Amaravati
With the impending assumption of power by TDP leader N Chandrababu Naidu in Andhra Pradesh, the challenge of replenishing the state’s depleted coffers to fulfill the Super Six pledges becomes paramount. Scheduled for inauguration as CM on June 12, Naidu faces the immediate task of allocating over ₹4,500 crore to provide social pensions to around 65 lakh beneficiaries by July 1.
Among the commitments of the Super Six, Naidu vowed to increase monthly pensions to ₹4,000, along with clearing a backlog from July, amounting to ₹4,500 crore. Additionally, the state must allocate ₹6,000 crore for salaries and pensions. Retired senior bureaucrats estimate a total requirement exceeding ₹10,000 crore for July alone.
To finance these obligations, the government recently offered securities worth ₹2,000 crore through auction. Moreover, the state needs ₹2,600 crore monthly to sustain social pensions. Fulfilling promises like free bus travel for women and financial aid for farmers would require substantial annual reimbursements, further straining finances.
With the state’s public debt surpassing ₹4.83 lakh crore and revenue receipts projected at ₹2,05,352.19 crore for 2024-25, there are significant financial challenges ahead. Outgoing CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has criticized Naidu’s pledges, estimating an annual expenditure of ₹1.21 lakh crore to fulfill them. Naidu’s administration must navigate these fiscal hurdles while striving to meet its electoral commitments.
