Six guarantees allocation cut by Rs 5,400 crore

Six-Guarantees is the one which Congress mainly highlighted in its electioneering campaign in the 2023 Assembly elections. After coming to power, the Congress government has reiterated its commitment to implement all the schemes in a phased manner, positioning them as the backbone of its welfare agenda. However, the latest budget figures indicate a notable shift in allocations.

According to the Budget 2026–27, the total allocation for the Six Guarantees stands at Rs 50,713 crore. This marks a significant reduction of nearly Rs 5,400 crore compared to Rs 56,084 crore allocated in 2025–26, raising questions about prioritisation and fiscal adjustments within the government’s flagship commitments.

A closer look at the data reveals that while some schemes have retained their allocations, others have witnessed sharp rationalisation. For instance, Rythu Bharosa and Cheyutha continue to command the largest share at Rs 18,000 crore and Rs 14,861 crore respectively in 2026–27, unchanged from the previous year. However, Indiramma Houses has seen a steep cut from Rs 12,571 crore in 2025–26 to Rs 5,500 crore in 2026–27, accounting for a major portion of the overall decline.

Similarly, allocations for agricultural incentives have been restructured. The earlier provision of Rs 1,800 crore for bonus to paddy farmers has been expanded and revised to Rs 3,500 crore under a broader “bonus to agricultural produces” category in 2026–27. Other schemes such as Gruha Jyothi, Rajiv Aarogya Sri, LPG subsidy, and Indiramma Atmeeya Bharosa remain largely unchanged, reflecting continuity in core welfare delivery.

Despite the reduction, the government appears to be balancing welfare commitments with fiscal discipline, as highlighted in the broader budget framework. The reallocation suggests a shift towards prioritising select schemes while moderating expenditure in others.

Overall, while the Six Guarantees remain central to the government’s policy narrative, the latest budget signals a recalibration in funding strategy amid evolving fiscal realities.