The state  budget, to be presented next year, will be about social justice and development, with programmes for all sections of the society, deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar said here on Sunday.

Speaking at the Samata Melava' (social rally) organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Mahatma Phule Samata Parishad here, the finance minister said that the government will do everything for the benefit and welfare of the socially downtrodden people.

The Samata Melava' was organised to commemorate the 120th death anniversary of social reformer Mahatma Jyotirao Phule.

Pawar announced that the national memorial at the historic Mahatma Phule wada, the home of social reformers Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule, will soon be redeveloped. The memorial, to be developed in an area of 2.5 acre, will have a study and research centre for women pursuing higher studies, an exhibition hall, a library and residential facilities for women researchers.

"This memorial will enliven the memories of the work and thoughts of Jyotirao Phule and his wife Savitribai Phule," he said. The government will provide funds for redeveloping the memorial, he added.

Earlier, governor K Sankaranarayanan unveiled the statue of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule at the Mahatma Phule wada. Speaking on the occasion, Sankaranarayanan called for renewed efforts for women's empowerment.

Minister for public works and tourism, Chhagan Bhujbal, who is also the founder chairman of the Mahatma Phule Samata Parishad, said the parishad will be launching a five-point programme for the progress of the other backward classes.

There should be a separate housing scheme and budget for the OBCs, Bhujbal said, adding that the budgetary allocation should also be increased. He lamented that the proposal for promotions for OBCs is still not being implemented despite the government approving a resolution six years ago. There should be reservations in jobs in the private sector as well, he added.