The `Halwa` ceremony, held in New Delhi on July 16, marks a significant tradition before the Union Budget 2024-25 preparation concludes. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and MoS for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary were present as the Finance Minister stirred and distributed Halwa to ministry officials. This ceremony symbolizes the beginning of the `lock-in` period, where officials involved in budget preparation remain secluded until the budget presentation on July 23, 2024. It`s a ritual that signifies confidentiality and dedication in the final stages of budget formulation, ensuring that the process remains secretive until the budget is officially presented to the public. Watch video. 

On 27th of February,  at 2 pm, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar presented the interim budget for the state for the financial year 2024-25.On day 1 of the budget session of the state assembly, the government had tabled supplementary demands worth Rs 8,609 crore, including Rs 1,438.78 crore for the repayment of outstanding loans related to Mumbai, Nagpur and Pune metros. Pawar had tabled the supplementary demands after the council.The government had tabled supplementary demands worth Rs 55, 520.77 crore in the winter session last year. Let`s take a look at the key highlights of Maharashtra budget 2024. Watch video.