Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly session commenced with Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav presenting the state’s budget for the financial year 2024-2025. The budget, totaling Rs. 2,94,427.25 crore, includes Rs. 2,35,916.99 crore for revenue expenditure and Rs. 32,712.84 crore for capital expenditure. The budget outlines a revenue deficit of Rs. 34,743.38 crore and a fiscal deficit of Rs. 68,742.65 crore.
Significant funds have been allocated across various sectors, aiming to promote welfare and development.
Thalliki Vandanam & Free Bus Facility for Women
Highlighting the government’s welfare initiatives, Finance Minister Keshav announced the “Thalliki Vandanam” scheme under the Super Six Guarantees, which will provide financial assistance to mothers of students in classes 1-12, in both government and private schools. Additionally, free bus travel will be launched for women, reinforcing the government’s commitment to reducing economic barriers in education and transportation.
Department-Wise Budget Allocations
The budget provides substantial funding to key sectors:
- School Education: Rs. 29,909 crore
- Agriculture and Allied Sectors: Rs. 11,855 crore
- SC Welfare: Rs. 18,497 crore
- ST Welfare: Rs. 7,557 crore
- BC Welfare: Rs. 39,007 crore
- Minority Welfare: Rs. 4,376 crore
- Women and Child Welfare: Rs. 4,285 crore
- Higher Education: Rs. 2,326 crore
- Health Sector: Rs. 18,421 crore
- Panchayati Raj and Rural Development: Rs. 16,739 crore
- Urban Development: Rs. 11,490 crore
- Housing Construction: Rs. 4,012 crore
- Water Resources: Rs. 16,705 crore
Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Achchennaidu followed with the agriculture budget presentation, further detailing the state’s agricultural support plans.
