Andhra Pradesh Budget 2024-25 Highlights: A Focus on Education, Healthcare, and Financial Recovery
The Andhra Pradesh government has presented its budget for the fiscal year 2024-25, with a substantial outlay of Rs 2.94 lakh crore. State Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav introduced this budget, targeting critical areas like education and healthcare while also aiming to stabilize the state’s finances.
Key Budget Allocations
School Education: The largest portion, Rs 29,909 crore, is dedicated to improving school infrastructure, enhancing teaching quality, and expanding educational access throughout the state.
Healthcare and Family Welfare: With Rs 18,421 crore allocated, the budget aims to bolster healthcare services and support welfare programs for families across Andhra Pradesh.
Panchayat Raj and Rural Development: Led by Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, this sector received Rs 16,739 crore for rural development initiatives and infrastructure projects in villages.
Budget Breakdown: Expenditures and Deficit
- Total Budget: Rs 2,94,427.25 crore
- Revenue Expenditure: Rs 2,35,916.99 crore
- Capital Expenditure: Rs 32,712.84 crore
Deficit Estimates:
- Revenue Deficit: Rs 34,743.38 crore (2.12% of GSDP)
- Fiscal Deficit: Rs 68,742.65 crore (4.19% of GSDP)
Financial Recovery Efforts and Minister’s Remarks
Finance Minister Keshav stressed the importance of restoring Andhra Pradesh’s financial health. He noted that past financial mismanagement had weakened the state’s finances, and this budget is intended to bring stability through responsible fiscal practices and sustainable development.
“This budget was created with the goal of financially reviving the state by generating wealth and restarting its financial growth,” Minister Keshav stated.
Criticism of Previous Government’s Fiscal Policies
Minister Keshav also criticized the former YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) administration, attributing the current financial challenges to previous policy missteps and fiscal irresponsibility. Citing reports from the Comptroller & Auditor General, Keshav highlighted alleged financial mismanagement under the prior regime, which, he claimed, had brought Andhra Pradesh close to bankruptcy.
“The present government is still working to shore up finances and steer the state away from bankruptcy caused by the previous government’s fiscal profligacy,” he added.