India, Feb. 13 -- The cash-strapped Maharashtra government will not spend 100% of the state budget for the financial year ending March 2025. Struggling to balance the books after launching several populist schemes ahead of last year's assembly elections, the state government will cut spending by 5-30% across various departments, according to a government resolution issued on Wednesday.

Capital expenditure on constructing buildings and roads, buying vehicles and publicity, among others, has been cut by 30%, while the budget for overtime allowance, telephone and water bills, rent and taxes, arms and ammunition, fuel, and commercial services has been cut by 20%.

If 100% of the budgetary allocation is released, the state's fiscal deficit in...