The State Government of Hyderabad is facing a difficult situation as it prepares the budget for the upcoming financial year of 2024-2025. The government wants to include new benefits in the budget, but there is concern that these may violate the election code, which will be announced in February.
In addition to the six Guarantees already in place, the government plans to introduce more benefits such as increased incentives for farmers, financial assistance for women, free power supply for the poor, and job creation. All departments have been asked to submit their proposals and expenditure from the current financial year to help with budget estimations.
Meetings between state Finance officials and various departments were stopped five years ago, but have now resumed to ensure a realistic budget is prepared for the new financial year. The government did not send a wish list to the Centre due to the upcoming election period in February.
Legal and election experts are being consulted to determine if it is possible to present the budget without violating the election code. However, with meetings continuing until the end of January, it may not be possible to present the budget in the first week of February. Once the election notification is announced, the government will not be allowed to make any new announcements or allocations in the budget.
A decision on the budget dates will be made after Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy returns from his Davos visit. The only way to avoid violating the election code is to convene the budget session and introduce the budget before February 9.
