Rammohan Naidu concluded by emphasizing that the “double-engine government” (BJP at the Center and the TDP-led coalition in Andhra Pradesh) has accelerated development within just seven months of assuming office

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu described the Union Budget 2024 as a historic and people-centric financial plan that lays the foundation for a developed India by 2047. Addressing a press conference at Hindu College in Guntur, he emphasized that the budget reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and is designed to uplift farmers, MSMEs, women, and the youth.

Focusing on agriculture, Rammohan Naidu pointed out key initiatives such as increasing the Kisan Credit Card limit from Rs.3 lakh to Rs.5 lakh and allocating over Rs.12,000 crore for crop insurance to protect farmers from unforeseen losses. He also announced the introduction of a new Dhanadhanya Yojana, which will support 100 backward districts by providing financial assistance to farmers and rural communities.

For the MSME sector, the budget has earmarked Rs.10,000 crore for startups, aiming to boost innovation and entrepreneurship. One of the most significant announcements in the budget was the income tax exemption for individuals earning up to Rs.12 lakh per annum. Calling it a historic decision, Rammohan Naidu said this move would benefit over one crore middle-class citizens, easing their financial burden despite the government facing a Rs.1 lakh crore revenue loss.

Discussing Andhra Pradesh’s development, the minister revealed several key allocations. The central government has increased the state’s infrastructure funding limit and revived the Jal Jeevan Mission, now extended with a Rs.70,000 crore allocation to ensure piped water supply to every household. He criticized the previous YSRCP government for allegedly mismanaging Rs.15,000 crore allocated for the same project earlier. The budget also provides Rs.12,130 crore for the Polavaram irrigation project, reaffirming the center’s commitment to completing this crucial initiative. Additionally, Rs.15,000 crore has been earmarked for Amaravati, positioning it as a world-class city and the capital of Andhra Pradesh.

As the Minister for Civil Aviation, Rammohan Naidu highlighted India’s rapid growth in air travel, stating that passenger traffic has doubled since 2014. The UDAN scheme, which enhances connectivity to small towns, has been extended for another 10 years, with plans to develop 120 new airports. So far, 87 airports have already been completed under this scheme. To address the increasing demand for trained pilots, the government is setting up Flight Training Organizations (FTOs) in India to match global aviation standards.

He also credited Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s leadership for restoring investor confidence in Andhra Pradesh after what he described as five years of stagnation under the previous government. Highlighting recent achievements, the minister announced that the government successfully secured Rs.10,450 crore to protect the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. He also blamed the YSRCP government for delaying the Visakhapatnam Railway Zone by failing to allocate land, leading to a five-year delay. However, he noted that the current administration completed the process within just seven months.

Rammohan Naidu concluded by emphasizing that the “double-engine government” (BJP at the Center and the TDP-led coalition in Andhra Pradesh) has accelerated development within just seven months of assuming office.