The Andhra Pradesh coalition government, led by Finance Minister Payyvula Keshav, has announced its budget for 2024-25. However, the budget has drawn attention due to what some see as limited investment in essential areas such as education, industry, and environmental protection. While it outlines certain development objectives, critics feel that a high dependency on debt, along with relatively low funding for these key sectors, may affect long-term growth and reduce future opportunities for the people of Andhra Pradesh.
One major concern is the limited investment in education and skill development. With only ₹2,326 crores allocated to higher education and ₹1,215 crores to skill development, the state’s funding in these crucial areas is considerably lower compared to other states making substantial investments to prepare a competitive workforce. Critics warn that insufficient funding for education and skills training could affect the quality of learning, limit employment prospects, and ultimately hinder economic progress.
Additionally, the allocation for industrial growth and economic development has sparked debate. Andhra Pradesh has set aside ₹3,127 crores for Industries and Commerce, an amount that some believe is insufficient to attract businesses and stimulate job creation. Given that other states are aggressively increasing their budgets to enhance industrial infrastructure, experts fear that Andhra Pradesh’s comparatively modest funding may discourage investors, making it challenging to boost employment and strengthen the state’s economy.
Environmental advocates have also raised concerns about the low funding for environmental protection. The Forest Environment Department received only ₹687 crores, which critics say reflects a limited commitment to preserving natural resources and tackling climate change. This underfunding could have long-term consequences, leaving communities vulnerable to pollution and natural disasters, and compromising public health.
The Andhra Pradesh government has proposed a free public transport initiative aimed at encouraging women’s participation in the workforce. Finance Minister Payyvula Keshav announced that the scheme would launch soon, highlighting the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment and mobility. However, five months into their term, there has been no significant budget allocation for this initiative, nor any visible steps taken to implement it, raising questions about the government’s follow-through on this promise.
Adding to these concerns is the high fiscal deficit and dependency on debt in the budget. With a fiscal deficit of ₹68,743 crores and a revenue deficit of ₹34,743 crores, Andhra Pradesh is relying significantly on borrowing to cover its expenses. Analysts caution that while this approach may meet immediate financial needs, it risks creating a long-term debt burden that could restrict future spending on essential services and development projects.
The 2024-25 budget’s emphasis on borrowing and limited investment in key sectors has led to concerns that Andhra Pradesh may face reduced opportunities for economic growth and public services. As the government moves forward, critics are calling for a more balanced and sustainable investment strategy to ensure meaningful, long-term development across the state.
