Budget 2024: Nirmala Sitharaman Unveils Major funds for Andhra Pradesh and Bihar in Budget 2024
In a significant boost for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced on Tuesday that the Union Budget 2024 includes special financial assistance for these states. This support aims to develop new airports, medical colleges, and highways in Bihar, as well as aid in the development of the capital city Amaravati in Andhra Pradesh.
Presenting the Union Budget 2024, Sitharaman detailed plans for Bihar, including the establishment of a new 2400 MW power plant at Pirpainti for Rs 21,400 crores. Additional projects include constructing new airports, medical colleges, and sports infrastructure.
The government will expedite Bihar’s requests for external assistance from multilateral development banks. Furthermore, Rs 26,000 crore is allocated for various road projects, and Rs 11,500 crore is set aside for flood mitigation.
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The government will also support the development of Nalanda as a tourist center and formulate the ‘Purvodaya’ plan for the comprehensive development of Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.
For Andhra Pradesh, Sitharaman emphasized the government’s efforts to fulfill commitments under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act. Special financial support will be facilitated through multilateral agencies, with Rs 15,000 crore arranged for the current financial year and additional amounts in future years.
The government is committed to the early completion and financing of the Polavaram irrigation project, crucial for Andhra Pradesh and its farmers. Furthermore, a backward region grant will be provided to three districts, and funds will be allocated for essential infrastructure such as water, power, railways, and roads, along with grants for the backward regions of Rayalaseema, Prakasam, and North coastal Andhra Pradesh, as specified in the Act.
