In a comprehensive budget speech delivered in the Telangana State Assembly on July 25, 2024, Finance Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka proposed a significant ₹10,000 crore for the development of Hyderabad. The government's determined efforts to make Hyderabad a more sustainable and livable city are demonstrated by this significant allocation.
Development of Hyderabad:
-
Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC): ₹3,065 crore
-
Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA): ₹500 crore
-
Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (Metro Water Works): ₹3,385 crore
-
Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA): ₹200 crore
-
Extension of Metro Rail to the Airport: ₹100 crore
-
Outer Ring Road (ORR): ₹200 crore
-
Hyderabad Metro Rail: ₹500 crore
-
Metro Extension to Old City: ₹500 crore
-
Multi-Modal Transport System (MMTS): ₹50 crore
-
Musi Riverfront Project: ₹1,500 crore
Infrastructure and transportation
Metro Rail Expansion: The budget emphasises strengthening Hyderabad's public transport network, particularly through the expansion of Metro Rail. The government proposes developing 78.4 km of extended corridors with an outlay of ₹24,042 crore. Key extensions include:
-
Nagole to LB Nagar
-
Miyapur to Patancheru
-
LB Nagar to Hayathnagar
The goal is to create interchange stations at Nagole, LB Nagar, and Chandrayanagutta to ensure seamless connectivity across the city. The Metro will also extend to the Old City and Shamshabad Airport.
Agriculture and rural development
Agriculture: A whopping ₹72,659 crore has been allocated for agriculture, signalling the government's priority towards the sector. The budget also proposes ₹737 crore for horticulture. Key initiatives include:
-
Oil Palm Expansion under the National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO-OP): Targeting 1 lakh acres for plantation in 2024–25.
-
Rythu Bharosa Scheme: Financial assistance increased to ₹15,000 per annum, replacing the previous Rythu Bandhu scheme to benefit real farmers.
Irrigation: The budget proposes ₹22,301 crore for the Irrigation Department to support various water projects essential for the state's agrarian community.
Welfare and Social Initiatives
Women Empowerment: The government aims to secure ₹1 lakh crore for the Indira Mahila Shakthi programme to transform 63 lakh women into successful businesswomen through skill training and marketing support.
Public Welfare: The budget earmarks funds for numerous welfare schemes, including:
-
Gruha Jyothi Scheme: ₹2,418 crore for free power up to 200 units.
-
Subsidised LPG: ₹723 crore for providing LPG cylinders at ₹500 each.
-
Construction of 4.5 lakh houses, each 400 sq. ft, with RCC roofing, kitchen, and toilet facilities.
Health and Education:
-
Medical and Health Department: ₹11,468 crore allocated to address gaps in the healthcare system and complete under-construction medical facilities.
-
Education Department: ₹21,292 crore to enhance the quality and reach of education across the state.
SC/ST Welfare:
-
₹33,124 crore for SC Sub-Plan (SCSDF)
-
₹17,056 crore for the ST Sub-Plan (STSDF)
Minority Welfare:
-
₹3,003 crore is allocated for the welfare of minority communities.
Environmental and Ecotourism Initiatives
The budget proposes ₹1,064 crore for the Forest and Environment Department, emphasising the promotion of eco-tourism to conserve forest areas and generate revenue. Key locations identified include Amrabad Tiger Reserve, Kawal Tiger Reserve, and Kuntala Falls.
Financial Discipline and Loan Repayment
Despite inheriting a challenging financial situation, the Congress government has demonstrated fiscal discipline by repaying ₹42,892 crore in loans, which is ₹7,774 crore more than the loans raised. This commitment to financial prudence reflects the government's sincerity towards its fiscal responsibilities.
Conclusion
The Telangana Budget 2024–25 reflects a holistic approach to development, with a strong emphasis on infrastructure, agriculture, public welfare, and environmental conservation. The proposed initiatives aim to bridge regional disparities, enhance the quality of life, and foster sustainable growth across the state.
Inputs by Agencies
Image Source: Multiple Source
Ⓒ Copyright 2024. All Rights Reserved Powered by Vygr Media.
