Budget To Cross 2-Lakh Crore Mark For KCR Government

Telangana’s state budget is likely to be presented by the end of August or in September. The Chief Minister of the state, K Chandrashekar Rao, has asked every department to come up with budget proposals. Speculations are doing rounds that the overall budget will cross 2 lakh crore mark in the state assembly.

The Chief Minister will present the budget in the assembly if he doesn’t undertake an expansion of the state cabinet before the budget session. He also holds a finance portfolio. Irrigation, agriculture and welfare schemes may have to increase the budget allocations. The projected budget in February was likely less.

An official in the government said, “The budget for welfare schemes such as Aasara pensions which have been doubled and age criteria being brought down from 65 years to 57 years have brought in over 10 lakh more beneficiaries under the umbrella of the scheme.”

To meet the demand to finance the welfare schemes, every department has been directed to ensure maximum central funds are drawn for the state. The government also needs a budget for Arogyasri services which were stopped by the hospitals due to the non-payment of dues.

The government is also keen on ensuring a 24X7 power supply to agriculture, domestic and industrial sectors. Considering all the requirements the budget is likely to cross 2 lakh crore mark.