Will the Andhra Government learn from Telangana?

Hyderabad: The budget proposed by Telangana Chief Minister, K.Chandra Sekhar Rao has opened the eyes of many when he cut 20 per cent of his vote on account budget proposals, in his recent budget. The Chief Minister examined the economic recession that has been looming over India and spoke about the economic complexity of the country in his budget speech. He tried to present a balance between development and welfare.

Now the biggest question is will the Andhra Pradesh government learn from Telangana? Ever since Jagan Mohan Reddy came into power, he has been busy implementing his poll promises. In the past, he has been seen accusing former chief minister, Chandra babu Naidu of his failure in implementing his election manifesto. CM Jagan Mohan Reddy has always spoken about reliability in public life. He aspires to manifest this through his deeds. As a politician, it’s always good to be reliable but as the head of the state, one should maintain a balance between income and expenditure.

Implementation of Navaratnalu - YSR Congress’ election manifesto has already put a heavy burden on the state’s economy. An unannounced economic emergency is prevailing in the state. Contracts await bills, retired employees are yet to be sanctioned their benefits and guest faculties who work in government model schools and colleges have not been paid their remuneration for the last six months. "The salaries and pensions of government staff have amounted to around half of their income. We are in a dire economic situation," said a top employee, from the financial wing.

"Telangana has a big capital city which generates more than 50 per cent of the state’s income. Major states in the country are benefited by their capitals. They provide huge revenue to the state. But the Andhra Pradesh government is still mulling over the capital city. Jagan's government is killing the capital which will be able to get a Rs. 2 lakh crore income in future," lamented TD chief Chandrababu Naidu. The state has now become the sufferer due to the political rivalry between the ruling and opposition parties.

"Please don’t ask us anything related to monetary benefits. Go and ask the CM. Nothing is in our hands," said a senior-most IAS officer of the Finance department to an association of government employees when they tried to discuss their pay revision. With a growing expenditure and decreasing income, the future appears bleak to the top brass of Andhra Pradesh. "Nobody can say how long this poor economic situation will continue," said a secretary-level officer. It is high time that CM Jagan Mohan Reddy concentrates on the financial condition of his state before going forward with his manifesto.