Maharashtra budget for 2009-10 Highlights

State’s first deficit budget in the three financial years

Estimated budgetary deficit to be Rs 113.66 crore

VAT on mobile phones, cordless phones, video phones, video and digital cameras has been increased from 4 per cent to 12.5 per cent

High-end cars to attract more motor vehicle tax (MVT). Vehicles up to Rs 20 lakh to 8 per cent and above Rs 20 lakh to 9 per cent

Stamp duty on contract for advertisement, rights of telecasting films and copy rights to be increased from Rs 2.50 to Rs 5 per Rs 100.

Ceiling of Rs 25 crore on the stamp duty levied on M&As of companies is removed

Increase in both sales tax and excise duty on liquor

The sales tax on tobacco products increased from 12 per cent to 20 per cent

VAT on selected items used in space and satellite industry reduced from 12.5 per cent to 4 per cent

Solar energy equipment exempted from VAT and CFLs to attract VAT at 4 per cent

Hotels and restaurants up to 3 star ratings will now attract VAT at the rate of 5 per cent instead of earlier 8 per cent

VAT on medical equipment like scalp veins, stethoscopes and dialysis instruments from 12.5 per cent to 4 per cent

The imitation jewellery will also now attract the VAT at the rate of just 1 per cent instead of earlier 4 per cent

Special provision of Rs 11,915 crore for infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, railway, airports, ports and irrigation projects to celebrate golden jubilee year of state’s formation