Andhra Pradesh and Bihar receive impressive perks in Budget; Rs 26,000 crore+ dedicated for ‘Poorvodaya’

It was expected that that the first budget of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government would have impressive perks for Andhra Pradesh and Bihar as the Chief Ministers of both the states helm the largest allies of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Janata Dal (United)(JD(U)) respectively. The BJP fell short of the majority mark and to keep their allies in their good books would hence be their priority. Along expected lines, the ‘Poorvodaya’ plan was announced for the development of eastern India, wherein both Andhra Pradesh and Bihar lay. “On the Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor, we will support development of an industrial node at Gaya. This corridor will catalyse industrial development of the eastern region. We will also support development of road connectivity projects, namely, Patna -Purnea expressway, Buxar- Bhagalpur highway, Bodhgaya- Rajgir-Vaishali- Darbhanga and an additional two-lane bridge over river Ganga in Buxar for Rs 26,000 crore,” Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in the parliament. 

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The government has dedicated special funds for the construction of a capital city in Andhra Pradesh that has been long pending since the bifurcation of the state. Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu had earlier remarked that he would seek assistance from the Central Government in this regard. “Our government has made concerted efforts to fulfil the commitments in Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act. Recognising the state’s need for a capital, we will facilitate special financial support through multilateral development agencies. In the current financial year, R̥s 15,000 crore  will be arranged with additional amount in future years. Our government is fully committed to financing an early completion of the ‘Polavaram Irrigation Project’ which is the lifeline for Andhra Pradesh and its farmers. This will facilitate our country’s food security as well,” Nirmala mentioned.