The Mahayuti government has quietly ended the Shiv Bhojan scheme for the poor, which was launched by the MVA government in 2020.

MUMBAI: The Mahayuti govt on Monday quietly wound up the Shiv Bhojan scheme for the poor launched by the MVA govt led by Uddhav Thackeray on Jan 26, 2020.
When Ajit Pawar presented the budget, there was no mention of the populist scheme. The burden on the state exchequer owing to the scheme was Rs 14 crore. Initially, the cost of each thali was Rs 5; it was later enhanced to Rs 10, and during the Covid period, it was given free. According to official records, two lakh thalis were supplied daily from 1,904 centres across the state.
NCP’s Chhagan Bhujbal, who was then food and civil supplies minister, had recently taken up the issue of the scheme with CM Devendra Fadnavis, saying that in the larger interest, it should not be wound up.
Higher outlay for districts, social welfare; debt rises
With urban and rural local body elections approaching, Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar presented the state budget, increasing the district annual plan by 11% to Rs 20,165 crore. Social welfare saw a boost, with the scheduled caste component rising by 42% and the tribal component by 40%.
New taxes on motor vehicles are expected to generate Rs 1,125 crore, while stamp duty on certain transactions has been increased. However, financial strain is evident, with the state’s debt projected at Rs 9.3 lakh crore—over 10% higher than last year. The revenue deficit has also widened to Rs 46,535 crore.
Pawar assured that fiscal deficit remains within the prescribed 3% limit. The government has controlled expenses, with most departments increasing estimates by only 10% and capital expenditure being cut by Rs 15,866 crore.
The Opposition criticized the budget, alleging it favors the wealthy and neglects key welfare schemes like Shiv Bhojan Thali. On the Ladki Bahin Yojana, CM Devendra Fadnavis defended the allocation, stating it could be increased during the year. The scheme has already incurred Rs 33,232 crore for 2.53 crore beneficiaries since July 2024.