Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav presented the 2024-25 state budget in the Assembly, getting approval from the Cabinet. The overall amount is ₹2.94 lakh crore and contains measures to deal with the finance problems the state faced while bringing forward development and welfare. Much attention has been given to crucial projects like Amaravati and Polavaram with enormous funds allocated to these sectors. The budget also includes promises of the ‘Super Six’ initiative made during the campaign, along with a refund for four months.
The next financial year is estimated at ₹2.34 lakh crore with the capital expenditure slated at ₹32,712 crore, while the revenue deficit remains at ₹34,713 crore which equals to 4.19% of the state’s GDP, and the fiscal deficit is estimated at 2.19%. Underlining that the state is struggling financially, Minister Keshav underlined the need for the government to rebuild Andhra Pradesh and restore public faith in governance.
In terms of sector-specific allocations, the budget assigns ₹18,421 crore to healthcare, ₹2,326 crore to higher education, and ₹16,739 crore to Panchayat Raj and Rural Development. Urban Development receives ₹11,490 crore, while ₹4,012 crore is earmarked for housing. The state will allocate ₹16,705 crore for water resources, ₹3,127 crore for industries and commerce, and ₹8,207 crore for the energy sector. Additionally, ₹9,554 crore has been proposed for roads and buildings, ₹322 crore for tourism, and ₹8,495 crore for the police department.
₹ 18,497 crore for SC welfare. ₹7,557 crore for ST welfare. ₹39,007 crore for BC welfare. ₹4,376 crore for minority welfare. ₹4,285 crore for women’s welfare. ₹1,215 crore for skill development. School education gets ₹29,909 crore. Environment and Forest Department-₹687 crore. Deputy CM Pawan heads this department. And, promised among the “Super Six” propositions, there’s free bus travel for women.
This budget demonstrates the state’s commitment to progress and welfare, focusing on critical sectors and ensuring the implementation of promises that directly benefit the people of Andhra Pradesh.