The central government will present the Union Budget for the 2026–27 financial year in Parliament on Sunday. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will table the budget at 11 am. Despite February 1 falling on a Sunday this year, the government chose to go ahead with the presentation as scheduled.
Since the NDA came to power, the Union Budget has followed the February 1 tradition. The move allows ministries to begin spending from the start of the financial year without delay.
State Government Expects Higher Allocations
The Andhra Pradesh government has placed strong expectations on the latest budget. As a key partner in the NDA alliance, TDP leaders hope the Centre will allocate higher funds to the state this time.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has already met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. He also held discussions with several other Union ministers. During these meetings, he urged the Centre to prioritise Andhra Pradesh and support pending issues related to state bifurcation.
Amaravati Remains Top Priority
The state government has placed the construction of Amaravati as its primary demand. It has requested additional grants beyond the ₹15,000 crore already sanctioned by the Centre. The government wants faster completion of capital city works to strengthen administrative capacity.
Officials believe that a fully developed Amaravati will attract investments and create employment opportunities across the state.
Centre Support Sought for Key Irrigation Projects
The government has also sought central assistance for the Polavaram–Nallamala Sagar irrigation project. It pointed out that the Centre allocated nearly ₹40,000 crore for river-linking projects in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
Andhra Pradesh has asked for similar support, stating that the project will provide irrigation and drinking water to lakhs of acres and households.
Demand for Higher Tax Share and Development Funds
With the 16th Finance Commission recommendations set to take effect from April 1, the state has urged the Centre to increase the share of central taxes for states. Andhra Pradesh has specifically demanded a higher share for financially weaker states.
The government has also requested the continuation and expansion of the SASKI scheme to support capital investment during 2026–27.
Special Package for Rayalaseema, Vizag Infra Push
Citing provisions under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, the state has demanded a special development package for Rayalaseema. It has also sought ₹5,000 crore for infrastructure development in the Visakhapatnam economic region during the 2026–27 financial year.
Last year’s budget offered limited allocations to the state, leaving several bifurcation promises unfulfilled. As a result, political circles and the public remain keenly focused on what the new budget will deliver for Andhra Pradesh.
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