Amaravati – In a significant move, the Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party (TDP) announced on Tuesday that “special allocations” have been made to Andhra Pradesh in the Union Budget for the first time in five years. The allocations include commitments for the Polavaram Project, industrial corridors, and other key initiatives.
In a post on ‘X’, the ruling party highlighted that ₹ 15,000 crore have been allocated for the reconstruction of Andhra Pradesh for the fiscal year 2024-25.
“₹ 15,000 crore for the reconstruction of Andhra Pradesh this fiscal, additional funds for the Polavaram Project lifeline, funds for the Vizag Chennai Industrial Corridor this year, and special funds for seven backward districts,” the party stated in the post.
Union Finance Minister’s Commitment
Presenting the Budget for 2024-25 in the Lok Sabha, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized the NDA government’s “concerted efforts to fulfill the commitments” outlined in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.
Ms. Sitharaman declared that “special financial support” will be facilitated by the Union Government through multilateral agencies. “Recognizing the state’s need for capital, we will facilitate special financial support through multilateral development agencies. In the current financial year, ₹ 15,000 crore will be arranged with additional amounts in future years,” she said.
Polavaram Project and Food Security
The Finance Minister underscored the Centre’s “full commitment” to the financing and early completion of the Polavaram Project, describing it as the lifeline of Andhra Pradesh and its farmers. The Polavaram Project, a mega-irrigation initiative on the Godavari River, is expected to play a crucial role in ensuring food security for the country.
Industrial Development and Infrastructure
Under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, funds will be allocated for essential infrastructure such as power, water, and railways in the Kopparthi node of the Visakhapatnam Chennai Industrial Corridor. A similar focus will be given to the Orvakal node of the Hyderabad Bengaluru Industrial Corridor.
Ms. Sitharaman also announced additional allocations towards capital investment for economic growth, although specifics were not provided. She reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to grants for backward regions in Rayalaseema, Prakasam, and North Coastal Andhra regions as stipulated in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.
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