A.P. govt. to release ₹1,500 crore to give a boost to village infrastructure

Andhra Pradesh Government allocates ₹1,500 crore for village infrastructure development, focusing on water supply, roads, and rural rejuvenation.

With a view to giving a boost to village infrastructure, the Government of Andhra Pradesh will release ₹1,500 crore.

Of the total amount, ₹900 crore is towards the dues to be paid to the Panchayat Raj Department and ₹500 crore is the government’s share of the Jal Jeevan Mission funds that are to be spent for providing drinking water tap connection to every household.

A decision to this effect was taken at a review meeting conducted by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on the Panchayat Raj and Rural Development, Forests and Environment departments, at the Secretariat on Tuesday.

This apart, it was also decided to launch Mr. Naidu’s pet outreach programme, Janmabhoomi-2.0, in January 2025. The government intended to rope in philanthropists in the development of the villages under the programme.

Recalling the TDP government’s initiatives during 2014-19 that changed the landscapes of villages and ensured rapid development, Mr. Naidu said the previous YSRCP government neglected the villages.

Panchayat Raj funds were diverted, which impacted the development of villages. Basic infrastructure could not be created in the villages, he said. The YSRCP government failed to utilise the JMM programme as a result of which Andhra Pradesh slipped to the 19th position in the implementation of the JJM programme in the country, he added.

The State government would make best use of the JMM programme to provide drinking water to every household, Mr. Naidu said.