Budget FY26 Paves Way for Andhra Pradesh’s Reconstruction: CM Naidu.

The Andhra Pradesh Budget for 2025-26 will serve as the foundation for the state's reconstruction, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said on Friday. Despite financial challenges, the NDA government is working to restore systems weakened by the previous administration’s "destructive" policies, he added.

"Within just eight months, welfare initiatives such as pension hikes, Anna Canteens, and Deepam schemes have been implemented. Additionally, 74 out of 93 centrally sponsored schemes that were halted by the previous government have been restarted," Naidu stated.

Speaking on the ₹3.22 lakh crore Budget presented by Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav in Amaravati, Naidu emphasized that the Budget is not just about allocations but a comprehensive plan for holistic development.

"This progressive Budget is designed to change the course of the state and has allocated significant funds to key sectors and welfare programs. The proposed ₹3,22,359 crore Budget will act as a bridge to achieve the ten guiding principles of the Swarna Andhra 2047 Vision," he said.

As part of poverty eradication efforts, ₹2,000 crore has been allocated under the Viability Gap Fund for major infrastructure projects, while public-private partnerships will be encouraged for new developmental initiatives.

Fulfilling electoral promises, the Budget made rational allocations for the Super Six schemes, including ₹6,300 crore for the ‘Annadata Sukhibhava’ scheme and ₹9,407 crore for the ‘Thalliki Vandanam’ scheme.

The government has also prioritized the welfare of backward classes, allocating ₹47,456 crore for BC welfare. Recognizing Andhra Pradesh’s crucial role in India’s food security, ₹48,341 crore has been earmarked for the agriculture sector, while ₹18,019 crore has been set aside for water resources.

However, YSR Congress Party leader and former Finance Minister B. Rajendranath Reddy criticized the Budget, stating that the NDA government had "ignored" poll promises, including free bus travel for women, which was not mentioned in the new Budget.

HBL