Welfare, health, digital push: Amid YSRCP protest, Andhra budget session begins

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly’s Budget Session commenced on Wednesday with Governor Justice S. Abdul Nazeer addressing the joint sitting of the Assembly and the Legislative Council.

While the Governor outlined the coalition government’s vision for long-term development and welfare, the session witnessed noisy protests by YSRCP members, who later staged a walkout, boycotting his address.

Governor highlights development vision and economic goals.

In his address, Governor Abdul Nazeer said the government is committed to people-centric welfare while balancing development priorities.

He stated that despite limited resources, the previous government (2014–19) had worked towards development, but the change in government in 2019 disrupted progress and led to “systemic governance failures” and financial strain.

The Governor said the present coalition government is steering the state from a phase of restoration towards sustained progress, focusing on infrastructure revival, power, and irrigation sectors. He stressed that development activities have been re-initiated with renewed momentum.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to completing the Polavaram Project, describing it as the lifeline of the state.

‘Swarna Andhra 2047’ vision and economic targets

The Governor said the government has introduced key reforms in policies, systems, and expenditure priorities, and released seven White Papers to ensure transparency.

Under the ‘Swarna Andhra 2047’ vision, the state aims to build a Rs 308 lakh crore economy and achieve a per capita income of Rs 55 lakh by 2047.

He said 10 guiding principles have been formulated to balance welfare and development while creating a sustainable growth cycle that generates wealth.

Welfare, health, and digital governance push

Emphasising support for weaker sections and women, the Governor said the government has introduced digital mechanisms to ensure transparency in welfare delivery.

He announced that 205 Anna Canteens are currently operational across the state to provide affordable meals to the poor, with plans to expand further.

The government aims to provide housing for all under the Swarna Andhra Vision and has initiated special action plans for tribal and minority welfare.

In the health sector, the government plans to offer Universal Health Insurance coverage of up to ₹25 lakh per family. The “Thalliki Vandanam” scheme is also being implemented effectively, he added.

The Governor further stated that steps are being taken to transform Andhra Pradesh into an IT hub, promote MSMEs, create employment for youth, upgrade technical education, establish national-level educational institutions, and make the state drug-free through strict enforcement measures.

He also noted that Andhra Pradesh is making strides in emerging sectors such as quantum computing.

YSRCP protests, walkout from House

Even before the Governor’s address began, YSRCP MLAs and MLCs staged protests at Gate No. 4 of the Assembly complex, holding placards and raising slogans.

During the Governor’s speech, members of the YSR Congress Party raised anti-government slogans, demanding that the party be granted Leader of Opposition status. They also called for the implementation of “Super Six” promises, unemployment allowance, and the rollback of medical college privatisation.

Alleging denial of opposition status, the YSRCP members boycotted the Governor’s address and staged a walkout.

Notably, former Chief Minister and YSRCP president Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy left the Assembly shortly after the session began. Though he attended the proceedings after a long gap, he exited within minutes, later leaving the premises in his convoy.

TDP supporters criticised the brief attendance on social media, alleging that the visit was merely symbolic. The YSRCP has reportedly decided to attend only the first day of the Budget Session.

The Assembly sessions will continue till March 12, with the State Budget likely to be tabled on February 14. The Budget Session is expected to continue with key discussions on the state’s financial roadmap and policy priorities in the coming days.