Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has praised the Union Budget 2024-25, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, for its comprehensive and supportive approach towards the state’s development needs. Naidu expressed his heartfelt gratitude, acknowledging the Budget’s focused attention on Andhra Pradesh’s specific requirements. He described this year’s Budget as “progressive and confidence-boosting,” and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for their commitment to the state’s growth.
In a statement, Naidu said, “On behalf of the people of Andhra Pradesh, I thank the Hon’ble Prime Minister @Narendramodi Ji and Hon’ble Union Finance Minister @Nsitharaman Ji, for recognizing the needs of our State and focusing on critical areas such as the Capital city, the Polavaram Irrigation Project, industrial nodes, and the development of backward areas in Andhra Pradesh in the union budget of FY 24-25. This support from the Centre will go a long way towards rebuilding Andhra Pradesh. I congratulate you on the presentation of this progressive and confidence-boosting budget. #APBackOnTrack.”
The Union Budget has outlined several key allocations and initiatives for Andhra Pradesh. Finance Minister Sitharaman highlighted that the NDA government has diligently worked to fulfill the commitments made under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014. She detailed a plan aimed at addressing the key challenges faced by the state since its bifurcation.
A significant portion of the Budget, ₹15,000 crore, has been earmarked for the development of Andhra Pradesh’s capital city, Amaravati, this fiscal year, fulfilling long-standing promises made in the Reorganisation Act. Sitharaman assured that additional funds would be provided in subsequent years to continue the development of Amaravati. The Finance Minister also committed to expediting the Polavaram Irrigation Project, a critical infrastructure project deemed essential for Andhra Pradesh’s agriculture and food security.
Furthermore, the Budget allocates funds for infrastructure development in key industrial corridors, including Kopparthy (part of the Vishakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor) and Orvakal (part of the Hyderabad-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor). Special attention will be given to the development of backward regions in Rayalaseema, the north Andhra districts, and the Prakasam district in the south. The Finance Minister also announced special incentives to encourage the establishment of industries in Andhra Pradesh, aligning with the promises made under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.
Overall, the Budget’s comprehensive support and strategic focus are expected to significantly advance Andhra Pradesh’s development agenda, enhancing infrastructure, agricultural productivity, and industrial growth in the state.