Urban Infrastructure Development Fund was AP's proposal to central govt: Buggana

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Buggana Rajendranath thanked the Central government for considering the suggestions given on behalf of the State Government in the pre-budget meetings. On February 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her fifth straight budget on Wednesday, which is the first budget of 'Amrit Kaal'. This is also the full budget of Narendra Modi's government before the next parliamentary elections in 2024.

While some of the departments have got expected results from the budget, there were also criticisms raised that the Union Budget 2023, has not given expected allocations for both the Telugu states. Andhra Pradesh's share in central tax goes to Rs 41,338 crore, while it is Rs 21,470 crore from Telangana state.

Speaking to the media, the Minister said, "Some of the allocations made in the budget were satisfactory. We want to implement a pump storage system and asked for a policy on this for which the Centre responded. Funds for the PM Awas Yojana scheme have been increased by 66 percent". Further, the special grants given to Andhra Pradesh are yet to be announced for the government.

He mentioned that the allocations for fertilizers has decreased by Rs 50,000 crore, there was a Rs 97,000 crore reduction in food under subsidy prices, and funds for NREGS works in rural areas decreased. "Establishing a skill training center on an international scale in the state is commendable. It is a matter of pride that the Urban Infrastructure Development Fund has been started across the country considering AP's proposal", he added.

Allocations for AP:

-Rs 47 crore for Andhra Pradesh Central University

-Rs 168 crore for Petroleum University

- Rs 683 crore for Vizag Steel Plant

Allocations for TS:

-Rs 1,650 crore for Singareni

-Rs 300 crore for IIT Hyderabad (under EAP)

-Rs 1,473 crores for Heavy Water Plant, Manuguru

Joint allocations

-Rs 6,835 crore for 22 All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), including Mangalagiri of Andhra Pradesh and Bibi Nagar of Telangana.

-Rs 37 crore for Tribal Universities

-Rs 357 crores for all museums, including Salar Jung Museum