State budget growth oriented and fiscally responsible, says Lanka Dinakar

Vijayawada: Describing the state budget for 2026-27 as growth-oriented, the 20-Point Programme chairman and fiscal affairs expert, Lanka Dinakar, patted the finance minister for bringing a fiscally responsible budget aligned with national priorities. "This budget reflects the spirit of partnership in Viksit Bharat while steering the state towards the realisation of Swarna Andhra Pradesh," said Dinakar.Speaking to the media in the secretariat on Saturday, Dinakar said that the budget provided a clear roadmap for irrigation expansion, industrial growth and horticulture development across Uttarandhra, Rayalaseema and Coastal Andhra.Dinakar said the Rs 3.32 lakh crore outlay gives equal importance to development and welfare. "Under the VBG–Ram G programme, ₹8,365 crore will be mobilised for rural asset creation with a 40% State share and 60% Central share, focusing on durable infrastructure and employment generation in villages," said Dinakar.He explained that Rs 9,668 crore was allocated under Talliki Vandanam to provide Rs 15,000 to mothers of students, Rs 6,600 crore for Annadata Sukhibhava offering Rs 20,000 support to farmers, including Central assistance, and Rs 27,708 crore for pensions. Free agricultural power supply will continue.Capital expenditure stands at Rs 53,915 crore, constituting 17.5% of the total outlay, aimed at boosting infrastructure and employment. Revenue expenditure is pegged at Rs 2,56,143 crore, with fiscal indicators showing improvement as revenue and fiscal deficits decline as a percentage of GSDP. Debt restructuring already saved ₹300 crore annually.Dinakar said the budget strengthens investor confidence and reflects the leadership of chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu in aligning state growth with the national Viksit Bharat vision.