Andhra Pradesh NDA Government Presents Rs 2.94 Lakh Crore Budget, Focus on Rural Development and Infrastructure
The NDA government in Andhra Pradesh presented its first budget in the ongoing assembly session today, with Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav outlining a comprehensive fiscal roadmap for the state’s development. The budget, totaling Rs 2.94 lakh crore, focuses on a wide range of sectors, with a special emphasis on rural development, infrastructure, and welfare schemes.
The revenue expenditure for the financial year is estimated at Rs 2.34 lakh crore, with a fiscal deficit projected at Rs 68,743 crore and a revenue deficit of Rs 34,743 crore. One of the significant highlights of the budget is the substantial allocation for healthcare, with Rs 18,421 crore earmarked for the sector, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving public health services.
A key focus of the budget is the rural development sector, particularly in areas under the Panchayati Raj Ministry, which is headed by Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan. The Finance Minister announced that Rs 16,739 crore would be dedicated to rural development, marking a major boost for Kalyan’s vision of transforming villages across the state. This allocation is expected to help accelerate the development of rural infrastructure, education, and social welfare programs, aligning with Kalyan’s ongoing efforts to uplift rural communities.
Kalyan’s influence within the NDA coalition was also reflected in the generous funding for his other portfolio—Forest and Environment—receiving Rs 687 crore. As the architect behind the NDA’s victory in the recent state elections, Kalyan’s role in shaping the government’s priorities seems to have been acknowledged, with the budget heavily backing his ministries.
The budget also places a strong emphasis on infrastructure and irrigation, with Rs 16,705 crore allocated to the irrigation sector, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving water management and agricultural productivity. Urban development has also been prioritized, with an outlay of Rs 11,490 crore aimed at enhancing infrastructure in cities and towns.
Other notable allocations include Rs 3,907 crore for Backward Classes (BC) welfare, Rs 4,376 crore for Minority Welfare, and Rs 7,557 crore for Scheduled Tribe (ST) welfare. The government has also set aside Rs 43,402 crore for agriculture, signaling its intent to bolster the sector and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
In terms of skill development and employment, the newly introduced Skill Development Department has been allocated Rs 1,215 crore, with a focus on equipping the state’s youth with marketable skills. Additionally, the housing construction budget has been set at Rs 4,012 crore, aimed at improving access to affordable housing for the state’s growing population.
The government also announced initiatives to address emerging challenges. A 3% reservation for sports merit quotas will be introduced to encourage young talent in the state. To tackle the increasing threat of cybercrimes, a cyber police station will be established in each district. The police department will receive Rs 8,495 crore, while the energy sector has been allocated Rs 8,207 crore to improve power infrastructure and ensure better energy supply.
With the first budget of its tenure, the NDA government in Andhra Pradesh has set a clear path toward developing the state across multiple sectors, with a particular focus on rural development, infrastructure, and welfare. As Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu leads the state into a new fiscal year, the budget aims to address key challenges while supporting long-term growth and social equity.
