According to the latest PRS State of State Finances 2025–26 report, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu appears to be spending significantly more on welfare schemes than his predecessor Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. The report highlights a sharp rise in budgetary allocations for programmes supporting OBCs, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and minorities under the current NDA government.
As per the data, the Naidu-led government now spends nearly 38% of its total budget on the welfare of OBCs, SCs, STs, and minorities — almost double the proportion during Jagan’s tenure. Under the previous YSRCP government, spending on these sections stood at around 19% in 2022–23 and 17% in 2024–25. Additionally, Naidu’s administration has allocated 11% of the total budget to overall welfare programmes, compared to the 6–8% range seen under Jagan’s rule.
These numbers reflect Naidu’s greater emphasis on social inclusion, particularly through pensions and direct support schemes, surpassing even the welfare-heavy image projected by Jagan’s “Navaratnalu” initiatives. While Jagan’s governance largely revolved around direct cash transfers and subsidies, Naidu’s approach expands welfare both in coverage and depth, ensuring that marginalized communities benefit more broadly.
Analysts believe this surge in welfare allocation is a strategic move by the NDA government to rebuild public trust and deliver quick social benefits, while still maintaining fiscal discipline by attracting investments into the state. Welfare has become a core pillar of Naidu’s policy vision — aligning with his campaign promise of “SUPER 6” and balancing inclusive growth with economic development.
The PRS report further notes that Andhra Pradesh now ranks among the top states in budget allocation for the welfare of SCs, STs, OBCs, and minorities, with much of it funneled through the social security pension scheme. Moreover, the state received ₹7,902 crore under the Centre’s Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) in 2024–25 — one of the highest allocations among major states. This highlights how the NDA alliance has been proactive in securing central funds not only for welfare but also for capital and infrastructure development.
With welfare spending surpassing that of Jagan’s tenure, the Naidu government is sending a strong message — that inclusive growth and social welfare will remain central to Andhra Pradesh’s governance model, while simultaneously accelerating infrastructure and capital development to drive long-term progress.
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