Vishwa Hindi Parishad (VHP) president, Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad, has publicly requested an additional ₹50 crore for Andhra University. Simultaneously, discussions around the Andhra Pradesh state budget for 2026-27 reveal varied allocations and expert opinions on key sectors like education and health. This situation arises as the state grapples with financial planning and development initiatives.
Andhra Pradesh Budget Focuses on Education and Welfare
The Andhra Pradesh government presented a budget of ₹3.32 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2026-27. This budget prioritizes key areas such as education, welfare, and fiscal reforms.
Revenue and Capital Expenditure: Revenue expenditure is estimated at ₹2.56 lakh crore, while capital expenditure stands at approximately ₹48,697 crore. This indicates a continued focus on creating assets and long-term development.
Education Allocations: School education has received a significant portion, with ₹32,308 crore allocated. Higher education is set to receive ₹2,567 crore, and the Skill Development and Training Department has been allocated ₹1,232 crore.
Welfare Spending: The budget includes substantial allocations for various welfare programs. Specific amounts include ₹11,118 crore for social welfare, ₹34,350 crore for Backward Classes (BC) welfare, ₹4,765 crore for tribal welfare, and ₹2,956 crore for minority welfare.
Sectoral Support: The agriculture sector has been allocated ₹11,536 crore, with an additional ₹500 crore for the Price Stabilization Fund and ₹250 crore for crop insurance. Fisheries welfare initiatives will receive ₹260 crore. The Water Resources Department is allocated ₹18,224 crore, and the Labour Reforms & Worker Welfare Department receives ₹735 crore.
Calls for Increased Funding and Specific Initiatives
Amidst the budget's presentation, various stakeholders have voiced specific needs and concerns.
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Andhra University Funding Request
Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad, president of the Vishwa Hindi Parishad, has specifically appealed for an additional ₹50 crore to be allocated to Andhra University. This request has been made in the context of budget discussions.
Telugu University Naming Proposal
Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad has also strongly advocated for the proposed Telugu University in Rajamahendravaram to be named after the former Chief Minister Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR).
He highlighted that the original Telugu University in undivided Andhra Pradesh was NTR's concept and that he served as its Chancellor.
He noted that 35 acres of land and suitable buildings are available for the new university.
The state government has sanctioned ₹50 crore for the establishment of this university.
Concerns Regarding Health Sector Allocations and Models
The health sector has drawn specific attention and criticism from various groups regarding its funding and operational models.
Praja Arogya Vedika's Concerns
The Praja Arogya Vedika (PAV) has expressed significant concerns about the health sector's budgetary allocation for 2026-27.
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They highlighted an excessive reliance on privatization and public-private partnership (PPP) models.
Concerns were raised about inadequate funding leading to gaps in primary and preventive healthcare, a shortage of human resources, weak rural and tribal infrastructure, and insufficient measures for malnutrition and anemia.
The PAV urged for prioritizing publicly funded and equitable healthcare over medical tourism or high-end PPPs, which they believe could worsen inequalities.
They also called for strengthening the Public Distribution System, filling vacancies, upgrading emergency services, and clearing pending payments under the NTR Vaidya Seva.
Expert Criticism on Health Budget
Experts have also voiced criticism regarding the health budget allocation.
Concerns have been raised about the government's plan to clear outstanding dues of ₹3,000 crore to network hospitals with a total budget of ₹4,000 crore for a specific scheme.
The A.P. Speciality Hospitals Association stated that failure to address these issues promptly could negatively impact the participation of specialty hospitals in government health schemes, thereby affecting patient care.
Other Budgetary Highlights and Reactions
The budget has also seen other reactions and specific allocations that are noteworthy.
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Visakhapatnam Economic Region: An allocation of ₹28,000 crore has been made for the Visakhapatnam Economic Region, with expectations that it will develop north Andhra into a major hub for industry, IT, maritime activities, and services.
Balanced Approach: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)-Andhra Pradesh described the budget as taking a balanced approach to welfare and development, seeing the allocations for scholarships and skill development as positive steps.
Comprehensive Roadmap: The Jana Sena Party (JSP) termed the budget a comprehensive roadmap for development, highlighting its focus on welfare schemes, agriculture, and infrastructure projects.
Sources
The Hindu: Praja Arogya Vedika seeks higher health outlay in 2026-27 Budget
The Hindu: Budget takes balanced approach to welfare, development: CII-AP
The New Indian Express: Name proposed Telugu University after NTR, urges Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad
The Hindu: Book on life of President Droupadi Murmu released in Visakhapatnam
Deccan Chronicle: Praja Arogya Vedika Urges Substantial Budgetary Hike
The Hindu: JSP terms A.P. Budget a comprehensive roadmap for development
The News Minute: Andhra Pradesh presents Rs 3.32 lakh crore Budget for 2026-27
The Hindu: Yarlagadda thanks Jagan for giving ‘top priority’ to Telugu
The Hindu: Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad appointed president of Viswa Hindi Parishad
The Hans India: Yarlagadda gets rare Michigan honour
The Hindu: Experts criticise Andhra Pradesh’s health budget allocation for 2026-27
