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The Maharashtra government, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has implemented a series of financial measures ahead of the upcoming state elections, aiming to attract voters. These measures include toll exemptions and loan waivers, actions that have sparked criticism for their potential impact on the state's finances.
One key decision involves the waiver of toll charges for light vehicles, school buses, and state transport buses at five entry points to Mumbai. This exemption, effective from midnight on October 14, will apply at Vashi on the Sion-Panvel Highway, Mulund on the Lal Bahadur Shastri Road, Mulund near Airoli Bridge on the Eastern Express Highway, and the Dahisar toll naka on the Western Express Highway. To address the revenue shortfall for the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), a committee chaired by the Chief Secretary will oversee compensation payments.
In another move, the cabinet has approved a waiver of overdue loans for cooperative lift irrigation schemes, benefiting over 42,800 farmers. Out of 2,659 such societies in Maharashtra, 261 owe dues to banks. The government sanctioned the waiver of loans worth ₹83.09 crore for 117 societies under liquidation or deregistration, along with a 50 per cent waiver of principal loans for 144 operational societies, amounting to ₹49.45 crore. In total, the government will waive loans totaling ₹132.54 crore.
These recent announcements follow a string of other populist schemes implemented by the government. While these measures may offer short-term relief to various sections of society, critics argue that they could strain the state's finances in the long run. The timing of these initiatives, just weeks before the elections, further fuels suspicions that the government is attempting to secure voter support by depleting the state treasury.
Political analysts highlight the potential long-term consequences of such measures. While they may provide temporary relief, they could create unsustainable financial burdens for the state in the future. The government's focus on short-term electoral gains may come at the expense of long-term financial stability and responsible governance.
Source: Maharashtra govt waives toll and loans ahead of polls