Overview
During a parliamentary discussion on the first batch of supplementary demands for grants for 2025–26, TDP MP Kesineni Sivanath (Chinni) emphasized the Union government's focus on key sectors such as welfare, agriculture, infrastructure, education, and health. He also addressed criticisms against the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) for their opposition to the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for medical colleges in Andhra Pradesh.
Key Economic Indicators and Achievements
Economic Growth and Investment
The MP refuted claims of economic instability, asserting that India's economy has significantly improved under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Key indicators include:
- Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Surpassed USD 81 billion.
- Minimum Support Prices (MSP): Increased by 50 to 70% for major crops.
- Defence Capital Budget: Over 75% now reserved for Indian industry, promoting domestic manufacturing and reducing reliance on imports.
Supplementary Demands for Grants
The supplementary demands encompass 72 grants, seeking approval for an additional gross expenditure of ₹1.32 lakh crore. These funds are intended to bolster various sectors and address emergent needs.
Sector-Specific Allocations and Initiatives
Agriculture
A significant portion, ₹31,000 crore, has been reappropriated to the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers to strengthen the urea subsidy scheme. This aims to ensure the availability of affordable fertilizers to farmers, thereby supporting agricultural productivity. The MP highlighted an instance where Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu intervened to ensure timely release of fertilizer stocks during a surge in demand in the kharif season, with support from Union Minister J.P. Nadda.
Infrastructure
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has been allocated ₹18,800 crore. The MP noted that 10,660 km of highways were constructed in the financial year 2025-26, exceeding targets. He also advocated for the development of Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam Metro projects, emphasizing that Andhra Pradesh is currently the only southern State without a metro rail system.
Defense of PPP Model for Medical Colleges
The MP defended the PPP model for medical colleges, countering misinformation spread by the YSRCP. He criticized the previous government for failing to fulfill its promise of building 17 medical colleges, spending less than ₹1,000 crore against an estimated ₹8,500 crore over four years. He clarified that the PPP model ensures government control, protects reservations, caps fees, and reserves 70% of hospital beds for Ayushman Bharat patients.
Conclusion
The MP concluded by stating that the supplementary demands reflect the Centre’s development-oriented approach. He highlighted India's achievement of 8.2% GDP growth despite global economic uncertainties, underscoring the resilience and potential of the Indian economy.