The budget also outlines major projects like the Musi Riverfront Development and the establishment of two dry ports to boost exports.

The Telangana state government has presented a budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 with a total outlay of Rs. 2.75 lakh crore. This budget is crafted with realistic expectations, focusing on welfare, infrastructure development, and addressing financial challenges inherited from the previous administration. Below is a detailed breakdown of the budget allocations and key initiatives:

Key Allocations

  1. Revenue Expenditure: Rs. 2,01,178 crores
  2. Capital Expenditure: Rs. 29,669 crores
  3. Implementation of Six Guarantees: Rs. 53,196 crores
  4. Agriculture Department: Rs. 19,746 crores
  5. Irrigation Projects: Rs. 28,024 crores
  6. Indiramma Housing Scheme: Rs. 7,740 crores
  7. Medical Sector: Rs. 11,500 crores
  8. Education Sector: Rs. 21,389 crores

Additional Allocations

  • Electricity Household Jyoti Scheme: Rs. 2,418 crores
  • Power Companies: Rs. 16,825 crores
  • ST Department: Rs. 13,013 crores
  • SC Welfare: Rs. 21,874 crores
  • OBC Welfare: Rs. 8,000 crores
  • Minority Welfare: Rs. 2,262 crores
  • Municipal Department: Rs. 11,692 crores
  • Panchayat Raj Department: Rs. 40,080 crores
  • Facilities in Universities: Rs. 500 crores
  • Establishment of Telangana Public Schools: Rs. 500 crores

Major Initiatives

  1. Musi Riverfront Development Project: Rs. 1,000 crores allocated for its rapid completion.
  2. Regional Ring Road (RRR): Land acquisition and construction to be expedited.
  3. Indiramma Housing Scheme: Sanctioning of 3,500 houses for each Assembly constituency.
  4. IT Sector Expansion: Collaboration with US-based IT SERVE to set up firms in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to promote equitable development.
  5. Two Dry Ports: To facilitate exports and incentivize goods transport for export from the state.
  6. Musi Riverfront Development: Rs. 1,000 crores allocated for this project aimed at enhancing the city’s infrastructure and environment.

Addressing Financial Challenges

The budget presentation highlighted the previous administration’s financial mismanagement, which left the state in a difficult economic situation due to unplanned loans. The current government aims to address these challenges by focusing on structured developmental goals, cutting down unnecessary expenditure, and maximizing funds from the central government under various schemes.

Vision for Development

The budget is aligned with the Congress government’s vision of “Indiramma Rajyam,” which emphasizes the overall development of Telangana, focusing on health, progress, and welfare of its citizens. The budget’s main goal is to ensure balanced development across all sectors, thereby improving the living standards of people in both urban and rural areas.

Conclusion

The Telangana state budget for 2024-25 is a comprehensive plan aimed at fostering growth and development while addressing past financial missteps. With significant allocations for key sectors and ambitious projects, the government aims to build a robust and equitable future for all its citizens.