A comprehensive statewide civic welfare campaign has been launched by the Mahayuti government to commemorate the birth centenary of Balasaheb Thackeray, a political figure widely regarded as one of the most influential architects of Maharashtra’s modern socio-political identity. The initiative, titled Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Nagri Lok Kalyan Abhiyan, has been positioned as a large-scale urban development and social welfare mission, to be implemented through municipal corporations and councils across the state.
Under the framework of the campaign, full financial responsibility has been assumed by the Maharashtra government, with the Urban Development Department entrusted with fund allocation and oversight. Municipal corporations have been sanctioned ₹5 crore each, while municipal councils have been allotted ₹1 crore each to undertake approved development and welfare activities. The programme has been designed to ensure direct civic-level implementation, allowing local bodies to identify and address area-specific needs within a defined policy structure.
A strong emphasis has been placed on education, particularly the strengthening of Marathi-medium schools. As per the government resolution, at least 50 per cent of the total funds allocated to each civic body are required to be spent on improving infrastructure, facilities, and learning environments in these institutions. This priority has been framed as a cultural and educational investment aligned with Thackeray’s legacy and ideological focus.
The remaining funds have been earmarked for a range of civic interventions, including the enhancement of women’s healthcare services, upgradation of health centres, procurement of medical equipment, and installation of sanitary pad vending machines in public spaces. Cleanliness drives and environmental initiatives have also been included as permissible expenditure areas. Additionally, civic bodies have been encouraged to undertake tourism-related projects, particularly those capable of generating sustainable revenue and strengthening local economies.
The campaign has been planned for an initial duration of one year, after which its performance is to be reviewed. To incentivise effective implementation, a competitive evaluation mechanism has been introduced. The best-performing municipal corporations are set to receive additional grants of ₹10 crore, ₹7 crore, and ₹5 crore, while top municipal councils will be awarded ₹5 crore, ₹3 crore, and ₹2 crore respectively. In total, ₹539 crore has been earmarked by the state government for the execution of the campaign.
In parallel with the policy announcement, tributes to Balasaheb Thackeray were paid at the national level by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Thackeray was described as a towering figure whose ideas and actions left a deep imprint on Maharashtra’s political and cultural fabric. His intellectual sharpness, powerful oratory, and unwavering convictions were highlighted, along with his unique connection with the people.
Attention was also drawn to Thackeray’s interests beyond politics, including his engagement with culture, literature, journalism, and his early career as a cartoonist, which was noted for its fearless social commentary. It was reaffirmed that Thackeray’s vision for Maharashtra’s development continues to serve as a source of inspiration, with ongoing efforts being aligned to fulfil that vision through governance and public policy.
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