Telangana Government approves Rs. 2.95 lakh crore budget for 2024-25
Hyderabad: The Telangana Cabinet has approved a budget estimated at Rs. 2.95 lakh crore. Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Bhatti Vikramarka presented the Telangana Budget in the Telangana Legislative Assembly at 12 pm on July 25 (Thursday). This is the first full budget under a Congress-led state government since the formation of Telangana.
The budget outlines a total expenditure of Rs. 2,91,159 crores for the financial year 2024-25. Of this, Rs. 2,20,945 crore is allocated for revenue expenditure, while Rs. 33,487 crore is proposed for capital expenditure.
Finance Minister Bhatti Vikramarka highlighted the budget’s focus on key sectors including agriculture, welfare, irrigation, rural development, and power. A significant allocation of Rs. 72,659 crores have been proposed for agriculture, along with Rs. 33,124 crores for SC welfare, Rs. 17,056 crores for ST welfare, Rs. 9,200 crores for BC welfare, Rs. 29,816 crores for rural development, and Rs. 22,301 crores for irrigation.
Additionally, Rs. 16,410 crore is allotted for TRANSCO & DISCOMs, Rs. 11,468 crores for Medical & Health, Rs. 5,790 crores for Roads & Buildings, Rs. 9,564 crores for the Home Department, Rs. 2,762 crores for Industries, Rs. 774 crores for IT, and Rs. 2,736 crores for Women and Child Welfare, and Rs. 1,064 crores for Forest & Environment.
The budget allocates Rs. 10,000 crores for the development of Hyderabad, focusing on projects such as the Old City metro, Airport metro, Regional Ring Road, Musi Riverfront development, and the establishment of HYDRAA.
Deputy Chief Minister Vikramarka acknowledged the substantial increase in Telangana’s debt, noting it rose from Rs. 75,577 crore at state formation to Rs. 6,71,751 crores presently. He highlighted that despite this, the government has prioritized loan repayment, exceeding borrowings by Rs. 7,774 crores since assuming office responsibilities.
“The basis for the agitation for statehood was that Telangana was deprived of its share of water, financial resources, and employment opportunities,” Vikramarka explained.
