Andhra Pradesh Budget 2019-20
Andhra Pradesh released its Vote on Account budget for 2019-20. The state budget has focused on all key sectors of the state for the development.
The Velugu project initiated almost two decades ago, evolved into the largest POVERTY reduction initiatives in the world with an outreach of close to 94 lakh SHG members spanning all social categories – around 17 lakh SCs, 5 lakh STs, 46 lakh BCs, 5 lakh Minorities and 21 lakh from general category.
Shouldering the responsibility of Anna (elder brother) of DWCRA and MEPMA Aadapaduchulu (Women members), govt. has decided to financially empower the SHGs and give another assistance of Rs. 10,000 in three spells of Rs. 2,500 in February, Rs. 3,500 in March, and Rs. 4,000 in April 2019. This would benefit 93.81 lakh SHG members with an outlay of Rs. 9,381 crore.
With an objective to minimize dropout rate and to increase enrolment especially among girl students, in Government schools, govt. has introduced the Badikosta scheme. Under this scheme, bicycles have been provided to 1.87 lakh girl students.
In addition to the existing supplementary Nutrition programme, Balasanjeevani (special diet) is being provided to address the Malnutrition of the children, pregnant, lactating women in Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe populations as well as for the malnourished children, anemic and high risk pregnant women in general categories.
To facilitate Health-and-hygiene/”>Health and Hygiene, Government has introduced a new scheme “Raksha” to distribute sanitary napkins to 15 lakh SHG women and 10 lakh adolescent girls, with a budget of Rs. 100 crore.
One Stop Centers (OSC) were established in 13 Districts to provide support and assistance to women affected by violence, in private and public spaces. Govt. also set up a Women Helpline to provide 24 hours immediate and emergency response to women affected by violence.
Govt. has decided to alleviate the debt burden of farmers with an outlay of around Rs 24,000 crore. The final two installments will be credited shortly. For Horticulture-2/”>Horticulture debt redemption Rs.384 crore have been credited into 2.23 lakh loan accounts of farmers.
Government is introducing a new scheme called Annadatha Sukhibhava to give economic support to Annadathas(farmers). Rs. 5,000 crore are proposed for this scheme in 2019-20.
Government has enhanced input subsidies for paddy, sugarcane, Cotton and groundnut crops from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 15,000, for maize from Rs. 8,333 to Rs. 12,500, pulses and sunflower crops from Rs. 6,250 to Rs. 10,000. This benefitted 39.33 lakh farmers.
To ensure that the incomes of farmers are not adversely affected due to market uncertainties, Government is enhancing the size of market intervention fund from Rs. 500 crore to Rs. 1,000 crore for the crops that do not have a Minimum Support Price.
To promote Livestock sector, fodder security policy was introduced to achieve self-sufficiency in fodder production in every village by promoting Ooruura Pasu Graasa Kshetraalu in 83,396 acres. In 2019-20, Rs. 200 crore are proposed for feed and fodder development. Rs. 200 crore are proposed for insurance of the livestock to safeguard farmers against loss due to animal death. To promote the Fisheries-2/”>Fisheries sector, Government reduced the tariff for aquaculture from Rs. 4.13 per unit in 2015-16 to Rs. 2 per unit in 2018-19.
Government has enhanced the Scholarship (MTF) rates to all categories (SC/ST/BC/EBC/KAPU/MW/DW) under Post Scholarship scheme, up to 33% for Department attached hostels, 131% for college-attached hostels, 150% for day scholars. Overall, Government has provided 71 lakh scholarships across all communities (SC – 14.5 lakh, ST – 2.8 lakh, BC – 36.9 lakh, EBC & Kapu – 11.5 lakh, Minorities – 5.4 lakh, Differently Abled – 2,666) at a total cost of Rs. 12,833 crore.
Government has also introduced a new scheme of NTR Unnatha Vidyadarana to provide professional guidance to students appearing for competitive examination like the prestigious UPSC Civil Service Examination through reputed private training institutions. An amount of Rs. 1.3 lakh per student is paid as institutional fee and an amount of Rs. 10,000 per month is paid to the student as stipend for a period of nine months. This scheme has benefitted 9,524 students (2,313 SC, 947 ST, 592 Minority, 2816 BC, 1,443 EBC and 1,413 Kapu) at an expenditure of Rs. 143 crore.
Through Chandranna Cheyutha, Government has launched a Skill development program for SC youth to enhance their employability and to develop Entrepreneurship. This benefitted 31,815 youth. In convergence with AP State Skill Development Corporation, 20,000 ST unemployed youth benefitted and 4,000 youth placed in different private sector.
Govt. has decided to double all the social security pensions to Rs. 3,000 per month and to Rs. 2,000 respectively with effect from January 2019.
New Schemes and their allocations for the Year 2019-20
Annadata Sukhibhava – 5000 crores
Land Acquisition for House sites – 500 crores
Incentives for Industrial Promotion for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) – 400 crore
Drivers Sadhikara Samstha – 150 crore
Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE facilities in ULBs under CIIP – 100 crore
Welfare of Kshatriyas – 50 crore
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agriculture and allied sectors
Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy, employing more than half of the country’s workforce. The sector is responsible for about 15% of the country’s GDP. The government has been taking several measures to boost the agricultural sector, including providing subsidies on Fertilizers and seeds, setting up Irrigation facilities, and providing loans to farmers.
The allied sectors of agriculture, such as Animal Husbandry, Dairy, fisheries, and Forestry, are also important contributors to the economy. These sectors provide EMPLOYMENT to millions of people and generate significant revenue. The government has been promoting these sectors by providing subsidies, setting up infrastructure, and providing training to farmers.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure is the backbone of any economy. It includes roads, bridges, Airports, railways, power Plants, and telecommunications networks. A well-developed infrastructure is essential for economic Growth and development.
The government has been investing heavily in Infrastructure Development in recent years. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has been building new highways and expanding existing ones. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has been building new airports and expanding existing ones. The Indian Railways has been upgrading its tracks and rolling stock. The Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL) has been building new power plants and transmission lines. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has been expanding the reach of telecom networks.
These investments have helped to improve the Quality Of Life of people and boost economic growth.
Social sector
The social sector includes Education, health, and family welfare. These sectors are important for the development of Human Capital. The government has been spending heavily on these sectors in recent years.
The government has been providing free education to all children up to the age of 14. It has also been providing scholarships to students from poor families. The government has been building new schools and hospitals. It has also been providing free healthcare to the poor.
These investments have helped to improve the quality of life of people and reduce poverty.
Industry and commerce
Industry and commerce are important drivers of economic growth. The government has been taking several measures to promote these sectors, including providing subsidies, setting up infrastructure, and providing tax breaks.
The government has been setting up special economic zones (SEZs) to attract foreign Investment. It has also been providing subsidies on power and other inputs to industries. The government has been building new roads, Ports, and airports to improve connectivity. It has also been providing tax breaks to businesses.
These measures have helped to boost industrial production and exports.
Energy
Energy is essential for economic growth and development. The government has been taking several measures to increase the supply of energy, including building new power plants, expanding the transmission and distribution Network, and promoting RENEWABLE ENERGY sources.
The government has set a target of generating 175 gigawatts of electricity from renewable sources by 2022. It has also been promoting Energy Efficiency measures to reduce the consumption of energy.
These measures have helped to improve the Energy Security of the country.
Finance
Finance is the lifeblood of the economy. The government has been taking several measures to strengthen the financial system, including improving the regulatory framework, promoting Financial Inclusion, and developing the capital markets.
The government has set up a new regulator, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), to oversee the Banking sector. It has also been promoting financial inclusion by providing banking Services to the poor. The government has been developing the capital markets by setting up new Stock Exchanges and providing tax breaks to investors.
These measures have helped to improve the financial stability of the country.
Others
The government has been taking several other measures to boost the economy, including promoting tourism, developing the IT sector, and encouraging start-ups.
The government has set up a new ministry, the Ministry of Tourism, to promote tourism. It has also been developing infrastructure for tourism, such as airports, hotels, and roads. The government has been promoting the IT sector by providing tax breaks and other incentives. It has also been setting up new universities and research institutions to promote innovation.
These measures have helped to boost the economy and create jobs.
The Andhra Pradesh Budget 2019-20 was presented by the Chief Minister, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, on 15 February 2019. The budget has a total outlay of â¹2,28,119 crore, which is an increase of 13.8% over the previous year’s budget.
The key highlights of the budget are as follows:
- Agriculture and allied sectors: The budget has allocated â¹32,000 crore for agriculture and allied sectors, which is an increase of 15% over the previous year. The focus of the budget is on increasing productivity, improving irrigation facilities, and promoting farmers’ welfare.
- Infrastructure: The budget has allocated â¹35,000 crore for infrastructure development, which is an increase of 12% over the previous year. The focus of the budget is on improving roads, bridges, airports, and power infrastructure.
- Social welfare: The budget has allocated â¹25,000 crore for social welfare schemes, which is an increase of 10% over the previous year. The focus of the budget is on providing financial assistance to the poor, women, and children.
- Education: The budget has allocated â¹18,000 crore for education, which is an increase of 11% over the previous year. The focus of the budget is on improving infrastructure, providing scholarships, and promoting Vocational Education.
- Health: The budget has allocated â¹12,000 crore for health, which is an increase of 10% over the previous year. The focus of the budget is on improving infrastructure, providing medical facilities, and promoting preventive healthcare.
- Industries: The budget has allocated â¹10,000 crore for industries, which is an increase of 12% over the previous year. The focus of the budget is on promoting investment, providing incentives, and improving infrastructure.
- Tourism: The budget has allocated â¹5,000 crore for tourism, which is an increase of 15% over the previous year. The focus of the budget is on promoting tourism, developing infrastructure, and providing incentives.
The budget has been welcomed by the people of Andhra Pradesh. They are hopeful that the budget will help to improve the state’s economy and improve the lives of the people.
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Andhra Pradesh Budget 2019-20:
- What are the key highlights of the budget?
The key highlights of the budget are as follows:
- Agriculture and allied sectors: The budget has allocated â¹32,000 crore for agriculture and allied sectors, which is an increase of 15% over the previous year. The focus of the budget is on increasing productivity, improving irrigation facilities, and promoting farmers’ welfare.
- Infrastructure: The budget has allocated â¹35,000 crore for infrastructure development, which is an increase of 12% over the previous year. The focus of the budget is on improving roads, bridges, airports, and power infrastructure.
- Social welfare: The budget has allocated â¹25,000 crore for social welfare schemes, which is an increase of 10% over the previous year. The focus of the budget is on providing financial assistance to the poor, women, and children.
- Education: The budget has allocated â¹18,000 crore for education, which is an increase of 11% over the previous year. The focus of the budget is on improving infrastructure, providing scholarships, and promoting vocational education.
- Health: The budget has allocated â¹12,000 crore for health, which is an increase of 10% over the previous year. The focus of the budget is on improving infrastructure, providing medical facilities, and promoting preventive healthcare.
- Industries: The budget has allocated â¹10,000 crore for industries, which is an increase of 12% over the previous year. The focus of the budget is on promoting investment, providing incentives, and improving infrastructure.
Tourism: The budget has allocated â¹5,000 crore for tourism, which is an increase of 15% over the previous year. The focus of the budget is on promoting tourism, developing infrastructure, and providing incentives.
What are the challenges that the state is facing?
The state is facing a number of challenges, including:
- A high Fiscal Deficit: The state’s fiscal deficit is expected to be â¹25,000 crore in 2019-20. This is a major challenge, as it will put pressure on the state’s finances.
- A high debt burden: The state’s debt
- The Andhra Pradesh Budget 2019-20 was presented by the Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, on 15 February 2019. The total outlay of the budget was Rs. 2,28,115 crore, an increase of 12.5% over the previous year.
- The budget focused on agriculture, irrigation, infrastructure, and social welfare. The government announced a number of new schemes and initiatives, including the following:
- A new scheme to provide financial assistance to farmers to purchase agricultural equipment.
- A new scheme to provide irrigation facilities to farmers in dry areas.
- A new scheme to improve the Infrastructure in Rural Areas.
- A new scheme to provide financial assistance to women entrepreneurs.
- The budget also announced a number of tax concessions and incentives, including the following:
- A reduction in the tax rate for small businesses.
- A reduction in the tax rate for startups.
- A number of incentives for investment in the state.
- The budget was well-received by the public, with many people praising the government’s focus on agriculture and rural development. However, some critics have pointed out that the budget does not do enough to address the state’s fiscal deficit.
Which of the following is not a new scheme announced in the Andhra Pradesh Budget 2019-20?
(A) A new scheme to provide financial assistance to farmers to purchase agricultural equipment.
(B) A new scheme to provide irrigation facilities to farmers in dry areas.
(C) A new scheme to improve the infrastructure in rural areas.
(D) A new scheme to provide financial assistance to women entrepreneurs.
The correct answer is (D). The Andhra Pradesh Budget 2019-20 did not announce a new scheme to provide financial assistance to women entrepreneurs.
Which of the following is not a tax concession or incentive announced in the Andhra Pradesh Budget 2019-20?
(A) A reduction in the tax rate for small businesses.
(B) A reduction in the tax rate for startups.
(C) A number of incentives for investment in the state.
(D) A new scheme to provide financial assistance to women entrepreneurs.
The correct answer is (D). The Andhra Pradesh Budget 2019-20 did not announce a new scheme to provide financial assistance to women entrepreneurs.
Which of the following is a correct statement about the Andhra Pradesh Budget 2019-20?
(A) The budget focused on agriculture, irrigation, infrastructure, and social welfare.
(B) The budget was well-received by the public, with many people praising the government’s focus on agriculture and rural development.
(C) The budget does not do enough to address the state’s fiscal deficit.
(D) All of the above.
The correct answer is (D). All of the above are correct statements about the Andhra Pradesh Budget 2019-20.