After separate statehood formation, the Andhra Pradesh budget was just Rs. 1.11 lakh crore for 2014-`15 financial year. There were many doubts over revival of AP’s financial position as it was separated from its capital city of Hyderabad with very limited resources. But, beating all those worries, AP has surpassed expectations and now it is all set to have a budget of over Rs. 2.25 lakh crore for 2018-`19.
The TDP government is presenting the budget in the Assembly today. With the general and assembly elections round the corner, this year’s budget is likely to be full of welfare sops and benefits meant to attract the poorer sections and also middle sections of society. Already, CM Chandrababu Naidu has announced Rs. 10,000 gift for the DWCRA women’s groups and also 100 per cent hike in pensions from Rs. 1,000 per month to Rs. 2,000.
Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrushnudu says their vote on account budget will place top priority to welfare as the poorer sections are still unable to face harsh realities of economic divide. He said there were many financial challenges before AP which would have escaped from economic problems if the Centre had given Rs. 1.16 lakh crore towards commitments made at the time of separate statehood.
