The State government has decided to provide free power to the government-run schools in the State to reduce financial burden on local bodies, says Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav | Photo Credit: File
The Andhra Pradesh government has announced free power to all government schools in the State.
Presenting the annual Budget for the financial year 2025-26, Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav said that the government decided to provide free power to the government-run schools in the State to reduce financial burden on local bodies and provide a stress-free environment to teachers and students.
The Minister said that ₹3,486 crore was allocated for ‘Mana Badi Mana Bhavishyathu’ and ‘Dokka Seethamma Madhyahna Badi Bhojanam’ schemes, residential schools and for providing free power to schools.
The Minister also said that SC and ST families would receive up to 200 units of free electricity per month for which ₹400 crore was allocated.
Free electricity will also be provided to weavers, with an allocation of 200 units for those dependent on handlooms. Additionally, those reliant on power looms will receive up to 500 units of free electricity. The Budget also includes the provision of up to 200 units of free electricity for salons owned by Nayee Brahmins. An allocation of ₹450 crore has been made towards financial assistance to fishermen/free power to weavers and barbers.
Mr. Keshav said that the government would provide free power to the agriculture sector. “To support the agriculture sector, nine-hour free daytime power is supplied to 21.87 lakh agriculture pump sets across the State,’‘ he said.
Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu, in his agriculture budget, said that under Uchita Vyavasaya Vidyuth Pathakam, free power would be provided to farmers. ‘‘The tariff for aqua services is determined at ₹3.85 per unit in the tariff order for FY 2024-25. The government, however, has been providing power supply to eligible aqua services at a concessional tariff rate of ₹1.5 per unit,’‘ he said, adding, “A budget of ₹12,773.25 crore is proposed for 2025-26 towards power.”
Energy sector
Mr. Keshav said A.P.’s energy sector was now undergoing a transformative revival. ‘‘The goal is to make A.P. a Green Hydrogen Hub with an aim to contribute a third of India’s total output by 2030. The AP Integrated Clean Energy Policy 2024 will focus on promoting renewable energy by establishing Renewable Energy Manufacturing Zones, attracting ₹10 lakh crore investments and creating 7.5 lakh direct and indirect jobs,’‘ he said, adding, “I propose to allocate an amount of ₹13,600 crore to the Energy Department for 2025-26.”
Published – February 28, 2025 08:28 pm IST
