Shortest session of Andhra Pradesh Assembly begins today

Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh Assembly will be creating history of sorts by going in for the shortest budget session lasting just two days due to corona pandemic. Perhaps, it will be the only state which would be passing the budget without full-fledged department-wise discussion in the country.

Governor Biswabhushan Hrichandan will address the joint session on Tuesday through videoconference, and immediately after that the budget will be presented. This is a new system as normally the Assembly adjourns after the Governor's address, conducts Business Advisory Committee meeting and chalks out the detailed programme. Though the BAC would be meeting, it would be just a formality since there is no time for any discussion or debate. The government has to rush through the formality of passing the appropriation bill practically without any discussion.

Meanwhile, the Opposition TDP whose leaders have been arrested will try to protest and there is a possibility that they would be suspended from the Assembly.

The state Cabinet which would meet at 9 am on Tuesday will approve the draft budget proposals. It is learnt that the budget would be around Rs 2.4 lakh crore, including Rs 71,000 crore which was sanctioned in the vote on account budget.

The government has a major task before it as it has to do a great balancing act since the revenue has hit the lowest ebb due to corona. The expenditure on account of direct cash benefit by implementing Navratnas has put a great financial burden on the state exchequer. It is likely that the capital expenditure on the development and infrastructure projects will significantly come down in this budget. Meanwhile, all MLAs have been tested for Covid-19 and those with any minor ailment will be asked to stay home.