Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh government has placed a strong emphasis on welfare initiatives in the 2025-26 budget, with significant allocations to fulfill the Super Six manifesto promises. However, concerns are emerging over the financial feasibility and execution of these ambitious schemes.
Major Welfare Announcements in the Budget
The budget includes substantial allocations for key welfare programs aimed at supporting farmers, students, weaker sections, and marginalized communities. Some of the major announcements include:
- Annadata Sukhibhava: Every farmer will receive ₹20,000 in financial assistance.
- Talliki Vandanam: ₹15,000 will be credited to the bank accounts of mothers of students studying in both government and private schools.
- Health Insurance: The state has announced a ₹25 lakh health insurance scheme to ensure corporate-level medical care for all families.
- Free Electricity:
▪ 200 units for SC/ST families.
▪ 200 units for handloom weavers.
▪ 500 units for power loom workers.
▪ 200 units for barbers operating small salons. - Housing Projects:
▪ Construction of 7 lakh+ houses under the PM Awas Yojana.
▪ 2 lakh houses to be built under TIDCO.
▪ SC/ST beneficiaries will receive additional financial support of ₹50,000 and ₹75,000, respectively. - Support for Fishermen: The government has increased compensation for fishermen during the fishing ban period from ₹10,000 to ₹20,000.
- Aadarana Scheme: The government has revived the Aadarana scheme, which provides financial support to traditional artisans and skilled workers.
Concerns Over Implementation
While the government has announced large-scale welfare programs, questions remain about their practical implementation. Andhra Pradesh is already facing a serious financial crisis, raising concerns about whether the state has sufficient funds to execute these schemes effectively.
Challenges Ahead
- Funding Constraints: With limited revenue sources, will the government rely heavily on loans or central assistance?
- Timely Execution: Many past welfare schemes have faced delays. Will the newly announced initiatives be implemented without hurdles?
- Infrastructure Readiness: Allocating funds is one aspect, but ensuring infrastructure and administrative readiness for schemes like health insurance and housing projects remains a challenge.
Public Expectations and Political Implications
The budget announcements have generated significant public interest, with beneficiaries eagerly waiting for the schemes to be rolled out. The success or failure of these initiatives could have political ramifications, as welfare has been a major electoral promise of the ruling government.
The coming months will be crucial in determining whether these welfare schemes translate into tangible benefits for the people or remain mere announcements on paper.
