Maharashtra's 2026-27 Budget Reduces Social Welfare Allocation, Boosts Health Sector Funding

Maharashtra's 2026-27 budget allocates ₹53,000 crore for social welfare and nutrition, down from last year's revised estimate of ₹80,735 crore, a reduction criticized by nonprofit Samarthan. The chief minister denied any cuts to schemes. The health sector received ₹5,980 crore focusing on public health infrastructure, medical education, and disease detection programs, including a new public health institute in Nagpur and a digital health mission. Plans also include developing Mumbai as a health hub and expanding medical colleges.