The Union Budget, designed with the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, lays a strong foundation for the economic development of Andhra Pradesh, said Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu. He was speaking at a press meet organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Guntur district unit on Tuesday.
Highlighting the Budget’s emphasis on welfare and economic growth, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader said, “This Budget is aligned with the aspirations of 140 crore Indians. It prioritises farmers, youth, women, and small businesses, ensuring inclusive development.”
He added that the Narendra Modi-led government has taken bold decisions to enhance infrastructure, agriculture, MSMEs, education and healthcare.
Mr. Ram Mohan Naidu pointed out that the Centre has significantly increased budgetary allocations to Andhra Pradesh, marking a departure from past neglect. He pointed out that ₹15,000 crore has been earmarked for the Polavaram project, which saw no progress under the previous YSRCP government. The minister also announced a ₹15,000-crore special Budget for Amaravati’s development, including infrastructure funding through Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited.
The Minister criticised the previous government for mishandling Central schemes such as Jal Jeevan Mission, leading to a ₹15,000-crore loss for the State. However, responding to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s request, the Centre has extended the project for another year to ensure clean drinking water access.
The Budget provides ₹10,400 crore to revive the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, preventing its privatisation. Further, work has commenced on the long-awaited Visakhapatnam Railway Zone, fulfilling a major demand of north Andhra. The aviation sector is set to benefit from the UDAN scheme’s extension, with 120 new airports planned across India, improving connectivity for smaller towns.
Tax reforms
A significant relief for the middle class is the new income tax exemption for earnings up to ₹12 lakh, benefiting over 1 crore salaried individuals. “Despite a ₹1 lakh crore revenue loss, the Centre prioritised public welfare over taxation,” Ram Mohan Naidu said.
He also underscored India’s global economic rise, stating, “We are now the fifth-largest economy, attracting international investments due to Mr.Modi’s leadership.”
Several BJP and allied leaders, including Jupudi Rangaraju, district president Cherukuri Tirupati Rao, and MLAs Galla Madhavi, Nasir Ahmed and Dhulipalla Narendra attended the event.
Published – February 19, 2025 01:29 am IST