Hyderabad: Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) leader YS Sharmila has strongly criticized the coalition government’s first budget, stating that it lacks vision, direction, and meaningful allocations. She alleged that the budget is merely a numbers game without substance, failing to address key electoral promises and public expectations.
Sharmila accused the government of neglecting farmers, women, students, and the unemployed, claiming that the much-publicized ‘Super Six’ schemes have turned into a failure. Despite presenting a Rs 3.22 lakh crore budget, she pointed out that crucial welfare programs received inadequate funding, raising concerns about the government’s priorities.
కూటమి ప్రభుత్వం @JaiTDP @JanaSenaParty @BJP4Andhra తొలి బడ్జెట్ సంఖ్య ఘనం – కేటాయింపులు శూన్యం. అంతా అంకెల గారడి – అభూత కల్పన. దశ – దిశ లేని.. పస లేని బడ్జెట్ ఇది. రాష్ట్రం గుల్ల.. బడ్జెట్ అంతా డొల్ల. ప్రజల ఆకాంక్షలకు వ్యతిరేకంగా, ఎన్నికల వాగ్దానాలను పూర్తిగా విస్మరించారు. సూపర్…
— YS Sharmila (@realyssharmila) February 28, 2025
On farmers’ welfare, she noted that while the ‘Annadata Sukhibhava’ scheme required Rs 11,000 crore for 54 lakh farmers, the government allocated only Rs 6,300 crore, leaving a significant shortfall. She also criticized the delay in releasing matching grants from the Centre and the meager ₹300 crore allocation for price stabilization, despite farmers struggling with fluctuating crop prices.
Addressing education, Sharmila stated that while Rs 12,600 crore is needed for 84 lakh students, the government has allocated only Rs 9,407 crore, raising concerns about potential funding cuts. She further alleged that the government intends to reduce student enrollments rather than strengthen the sector.
She also pointed out major cuts in welfare schemes, including the ‘Deepam 2’ scheme, which requires Rs 4,500 crore but was allocated just Rs 2,601 crore, potentially limiting access to free LPG cylinders. She criticized the absence of funding for free bus travel for women, which would require just Rs 350 crore per month. Additionally, she slammed the government for dropping the ‘Maha Shakti’ scheme, which promised Rs 1,500 per month for women, and failing to allocate ₹10 lakh interest-free loans for DWCRA women.
On unemployment, Sharmila pointed out that the government did not allocate funds for the Rs 3,000 monthly unemployment allowance, affecting 50 lakh job seekers. Furthermore, she noted that no job calendar was announced, leaving youth uncertain about employment opportunities.
Criticizing the treatment of government employees, she stated that no major provisions were made for welfare or salary revisions. She also condemned the government for failing to allocate even a single rupee for Amaravati, the state capital, while relying solely on loans for its development.
Sharmila concluded that the coalition government has failed to uphold its commitments, arguing that the budget reflects a lack of planning, accountability, and seriousness towards governance.