Andhra Pradesh Full Budget: The coalition government is preparing to present the full-fledged state budget in the second week of November. Finance department officials are deeply involved in budget formulation, while Legislative Assembly and Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav is engaged in finalizing the dates for the budget sessions. The Assembly Speaker, Ayynapathrudu, is consulting with finance department officials. Two to three proposed dates have already been put forward. Considering the upcoming elections, the Jagan government submitted a vote-on-account budget in February. A total budget of ₹2,86,389 crores was presented, with the Legislative Assembly approving ₹1,09,052.34 crores under 40 grants for a four-month period from April 2024 to July 31.
First Full-Fledged Budget: A new government was formed in June, and the full-fledged budget was initially supposed to be presented in July. Due to the unsatisfactory financial condition of the state and the confusion regarding the debt situation, the government aimed to present detailed information and release a white paper on the economic condition. Therefore, they sought approval again for the vote-on-account budget in the form of an ordinance. From August to November, the government obtained the Governor’s approval for a second interim budget of ₹1,29,972.97 crores under 40 grants for state expenditures and other activities. Thus, the first eight months were managed under the vote-on-account system. In this context, the full-fledged budget is expected to be presented in the second week of November for the Legislative Assembly’s approval.
Additional Allocations for Welfare! The NDA coalition has promised the public the implementation of extensive welfare schemes under the name “Super Six” in the upcoming elections. As part of this, the government has already increased and implemented the amounts for old-age and other pensions since coming to power. The finance department is currently assessing the implementation of the remaining welfare schemes. Officials have indicated that the expenditure could increase by another ₹20,000 crores compared to the welfare scheme spending during the Jagan government. Starting in November, the promise of free gas cylinders is also set to be implemented. The budget will outline how each scheme will be implemented over the next four months, along with estimates of costs based on the number of beneficiaries and the methods of these schemes. Although estimates have been made for the unemployment benefit, it is anticipated that this burden will decrease in the future with employment opportunities. Finance department officials suggest that a plan is being developed to implement the welfare schemes one by one.
Full Budget of ₹2.90 Lakh Crores! While approval is needed for budget expenditures for the last four months, a full-fledged budget for the entire year must still be presented. Preliminary information suggests that the budget could amount to nearly ₹2.90 lakh crores. Significant allocations are expected for the Amaravati capital and Polavaram project. Construction and maintenance of roads will also be key focus areas. The budget will show funding for various schemes through central-sponsored programs. Approximately 28 schemes will be undertaken, sourcing funds for central schemes and the state’s share. Currently, the finance secretary is engaged in detailed discussions with various government departments on the proposals. Meetings at the ministerial level are expected to follow.
