The Annasaheb Patil Economic Development Corporation (Annasaheb Patil Mahamandal) has been established by the state government to create entrepreneurs in the Maratha community. A provision of Rs 750 crore has been made for this scheme in the state budget for 2025-26. In the first phase, the government has allocated a fund of Rs 300 crore to this corporation. The Planning Department published a government decision in this regard on July 15, 2025.
This decision by the Mahayuti 2.0 government is a special initiative to encourage entrepreneurship in the Maratha community, which in turn will create wealth and jobs. The Annasaheb Patil Economic Development Corporation promotes Maratha youth self employment scheme through providing guidance and training along with capital assistance. Thousands of youth have taken to business in various fields, such as the service sector, manufacturing industry, and agricultural businesses. The 300 crore grant by the state government for the corporation will stimulate its effort to generate a strong base of self-employment and entrepreneurship in the interior of Maharashtra.
Annasaheb Patil Arthik Magas Vikas Mahamandal Maryadit is an important institution under the auspices of the Government of Maharashtra. This corporation was started on 27 November 1998, mainly to provide financial assistance for self-employment to the youth from the economically weaker sections of the Maratha communities. All types of financial and operational assistance, such as low-interest loan facilities, grant-based financial schemes, training programs, and business guidance with profitable business schemes, are provided through the Annasaheb Patil Economic Development Corporation to promote Maratha youth self-employment schemes. Thus far, the corporation has assisted thousands of people take the self employment route to maintain their family and contribute to their local economies.
The Corporation’s schemes have changed lives
Numerous people from the Maratha communities with socially and economically weaker backgrounds have got their lives transformed through various types of micro-entrepreneurship schemes guided and funded by the Annasaheb Patil Economic Development Corporation. Mrs. Siddhi Vinayak Salgaonkar of Hodavda village in Sindhudurg district is an inspiring example. She fell into deep financial distress as there was no source of family income. However, with the help from the Annasaheb Patil Economic Development Corporation’s seed capital loan scheme, she started a business called Siddhi Vinayak Cloth and Readymade Garments, based on her experience in selling cloth. Even her loan application and document furnishing were done with the help of the corporation’s assistant director and nodal officer, which resulted in her obtaining a loan. Today, her business is running smoothly to give the required financial stability to her family. Another classic example of beneficiary is Akshay Punjari Taskare from Astgaon in Rahta taluka of Ahilyanagar district, who started Shetkari Agro Solutions and Services, an agricultural service center, with the help of his family’s farming background. Initially, he was facing capital problems. But his confidence increased after learning about the personal loan interest repayment scheme of Annasaheb Patil Corporation. He had taken a loan of Rs. 5 lakh from Bandhan Bank. With the regular interest against his loan being repaid by the corporation, his business is now running well.
From both these examples, it is evident that the schemes of Annasaheb Patil Economic Development Corporation not only create employment opportunities, but also pave the way for self-reliance. Such schemes are empowering poor people in rural areas to turn into confident micro entrepreneurs, create employment for others, and boost local economies.