Raw deal to north coastal Andhra

- Disinvestment in RINL, HSL
- Nothing for pharmaceuticals

Visakhapatnam: People of north coastal Andhra and leaders of various opposition parties strongly reacted to the Union Budget proposals presented by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitely on Wednesday stating that once again the region got a raw deal.

There was no mention of separate railway zone or special category status and not a single rupee was sanctioned for metro rail. Even there was no special mention for pharmaceutical industry which houses many establishments in the city. The most disturbing fact has been the disinvestment in RINL of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, Hindustan Shipyard Limited and NTPC. A large number of employees directly and indirectly depend on these public sector units.

Senior TDP leader and MLC MVVS Murthi said the budget disappointed Andhra Pradesh.

“There is no mention of railway zone or any funds for capital Amaravati. And the little funds sanctioned for Tribal University and Central Universities are not enough. It might take 10 years to develop them,’’ Murthy said.

Chairman and Managing Director of RINL, the holding company of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant P Madhusudhan said anticipated measures for enhancing competitiveness of steel industry through reduction of duties on imported coal have not been addressed.

“However, the budget clearly focused on infra push, outlays for housing sector and roads should go long way in improving demand environment for steel,’’ the CMD said.

State leader of CPM Ch Narsinga Rao said the importance of railways had diminished by merging with general budget.

“The government instead of allocating more funds has prepared ground for linking several services with the corporate bodies,’’ he added.

Andhra Pradesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry Federation president elect G Sambasiva Rao said as per the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, the government has not declared railway zone this year also. He said by this lot of employment and industrial activity will shift to other regions. Hence, industry body wants railway zone to be declared immediately. However, allocation of 2.4 lakh crore for Mudra loan scheme would help the vendors, small time entrepreneurs, SC/ST beneficiaries.

Local MP and BJP state president said it is growth oriented and gives big push for infrastructure development in railways, highways and inland water ways.

The capital gain tax exemption for the farmers in the CRDA region of Amaravati, who gave their lands, is welcome step for Andhra Pradesh. It is pro-poor budget and there is an increase in the allocation for women and child development.

“Measures are being taken to bring transparency in funding the political parties,’’ he added.