scheme for a period of 3 years in order to provide permanent and long term measures for safety of women and in order to eliminate crimes and atrocities against Women. For this Rs.252 Crore expenditure is expected.

82. CCTNS Project.

The Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System is being implemented all over the Country on a Mission Mode. This project provides 14 Services through online portal and 10 Services through Mobile Applications, to the citizens. For this Project expenditure of Rs.110 Crore is expected. Recurrent expenditure is expected to be 50 Crore.

83. E-Chalan Project.

In order to implement E-Chalan project in the State, sanction worth Rs. 59 Crore has been given. This project is being implemented in 32 cities of the State.

84. Security of pilgrims at Shirdi.

Shirdi receives lakhs of pilgrims every year from different states and foreign countries. It is proposed to implement a pilot project for providing services of international standards with regard to security by coordination of home, urban development, transport and Shirdi Sanshtha. Similarly the concept of tourism police will be implemented in the district of Sindhudurg, Aurangabad and Nagpur besides Shirdi and Mumbai. Necessary funds will be provided.

85. Security  Guard Training Center at  Sawantwadi.

Maharashtra State Security Guard Corporation has approved a training centre at Sawantwadi in Sidhudurg District. This will provide security related training to recruits of the corporation.

For the financial year 2019-20 allocation of Rs.21 thousand 706 Crore 21 lakh has been proposed for the Home, Transport, Port, Prison and Excise Department.

86. Increase in Honorarium for Kotwals. 

Kotwal is the back bone of rural Revenue System. Honorarium for Kotwal has been increased by more than 50 percent and for the Kotwals who have crossed the age limit of 50 Years the Honorarium has been increased by three fold. The Social security measures related to health, accident and pension have also been extended to them. A decision has also been taken to reserve 40 percent of posts in category “D” under the Revenue Department, for them. For this required funds will be made available.

87. Stamp  Duty Amnesty Scheme.

In cases where appropriate stamp duty has not been paid in respect of certain transfer documents there is a provision to impose penalty at rate of 2 percent per month. In order to provide relief to the housing society and flat owners, a decision has been taken to provide 90 percent waiver in the penalty amount.

88. Permission to convert  Nazool Land into Free Hold in Nagpur and Amravati Divisions.

A decision has been taken to give Ownership Rights of the said lands situated in Nagpur and Amravati Divisions given under auction or on lease, to the concerned owners.

89. Special  Employment Program In Naxalaffected Areas. 

In the Naxal-affected areas of Gadchiroli, Chandrapur and Gondia it is proposed to implement a special skill development program which will help to provide employment to the Youth in Naxal-affected area. This will enable the youth to desist from such activities. For this purpose during next 3 Years Rs. 500 Crore will be made available. For the year 2019-20 an outlay of Rs.150 Crore is being proposed.

90. Skill Development  Program for the Students who have failed in 10th  and 12th class.

The 10th and 12th class examinations are critical in the career of a youth. Due to various reasons some students are not able to qualify these exams. This impedes their future progress. Government desires to provide skills for employment in such students so that self-confidence is enhanced and such students become more capable to stand on their own feet.

91. Sustainable  Development Goals.

Globally, United Nations Organization has fixed 17 Important Sustainable Development Goals such as eradication of poverty, environment protection and improvement in the levels of Health and education, and these Sustainable Development Goals are to be achieved by 2030. For the effective implementation, monitoring and evaluation at state level, “SDG Implementation and co-ordination center” under the planning Department is proposed to be established. For this necessary funds are proposed to be made available.

92. Reorganization  of Directorate of Economics and Statistics.

In view of the increased demand of statistical information in planning and analysis, collection, technical coordination and development of Statistical information system module and also for effective implementation of Statistics Collection Act, 2008, it is has become necessary to reorganize and strengthen the Economic and statistical Directorate. For this purpose necessary provisions are being proposed.

93.Maharashtra  Gaurav Puraskar  Scheme.

A decision has been taken with retrospective effect from 29 September 2001, to provide grants under Maharashtra Gaourav Puraskar Scheme for the Indian Soldiers, who are domiciled in Maharashtra State, and who have received more than one Gallantry or Service Medal, for each of the Medal received.

Monuments

94.Work related at  Memorials of revered personalities. 

Shri Lokmanya Tilak, is among the pioneers of the Indian independence movement who boldly reminded the British Government that “independence is my birth right and I shall have it.” A statue of son of soil, Lokmanya Tilak is proposed to be installed at the Maharashtra Sadan, New Delhi.

A memorial of revolutionary Khajaji Naik who has shown incredible courage in the Indian freedom Struggle is proposed to be built at Dharangaon, Dist-Jalgaon. A memorial is also proposed to be built in the name of famous drama producer and dramatist Late Shri. Machindra Kambli, at Tal. Kudal, Sindhudurga District. Also a memorial of Shri Shivramraje Bhosle is proposed to be built at Sawantwadi in Sidhudurg, Vir Bhogoji Naik at Nandur Shingote, Tal. Sinnar Dist. Nashik, Vir Nagya Katkari, at Chirner Dist. Raigad, Vir Baburao Shedmakhe At-Ghot, Dist. Gadhchiroli. Similarly a memorial for 100 braves tribal (Jungle Satyagrah) at Chankapur, Tal. Kalwan, Dist. Nashik and Rawalapani Sangram Dist. Nandurbar is also proposed. Repairs of memorial of Sarsenapati Veer Baji Pasalkar at Panshet, Tal. Velhe Dist. Pune will be undertaken.

95.  Memorial for Bharatratna Atal Bihari  Vajpayee.

It is proposed to build a memorial in Mumbai for former prime minister of the country Late Shri Bharatratna Atalbihari Vajpayee on lines of memorials of Late Shri Yashwantrao Chavan and Late Shri Balasaheb Thakeray.

96. Raigad Fort is the epitome of the spirit of valour of the Maratha Empire. It is known for its infallible fortification. Raigad Fort is a witness of the glorious past. To conserve and protect the said fort an outlay of Rs.606 Crore has been sanctioned. 59 Crore is spent and Rs.20 Crore outlay is proposed this year.

97. Shivshrushti  Project.

At the Maharaja Shiv Chhatrapati Pratishthan, Ambegaon (Budaruk), Tal. Haveli, Dist. Pune, an inspirational memorial “Shiv Shrushti” on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is being created. For this project, for financial year 2019-20 Rs.50 crore funds are proposed to be made available.

98. Incentives for Balrangbhumi. 

Balrangbhumi is a cultural heritage of Marathi Drama. Government organizes the primary round at 5 plakhes i.e. Konkan, Nashik, Pune, Aurangabad and Nagpur. At each plakhe around 60 plays are performed. To encourage child artists it is proposed to conduct the primary round at 10 plakhes.

99. Welfare of Journalists.

Journalism is the fourth pillar of the democracy. The Government has given Rs.15 Crore as a fixed deposit for Darpankar Balshashtri Jambhekhar Senior Journalism Sanman Yojana. With the help of these funds a Sanman Yojana is being implemented for senior journalists. Considering the number of senior Journalists, an additional provision of Rs. 10 Crore is being proposed to enhance this earlier provision of Rs. 15 Crores. Thus for this Sanman Yojana Rs. 25 Crore would be available.

Government has also included the Journalist and their families under the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojna. This scheme will benefit 8000 Journalists and for the payment of insurance premium necessary funds will be made available.

100. Chullah  free and  Smoke free Maharashtra.

In order to provide smoke free environment to the Indian women, the implementation of Ujjawala Mission has been started on a large scale. Government desires to provide gas connections to all the Ration Card holders who are deprived of Ujjawala gas scheme, Dr. Shyamaprasad Mukharjee Jan-Van Development Scheme and any other LPG distribution scheme. This scheme will be implemented in Naxal, Aspirational and Farmer suicide prone district as pilot project. For the financial year 2019-20 an outlay of Rs.100 Crore is proposed. The said funds will be need based.

Law and Judiciary

101. In order to facilitate speedy justice during last 4 Years about 18 additional Courts, 24 Fast track courts and 14 Family Courts have been started in the State.

102. With an expenditure of Rs. 810 Crore, 103 district level and other Judiciary buildings have been constructed during last 4 years. With Rs. 92 Crore 11 Lakh about 102 Residential buildings for Judges have been constructed. It is proposed that the government shall provide the funds for the construction of building of High Courts and other courts, in the State.

For Law and Judiciary Department, a provision of Rs.2 Thousand 745 Crore 48 Lakh and 84 Thousand is proposed to be made for financial year 2019-20.

Forest

103. Afforestation Program.

It is has been recognized globally that in order to reduce the impact and intensity of natural calamities , global warming , drought, water scarcity etc. there is no option but to plant trees. In view of this, Maharashtra Government has decided to implement the concept of Harit Maharashtra. During the 3 years 2017 to 2019, a program was under taken to plant 50 crore trees. According to world afforestation report , it is noticed that the forest area for year 2017 has increased by 27 thousand 300 hectares as compared to the year 2015. There is a considerable increase in wetland area, area under Bamboo and Mangroves. There is a 25 percentage increase in number of Tigers. Afforestation Program under taken by forest department has received tremendous support due to the tree plantation scheme. There is a record tree plantation in the State with public support. The Limca book of record has taken note of this movement for two consecutive years. During the period of 1st July to 30th September, Government is determined to plant 33 crore trees. I humbly appeal that this determination will get similar support from the public.

Considering frequent attacks on human beings and damage to crops and an increased risk of Tigers and Leopards in the villages that are within the vicinity of forest area, the scope of Dr. Shyamaprasad Mukharjee Jan Vikas Yojana is extended to the said villages and fencing is to be done at the boundaries of the villages which are in the vicinity of the forest area. For this an outlay of Rs.50 Crore is proposed.

104. Attal  Andanvan Scheme.

Whole world is experiencing serious effects of environmental imbalance. Therefore, tree plantation should become our way of life. With the use of Miyawaki System of tree plantation in less space more trees can be accommodated and dense forest can be created. In urban areas due to scarcity of the land, forest can be created with the use of aforesaid system of tree planting. Instead of 1 thousand plants, with the use of this system 30 thousand plants can be planted in 1 hectare. In order to be environmental friendly in urban areas, the Attal Andanvan Scheme is proposed to be implemented.

105. Kandalawan  Ocean Biodiversity Project of Airoli, Navi Mumbai.

To nurture Kandalawan Ocean Biodiversity Project Airoli it is proposed to provide grant of Rs. 30 crore.

106. State Debt position.

As per the revised estimates, at the end of March 2019, the total State debt is at Rs. 4 Lakh 14 Thousand 411 Crore. In view of economic size of the State aforesaid debt is within the permissible limits of financial indicators.

107.  Actual Expenditure for 2017-18 Revised Estimate 2018-19.

In the budget for year 2017-18 the Revenue Deficit was expected to be at Rs.4 Thousand 511 Crore 19 Lakh. However, actually there is Revenue Surplus of Rs. 2 Thousand 82 Crore. For year 2018-19 the Revenue Deficit was expected to be at Rs.15 Thousand 375 Crore. However as per the revised estimate the said deficit decreased to Rs.14 Thousand 960 Crore. But, I am hopeful that the deficit will get further reduced and the State will have surplus revenue receipts on actuals.

108. Budget Estimate 2019-20.

On 27th February 2019, I have presented the interim budget for Rs.4 Lakh 3 Thousand 207 Crore. Due to new items of expenditure there is an increase of Rs.1 Thousand 586 Crore.

In the Budget 2019-20 revenue receipts are estimated at Rs.3 Lakh 14 Thousand 640 Crore 12 Lakh, whereas, revenue expenditure is estimated at Rs.3 Lakh 34 Thousand 933 Crore 6 Lakh. Thus, revenue deficit will remain at Rs.20 Thousand 292 Crore 94 Lakh.

Now I turn to Part II of the Budget.

Speaker Sir,

I now present Part II of the Budget before the House.

1. Tax revenue of the State, as per revised estimates, for the year 2018-19 was expected to be rupees One Lakh Eighty Eight Thousand Nine Hundred and Thirty One Crores. The State has collected tax revenue of rupees One Lakh Eighty Seven Thousand Five Hundred and Forty One Crores.

Goods and Services Tax.

2. Goods and Services Tax System, implemented by consensus in the country, would soon complete its two years. This tax, based on the concept of “ One Nation One Tax ”, has removed the barriers between the States. As the GST system stabilizes, trade and industry is realising it’s benefits. Continuous efforts are being made to facilitate business in the GST regime for the purpose of “ Ease of Doing Business ”. The tax base of Maharashtra has broadened after the implementation of GST with the increase in number of registered taxpayers from Seven Lakh Seventy Five Thousand to Fifteen Lakh Fifty Thousand.

Maharashtra Settlement of Arrears of Tax, Interest, Penalty or Late Fee Ordinance, 2019

3. The Hon’ble members of this August House are aware that in the Interim Budget Speech presented in the month of February 2019 an Amnesty Scheme was announced to liquidate the arrears under the Value Added Tax Act and various other Acts administered by the State Tax Department. This Scheme aims at speedy recovery of the outstanding dues and fast tracking of the disposal of appeals pending at different stages. To give effect to this announcement, His Excellency Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra has promulgated the Maharashtra Settlement of Arrears of Tax, Interest, Penalty or Late Fee Ordinance, 2019 on 6th March 2019. Accordingly the Scheme is being implemented presently.

Under the aforesaid Scheme till 17th June 2019, Fifteen Thousand Six Hundred and Fifty applications are received. The revenue receipts on this account are at about rupees Seven Hundred and Fifty Crores. As expected, there is an overwhelming response to the Scheme.

For the effective and better implementation of the Scheme, certain amendments to the said Ordinance are necessary. Accordingly, I propose some amendments to the Maharashtra Settlement of Arrears of Tax, Interest, Penalty or Late Fee Ordinance, 2019. These are as under :—

• To get benefits under the Amnesty Scheme, the applicant, is required to make the payment of requisite amount, which is sum of the amount of undisputed tax paid in full, and certain percentage of the disputed tax, interest, penalty and late fee, as given in the Annexure-A and Annexure-B, appended to the Ordinance. On payment of the requisite amount, the applicant is entitled for certain percentage of waiver in disputed tax, interest, penalty and late fee.
• I am happy to announce before this August House that the time limit to avail the benefits under the Scheme is proposed to be extended by a month so that maximum number of taxpayers can avail the benefits. Due to this extension, tax payers will get sufficient time to submit applications and make the payment under the Amnesty Scheme. Accordingly, the First Phase will end on 31st July 2019 whereas the Second Phase will end on 31st August 2019. The arrears as per statutory orders passed and returns or the revised returns filed on or before 16th August 2019 shall also be eligible for settlement Scheme.
• The existing provisions of the Ordinance provides that any amount paid on or before 31st March 2019 in pursuance of the statutory order is to be first adjusted against the tax and then towards the interest, penalty or late fee, sequentially. However, it is necessary, to bring clarity as to whether said tax amount is to be first adjusted against the undisputed tax or the disputed tax.
• In view of the above, an amendment is proposed to determine the ratio between the amount of undisputed tax and the amount of disputed tax so demanded as per the statutory order. To arrive at balance amount eligible for settlement, the amount paid till 31st March 2019 shall be reduced from the total tax outstanding and after such reduction, the ratio as aforesaid shall be applied to determine the undisputed tax and disputed tax that is eligible for settlement.
• Appeal provisions under the Value Added Tax Act provide that on account of the demand raised under the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956 towards non-receipt of declarations / certificates for admission of appeal, the appellant is required to make the payment of the 100 percent of tax amount in respect of such non-receipt of declarations / certificates. In view of the said appeal provisions, the amount paid till 31st March 2019 will be adjusted towards tax liability raised due to non-receipt of such declarations / certificates. In this scenario the applicant, who desires to settle the demand raised on aforesaid grounds shall be entitled to get the benefits only in respect of interest and penalty.

Also, in the cases, where an appeal is partly withdrawn in respect of certain issues and continued in respect of other issues, then appropriation of such amount paid on or before 31st March 2019, shall be done as per amendment proposed in the preceding paragraph.

• Amnesty Scheme is also applicable for the arrears under the Entry Tax Act, 1987. The amendment is proposed to provide that the applicant, who has taken the benefits under the provision of the Ordinance, in respect of the arrears outstanding under the Act or arrears as per any statutory order, then, such applicant, shall not be entitled to claim set-off under the Maharashtra Value Added Tax Rules, 2005 or, as the case may be, under Bombay Sales Tax Act, 1959, of any amount paid on or before or after 31st March 2019, in appeal or otherwise. This amendment is being proposed to remove the ambiguity in the said provision.
• The existing provision of the Ordinance provides that the applicant on payment of requisite amount is entitled for the waiver of the balance amount of arrears in respect of disputed tax, interest, penalty and late fee. In case the amount paid as requisite amount is less than the required amount, then the applicant gets the proportionate benefits. An amendment is proposed to bring clarity, that in the eventuality as aforesaid, such amount, shall first be adjusted against the undisputed tax in full and remaining amount, if any, shall then be adjusted proportionately towards the disputed tax, interest, penalty or late fee. The benefits in this behalf shall be determined proportionately.
• The Ordinance also provides the settlement of self-assessed amount of tax, interest, late fee or the penalty imposable under the Relevant Act. For this purpose, a technical amendment is proposed to the Annexure-A and Annexure-B appended to the Ordinance. I also propose a technical amendment to clause (c) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Ordinance.
• Clause (q) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Ordinance defines the undisputed tax. Sub-clause (vi) of the said clause is proposed to be amended. As a result of proposed amendment, instead of tax, interest or late fee being treated as undisputed, now only tax is proposed to be treated as undisputed. This amendment will enable a large number of taxpayers to avail the benefits of Settlement Scheme.
• The amendments proposed as aforesaid in the Settlement Ordinance shall be effective retrospectively from 1st April 2019.

4. Speaker Sir, I am proposing some changes in the Tax Laws as a part of the “ Ease of Doing Business ” initiatives of our Government.

Amendments in Tax Laws

> Profession Tax Act :—

• All professionals, holding enrolment certificate are liable to pay profession tax every year in advance upto 30th June of the said year. As many of these enrolled persons also have employees, they are required to file periodic returns under the Profession Tax Act. Periodicity of such returns is dependent on their yearly tax liability and hence compliances are required frequently. Considering all these aspects, and in accordance with “Ease of Doing Business” policy, I propose that all enrolment certificate holders shall be allowed to pay profession tax upto the end of the respective year. I am sure that by this proposal all the professionals shall get relief. This amendment shall be applicable from 2019-20 onwards.
• As per the existing provisions, if any professional obtains enrollment certificate late, then penalty at rupees 2 per day can be imposed. Penalty can be unjust in such cases. Therefore, I propose to delete this provision regarding penalty for default in obtaining enrollment certificate. However, as discipline is necessary in tax compliance, I propose, in such cases, to charge fixed interest at the rate of 1.25% per month or part thereof.

> Maharashtra Value Added Tax Act :—

• As per the prevailing practice in the State Tax Department, the dealers are assessed either transaction-wise or comprehensively. Some dealers claim refund in their returns but at the same time data analysis undertaken by the Department, shows that there could be tax liability in respect of some transactions of such dealers. Very often, to avoid the production of all the books of accounts by dealers, such cases are selected for transaction-wise assessments, considering the tax liability, which also saves time of dealers. It is proposed to make changes in the VAT law so that the refund, claimed in returns or as mentioned in audit report in Form-704, can be considered even in cases, which are selected for transaction-wise assessments. Such returns or audit reports in Form-704 should have been filed upto 31st March 2019. Due to this proposal, the dealers, whose claim of refund in returns or as mentioned in audit report in Form-704 is more than the revenue risk determined by the assessing authority, can be granted remaining refund, after adjustment of dues. At the same time, demand shall be raised for the net tax liability from the dealers, whose refund claim in returns or as mentioned in audit report in Form-704 is less than the tax liability determined by the assessing officer. The grant of the said refund shall be subject to such conditions, restrictions and safeguards, as may be prescribed. I am proposing this amendment from 1st April 2005, so that the amended provision becomes applicable even for pending appeals.
• Dealers, whose turnover is more than rupees one crore, are required to get their accounts audited by a auditor and file an audit report in Form-704 with the department. As the honourable members of this August House are aware that on the introduction of GST, only six commodities are liable to VAT from 1st July 2017. Due to taxation at first stage on some goods, the tax liability of many dealers is very less or even nil, even though their annual turnover is more than rupees one crore. Considering these aspects, I propose that the VAT dealers, whose turnover in a year is above rupees one crore but tax liability in that year does not exceed rupees twenty five thousand, need not get their accounts audited by a auditor and need not file audit report in Form-704. This amendment shall be applicable from 2019-20 onwards. I am sure that this proposal would spare the compliance cost of most of the VAT dealers.

5. I hope that honourable members of this August House will support the proposals.

Jai Hind ! Jai Maharashtra !!