By Anita Shukla, senior correspondent
MUMBAI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the state government has removed the earlier ₹50,000 benefit cap under the farm loan waiver scheme, enabling eligible farmers to receive loan relief of up to ₹2 lakh under the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Shetkari Karjmukti Yojana.
Replying to the final week motion in the Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister said the scheme would benefit around 56 lakh farmers, with the government extending loan waiver assistance worth ₹36,585 crore. He also announced that the condition requiring timely repayment of fresh crop loans during 2026-27 for regular borrowers has been withdrawn to ensure that no eligible farmer is excluded from the scheme.
Fadnavis said that unlike the earlier scheme, farmers with outstanding loans exceeding ₹2 lakh would also be eligible, with loan waiver benefits available up to ₹2 lakh. The decision, he said, would impose an additional financial burden on the state but reflects the government’s commitment to supporting farmers.
Highlighting the government’s investment in agriculture, the Chief Minister said Maharashtra spends nearly ₹95,000 crore annually on the farm sector, including ₹25,000 crore towards electricity subsidies for farmers. He added that the state procured 136 lakh quintals of cotton, disbursing ₹10,883 crore, while 6 lakh tonnes of soybean were purchased for ₹3,198 crore. Pending drip irrigation subsidies of ₹217 crore will be released soon, and additional funds for the Krishi Samruddhi Yojana will be provided through supplementary demands.
On the power sector, Fadnavis said there is no planned load shedding anywhere in Maharashtra. The state has successfully met a peak demand of 32,000 MW, with 76% of agricultural feeders now receiving daytime power supply. He also clarified that investigations found most complaints regarding smart meters to be incorrect and that increased electricity bills were not linked to smart meter installations.
Reviewing the law and order situation, the Chief Minister said Maharashtra’s crime detection rate has improved significantly, with 82% of cases now being detected, while the conviction rate has increased from 44.2% to 52.6%, with a target of reaching 70%. He credited the implementation of new criminal laws, digital evidence management, forensic investigations, blockchain technology, and AI-based systems for improving policing.
On cybercrime, Fadnavis said authorities froze ₹439 crore linked to cyber frauds between January and June 2026, increasing the fund-freezing rate from 11% to 27%. He said victims of cyber fraud involving amounts up to ₹50,000 are now receiving quicker refunds. The AI-powered ‘Tapas Sarathi’ investigation platform has also been integrated with the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) to strengthen investigations.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the success of Operation Muskaan, under which 43,591 missing children were reunited with their families, while 93% of missing women reported between 2021 and 2026 have been traced.
On anti-drug measures, Fadnavis said Maharashtra has intensified action against international drug syndicates and brought a key precursor chemical used in manufacturing MD drugs under the controlled substances list. Under the ‘Drug-Free Mumbai’ campaign, more than four lakh students have participated in awareness drives. He also announced a zero-tolerance policy under which police personnel found involved in drug-related offences would face direct dismissal.
The Chief Minister further informed the House that the Centre has approved ₹733 crore for police modernisation. Maharashtra will introduce advanced technologies, including drones, radar systems, speedboats and artificial intelligence, while constructing 9,762 police quarters across the state, including 40,000 new police housing units in Mumbai, and establishing 93 modern police stations.
On water resources, Fadnavis said the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has sanctioned ₹2,400 crore for the Nag River Rejuvenation Project. He added that work on the Nalganga–Wainganga River Linking Project is expected to commence this year after receiving final approval from the Central Water Commission.
