Andhra Pradesh Budget session begins; outlay of Rs 2.60 lakh crores expected

Amaravati: The 10th budget session of the 15th AP Legislative Assembly commenced on Tuesday, with Governor S. Abdul Nazeer addressing the joint session in the Assembly. In his first address, the Governor said Andhra Pradesh had taken a step forward in economic development and is making remarkable progress in agricultural, industrial, and service sectors.

The session will continue till 24 March. The total budget outlay is estimated to be around Rs. 2.60 lakh crores for fiscal 2023-24. This is the final budget presented by the ruling YSRCP before elections in 2024, and the government is expected to allocate more funds for welfare schemes.

Later, the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting was held under the chairmanship of Assembly Speaker Tammineni Sitaram to finalise the agenda and the duration of the session.

Finance minister Buggana Rajendranath will table the Budget for financial year 2023-24 in the Assembly on 16 March.

Governor lauds state’s welfare schemes

In his address on the first day of the session, the Governor said, “The government is acting transparently. It also gives priority to Navaratnas and its welfare schemes. All deserving people benefit directly without corruption. They have been providing good governance for four years.”

Governor Abdul Nazeer added, “We are making remarkable progress and have achieved a growth rate of 11.43%, and the state is leading in economic development.”

Highlighting the education sector initiatives in Andhra Pradesh, Governor Abdul said, “The government is building 17 new medical colleges in the state, Tribal Engineering College in Kurupam, Dr. YSR Architecture and Fine Arts University in Kadapa and providing financial assistance to the children through Amma Vodi.”

The Governor also highlighted the 1.4 crore health cards given to the people and steps taken by the government to have two doctors in PHCs. From houses for the poor in YSR Jaganna colonies to YSR pension gifts on the first of every month being distributed by volunteers at the doorsteps to the distribution of 30.65 lakh house plots to women and financial assistance of Rs. 24,000 per year to weavers under Nethanna Nestham, the Governor praised the government for the initiatives.