ANDHRAPRADESH: Andhra’s Kutami Government: Year One Triumphs & Trials
On June 12, 2024, the coalition government of TDP, Janasena, and BJP assumed power in Andhra Pradesh, marking a pivotal shift from the preceding five years of governance under Jagan Reddy. The coalition inherited a state beleaguered by perceived mismanagement and economic stagnation. This report evaluates the coalition’s first-year achievements and challenges.
Rural Revitalization Initiatives
The coalition allocated ₹990 crore for panchayat development, channeling a total of ₹4,500 crore to spark rural progress. Notably, 4,000 kilometers of cement roads were constructed in a year, a stark contrast to the 884 kilometers laid over five years by the previous YCP regime.
A world record was set by conducting gram sabhas across 13,218 village panchayats in a single day. Additionally, over 20,000 “mini Gokulams” (cattle sheds) and 20,000 water troughs were established to bolster rural livelihoods.
Under the Rashtriya Gramin Swaraj Abhiyan, Andhra Pradesh surged from 26th to 2nd place nationally within a year, reflecting enhanced rural governance.
Industrial and Infrastructural Advancements
The coalition revitalized the stalled Amaravati capital project and accelerated the Polavaram project, both previously hampered by policy reversals. Investments totaling ₹9.20 lakh crore across 78 projects are projected to generate 5.70 lakh jobs.
Key initiatives include
- NTPC Green Energy project in Anakapalli (₹1.85 lakh crore).
- LG Electronics plant in Sri City (₹5,000 crore).
- Reliance Compressed Biogas Plants (₹65,000 crore).
- ArcelorMittal Steel Plant in Anakapalli (₹1.35 lakh crore).
- BCPL Refinery in Ramayapatnam (₹96,862 crore).
MSME parks are planned across all 175 constituencies, with work commenced in 42 locations.
Promoting Ethical Governance
The coalition curbed the pervasive use of abusive language in political discourse, a hallmark of the YCP era, by enforcing legal accountability, exemplified by the arrest of Chebrolu Kirankumar. This shift aims to foster a culture of civility.
Alleviating Public Concerns
The coalition repealed the controversial Land Titling Act and abolished the garbage tax, addressing public grievances. Regular salary disbursements on the 1st of each month eliminated uncertainties faced under the previous regime.
A free sand policy and quality liquor availability further alleviated public burdens, replacing the YCP’s monopolistic practices.
Reviving Central Schemes
By releasing ₹14,497 crore in matching grants, the coalition reactivated 82 central schemes stalled under YCP. It also cleared ₹20,000 crore of the ₹1.37 lakh crore in pending bills, supporting small contractors and suppliers.
Infrastructure Overhaul
The coalition invested ₹1,800 crore to repair 26,000 kilometers of pothole-ridden roads and approved 1,700 kilometers of state highway development under the PPP model, addressing the neglect of the YCP era.
Addressing Persistent Challenges
Delays in delivering TIDCO housing and distributing completed houses have fueled public dissatisfaction. The poor, misled by YCP’s unfit land allotments, await promised housing solutions.
Public expectations for job creation, rural development, and farmer welfare remain high, with delays in key election promises causing unrest. Allegations of corruption among some ministers and MLAs pose reputational risks.
Leveraging Central Support
As a key NDA partner, TDP secured significant central funding:
- ₹15,000 crore for Amaravati.
- ₹12,500 crore for Polavaram.
- ₹11,400 crore for Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.
- ₹5,000 crore for industrial parks in Orvakal and Kopparthy.
The Visakhapatnam Railway Zone and ₹142,245 crore in highway and railway projects were greenlit, alongside a 57-kilometer railway line for Amaravati (₹2,245 crore).
Fulfilling Electoral Promises
The coalition implemented key pledges, including
- Enhanced pensions for 64 lakh elderly and disabled beneficiaries (₹2,720 crore monthly).
- A mega DSC notification for 16,347 posts, with exams in progress.
- Three free gas cylinders annually under Deepam-2 (₹2,684 crore spent).
- Repeal of GO 217 and ₹259 crore aid for fishermen.
- 203 Anna Canteens launched, with 61 more planned.
- Free meals at 21 major temples and a free sand policy introduced.
The “Annadata Sukhibhava” scheme and “Thalliki Vandanam” funds are set for imminent rollout, with free bus travel for women starting August 15.
Innovative Governance and Welfare
The “WhatsApp Governance” via Mana Mitra introduced 350 citizen services, enhancing transparency. Of 94 central schemes, 73 were revived, correcting YCP’s diversions.
The first full budget allocated ₹47,456 crore for BC welfare, raised Nai Brahmin salaries to ₹25,000, and abolished GST on handlooms. Free electricity (500 units for power looms, 200 for handlooms) and a goldsmiths’ corporation were introduced.
Teachers were relieved of GO 117 and app-related burdens, while employees received ₹7,500 crore in dues. Five Ratan Tata Innovation Hubs and land allocations for TCS and Quantum Valley aim to boost youth employment.
Farmers benefit from a 90% drip irrigation subsidy and ₹2 lakh subsidies for dairy sheds, reinforcing agricultural welfare.