Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman firmly dismissed opposition criticisms that the Union Budget 2024 favored Bihar and Andhra Pradesh over other states. The budget, presented on July 23, has been criticized by opposition parties for allegedly prioritizing these states due to their governance by Janata Dal (United) and Telugu Desam Party, both allies of the ruling National Democratic Alliance.
In an interview with NDTV, Sitharaman stated, “No state has been denied anything. Allocations are being made as they have been in the past.” She emphasized that the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act necessitates central support for Andhra Pradesh in building its capital city and developing backward regions.
The Union Budget 2024 includes a ?15,000 crore allocation for the development of Andhra Pradesh’s capital, Amaravati. Sitharaman also highlighted the government’s commitment to the Polavaram Irrigation Project. “Several steps have been taken in the last 10 years as per the Act. Yes, we will support the building of the new capital, Amaravati, and the Polavaram irrigation project,” she said, acknowledging technical issues delaying the project’s completion.
Addressing fuel price concerns, Sitharaman suggested that both petrol and diesel could be brought under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) instead of the Value Added Tax (VAT). She said, “If state governments agree to the proposal and fix a suitable rate, we can implement it immediately.”
The finance minister’s remarks aim to assure that the Union Budget 2024 maintains equitable allocations across all states, while fulfilling statutory obligations towards specific regions.
