
VIJAYAWADA: While Andhra Pradesh was not specifically mentioned in Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget speech, a closer look at the document revealed that the Centre has allocated funds for several key projects in the State, including the Polavaram Irrigation Project, Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, and Visakhapatnam Port.
A total of Rs 5,936 crore has been earmarked for the Polavaram project, Rs 3,295 crore for the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP), and Rs 730 crore for Vizag Port. Additionally, Rs 55 crore has been allocated for the Polavaram Project Authority, with an extra Rs 12,157 crore as a balance grant for the construction of the project.
The Union Finance Ministry has also made provisions for investment in the equity share capital of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), the corporate entity of Vizag Steel Plant.
Other allocations include Rs 162 crore for strengthening health systems, Rs 186 crore for Zero Budget Natural Farming, Rs 375 crore for the Learning Transformation Operation, Rs 240 crore for the construction of roads and bridges in the State, and Rs 242.5 crore for the second phase of the AP Irrigation Livelihood Improvement Project.
As a key ally of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) had high expectations for substantial allocations for the State. However, the Centre did not meet these expectations, leading to some disappointment.
Nevertheless, TDP MPs remain optimistic about securing further assistance from the Centre in the future.
Andhra must strive for self-reliance, says Naidu
At a recent press conference, TDP supremo and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu stated that Andhra Pradesh must strive to stand on its own, acknowledging that the Centre alone cannot resolve all its challenges.
He emphasised the need for the Centre to ensure the overall growth of all States and Union Territories. In a post on X, Naidu expressed his support for the Budget, congratulating Sitharaman for presenting a ‘pro-people and progressive’ Budget.
He stated, “This budget reflects the vision for a Viksit Bharat under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji. It prioritises the welfare of women, the poor, youth, and farmers, while also identifying six key sectors for growth over the next five years.”
“The budget marks a significant step towards national prosperity, serving as a comprehensive and inclusive blueprint that promises a prosperous future for our country. It brings tax relief for the middle class, the backbone of our economy,” he added.
TDP leaders highlighted that the Centre’s financial package for the Vizag Steel Plant (VSP) and the Polavaram Irrigation Project, along with assistance for the construction of Amaravati, has provided crucial support to the State.
They also noted the Centre’s role in facilitating major investment projects, including BPCL’s refinery-cum-petrochemical complex in the region.