Those in political circles are seriously debating about the funds required for Chandra Babu to implement the various schemes and develop various organizations in Andhra Pradesh.
After announcing Vijayawada as the state capital, he had spoken at length about the various projects that the government intends to undertake in different districts. If, Babu manages to implement his plans, then Andhra Pradesh will surely be a model state not only within India, but also across the world.
However, Babu never once mentioned the funds that were required to fulfill his dream vision for the state of Andhra Pradesh.
Ironically, no one brought up the topic either in the state Assembly or the TDP Assembly members meet held later. But an offhand figure is being floated around which puts the total cost at a whopping Rs 15,00,000 crores.
It is being said that the government will have to spend nothing less than Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000 crore for the smart city. While the Centre might do a huge favour by allowing one to two smart cities to AP, Babu’s grand plans include 3 mega cities and 14 smart cities. Hence, the officials feel that a rough estimate would mean that the government needs at least Rs 6,00,000 to Rs 7,00,000 crores.
The government will have to set aside another Rs 7,00,000 to Rs 8,00,000 crores for other development projects and activities, they say.
Right now, the AP government is spending more than 70 per cent of its Rs 1,00,000 crore budget on giving salaries to its employees. So, it is clear that Babu’s grand plans cannot be realized with the remaining amount. Also, the Centre will not shell out lakhs of crores to any one state.
The Centre has made in clear in the past three months that it will not molly cuddle Andhra Pradesh government by giving it any special status. Even if Babu goes for private-public partnership, it would mean a lot of red tape and delays. And it goes without saying that the private investors will come in only if they see huge profits from the ventures.
Given this scenario, Babu now badly needs a magic lamp to help him bail out of the situation, says one English daily report.
