Speech of Sri Brahmananda ReddI, Chief Minister
presenting the budget for 1964- 65
to the Andhra Pradesh legislature
on the 21 February, 1964.

Sir,

I have pleasure in placing before the House the Budget Estimates for the financial year 1964-65.

It is usual to preface the remarks on the Budget by a description of the economic trends in the preceding year. As the Hon'ble Members are aware, the year 1963 was a rather difficult one. Consequent on the Chinese aggression on our northern frontiers, the Government of India declared their policy that all the resources of the Nation should be mobilised to meet the challenge of the aggressor by building our defences, and also by intensifying and increasing the tempo of essential developmental activities contemplated in the Third Five-Year Plan. In fulfillment of this aim, the Union Government had to resort to additional taxation through fresh measures and by increasing the rates of existing taxes, as also the introduction of such measures as Gold Control and Compulsory Deposits and the State Government had to follow suit. Later on, to mitigate the severity of these measures and to remove the possibility of any adverse effect on production, the Government of India sanctioned liberlisation and modification of some of these measures. A mid-term appraisal of the Plan was also undertaken by the Planning Commission as it was felt that the Third Plan had not made the headway and achieved the targets during the last 2 ½ years that were originally expected of it. This appraisal revealed that agricultural production all over the country needs to be stepped up and several measures including intensification of the programme for Package Plans have been recommended. The stress now is on impact programmes, which would yield immediate results. Minor irrigation and larger use of fertilisers are therefore, receiving greater attention. The immediate aim is to reach self-sufficiency in food as this has a double advantage-first in conserving foreign exchange which is required for the import of food-grains to the extent of the deficiency in home production and, secondly, in helping to fight out the inflationary pressures in the economy.

The economic condition in this State has generally been satisfactory. As in previous years, a separate pamphlet on this subject has been supplied to the Hon'ble Members. Briefly stated, as in the other parts of the country, a slight fall in the production of food-grains is apprehended according to provisional figures. But production of principal commercial crops, such as, oil-seeds, cotton, sugar cane and tobacco showed a substantial increase during the year. The production of important industries like asbestos, paper, cotton yarn, cement, glass, Vanaspathi, coal and cigarettes were also higher compared to the preceding year. The annual average consumer price index numbers for 1963 registered a small rise when compared to the previous year. The labour situation in the State during 1963 was not satisfactory as it was in 1962. The employment situation, however, showed slight improvement and the number of persons provided with employment during 1963 aggregated 28,533 as against 26,079 in 1962, thus representing an increase of 9.4%. There was also a significant improvement in the number of employers using the Exchanges during 1963, as also in the notification of

vacancies, which rose form 838 and 35,841 in 1962 to 998 and 38,608 respectively, in 1963.

I shall now deal with the accounts 1962-63, Revised Estimates 1963-64 and Budget Estimates 1964-65.

Accounts 1962-63

Besides making full provision for normal maintenance of existing services, the Budget provides increased grants over the current year’s Budget Estimates for maintenance of State Highways (Rs. 44 lakhs), Zilla Parishad Roads (Rs. 33 lakhs), Medicines and Diet to patients in hospitals (Rs. 35 lakhs) and Primary Health Centres (Rs. 10 lakhs). In addition, a provision of Rs. 24.00 lakhs has been made for implementing the recommendations of the Two-Man Committee. The provision for grants to the various Akademis and the Sports Council has been raised from Rs. 5.0 lakhs to Rs. 7.0 lakhs. A sum of Rs. 20.0 lakhs has been included for house-site for Scheduled Castes.

Additional provisions aggregating Rs. 16.06 lakhs have been included in the next year’s Budget towards boarding grants, scholarships, midday meals and building grants for Scheduled Castes, Tribes and Other Backward Classes.

It is also proposed that the Government-managed Orphanages may be allowed per capita boarding grant at the same rate as in the case of Harijan hostels, etc., and for this purpose a provision of Rs. 5.0 lakhs has been included in the Budget.

Capital outlay

The Budget provides for a total capital outlay of Rs. 34.90 crores in 1964-65.

I shall mention some of the principal items here:-

Irrigation Rs. Laks

Power Rs. Lakhs

Improved Seeds.-- It is gratifying to note that nearly 70% of the rice area is covered with the improved varieties as against 15% in the country. By the end of the Third Plan, it is proposed to saturate the entire rice area with improved seeds. In this direction, efforts are made through State Seed Farms to multiply the foundation seed and ultimately supply them to cultivators through registered seed growers and departmental depots. Experiments are also being made on a pilot basis in each district to transfer the responsibility for seed multiplication programme to private enterprises by providing incentives are a lumpsums grant of Rs. 4 per bag of good seed distributed to farmers.

Plant Protection. —Among the pests, the rice stemborer has been a major pest in the coastal districts and has been receiving special attention of the Department of Agriculture. Large-scale spraying operations have been conducted with ground equipment as well as with the aid of aircraft. It is also proposed to establish a Research Station at Tenali for evolving improved varieties of rice, which would resist this pest. As aerial operations are steadily gaining ground and popularity among the cultivators, Government are examining the question of purchasing a helicopter at a cost of about Rs. 5.40 lakhs to provide dependable service to the farmers especially during epidemics.

Package Programme. — The intensive Agricultural District Programme, launched in West Godavari District in 1960-61 is now under implementation in all the 25 Blocks of the District with 100% coverage of selected crops. It will be further intensified during 1964-65 by inclusion therein of a soil-testing laboratory, agricultural workshop and water use management. A modified package scheme is also being implemented in 10 other districts covering 150 Blocks of the State in 1963-64 to step up production of rice, jowar, ragi, maize, sugar-cane, groundnut, cotton, bananas and vegetables covering 40% of the area.

Intensive Dry Farming Scheme. —For increasing the output of crops like jowar, bajra and other millets, pulses, cotton and groundnut in the regions having scanty rainfall, intensive dry farming has also been undertaken in Adilabad and Anantapur districts and it is proposed to extend it to two more districts of Nalgonda and Cuddapah and also to other Blocks not covered by the modified Package programme.

Agricultural University. —The Agricultural University Bill has been passed during the last Session of the Legislature. A complete scheme has been drawn up in consultation with the Government of India which is expected to cost nearly Rs. 1.5 crores and will be eligible for Central assistance.

A Special Officer has also been appointed for expediting the preliminaries connected with the establishment of the University, which is expected to start functioning from 1964-65 academic year.

Fruit Export Corporation. —In order to earn foreign exchange and also to provide export market for India have agreed to the setting up of a Fruit Export Corporation and have suggested to the State Governments to subscribe to its share capital. Andhra Pradesh is going to subscribe Rs. 2 ½ lakhs of which the Co-operative Institutions, etc will provide Rs. 1 lakh will be provided by the State Government and the balance.

The Co-operative movement continued to make steady progress. During the year 1963-64, the Hyderabad Co-operative Apex Bank Limited, and the Andhra State Co-operative Bank Limited, Vijayawada, have been amalgamated into one Bank called the Andhra Pradesh State Co-operative Bank Limited, Hyderabad. This will ensure uniform loaning policies in both the Andhra and Telangana regions of the State. In fact, the amalgamated Bank has already decided to issue loans on personal security to the extent of Rs. 500 in each case to land-owners without insisting on security, as also to tenants who were not hitherto getting loans as they had no lands to mortgage.

The State being essentially agricultural, progress in the field of credit has been marked. Short and medium term loans provided to agriculturists through village co-operatives have been steadily rising and as against loans amounting to Rs. 18.74 crores granted during the year 1962-63, it is estimated that credit to the extent of Rs. 25.00 crores, Rs. 35.00 crores and Rs. 45.00 crores respectively, will be provided during 1963-64, 1964-65 and 1965-66.

Long-term loans during 1962-63 were provided by the Andhra Pradesh Co-operative Central Land Mortgage Bank Limited, to the extent of Rs. 3.13 crores. During 1963-64, 1964-65 and 1965-66 long-term loans to the tune of Rs. 4.30 crores, Rs. 5.15 crores, Rs. 6.00 crores respectively, are expected to be provided. In addition to these normal loaning operations, the Andhra Pradesh Co-operative Central Land Mortgage Bank has prepared schemes for the provision of long-term finance for the reclamation of lands under the Kurnool—Cuddapah Canal, the Kadam and the Nagarjunasagar Projects. It is expected that these schemes will come into operation during 1963-64. Besides these schemes, the Bank is also investigating the possibilities of advancing reclamation loans in other project areas.

The programme of having one Land Mortgage Bank for each taluq is also expected to be fully implemented during the Budget year.

Co-operative Farming is a field, which calls for special attention. So far 91 Co-operative Farming Societies (39 Joint Farming Societies and 52 Collective Farming Societies) have been registered. Of these, 28 Societies have commenced agricultural operations. Rs. 3.30 lakhs in the Annual Plan for 1963-64 and Rs. 6.60 lakhs in the Annual Plan for 1964-65 have been provided towards the share of the State Government. During 1964-65 it is proposed to organise 77 Societies in pilot areas and 71 Societies in non-pilot areas.

Special attention is being paid to the welfare of weaker sections of the community through co-operative societies specially organised for them. For this purpose a sum of Rs. 13.47 lakhs has been provided in the annual plan for 1964-65 for assistance to Societies of Rickshaw-pullers, Washermen, Taxi-drivers and Fishermen and Forest Coupe Societies.

A special provision of Rs. 5 lakhs has also been made for advancing loans to Tapper’s Co-operative Societies.

Andhra Scheduled Tribes Co-operative Finance and Development Corporation. —A Corporation consisting of both officials and non-officials was started in 1956-57 with its headquarters at Visakhapatnam to protect the tribals from exploitation by private parties who used to purchase the minor forest produce from the tribals at very low rates and sell to the tribals at very low rates and sell to the tribals their domestic requirements at abnormal rates. The Government has invested Rs. 20 lakhs as share capital. 15 Primary Marketing Societies have been set up at different places and are affiliated to the Corporation. Their main functions are to purchase and supply at fair prices the domestic requirements of the tribals and to purchase the entire minor forest produce and their surplus agricultural produce and to grant assistance in the form of (a) Share capital loan, (b) emergency loan and (c) surety loan. Government had issued orders for extension of the activities of the Corporation to the Telangana area during the year 1963-64 at a cost of Rs. 50,000.

Progress of Consumer Co-operative Stores. —The Consumers Co-operatives continued to make progress during 1963-64. So far, 15 Central Co-operatives Stores have been organised and efforts are being made to consolidate these Stores. Besides these Central Stores, 21 Government Employees Stores have also been organised by the State Government. These Consumers Stores are intended not only to help Government Servants with fixed incomes to secure consumer goods at fair prices but also help to hold the price line. Although, there have been teething troubles in the operation of both the Central and state sponsored schemes, their managerial and operational defects are being got over through special efforts. Efforts are also being made to link the Consumer Co-operative Societies with the Marketing Societies. The Andhra Co-operative Marketing Federation has undertaken to make bulk purchases from producers of essential commodities like rice pulses, Chillies and salt, so that they may be supplied to the Consumers Stores at competitive rates. A special scheme is being drawn up so that the Federation may make these bulk purchases through District Marketing Societies and to supply them to the nearest Consumers Stores, thereby reduce the transport charges and thus, make the articles available to the members at fair prices.

The facilities offered by these stores are now proposed to be extended to employees of Local Bodies also and a provision of Rs. 10.50 lakhs has been made next year for assistance to these Bodies for making necessary trade deposits on behalf of their employees.

Deposits of local Bodies. —The Municipalities and other Local Bodies are, under the existing rules, required to keep their funds with the State Treasuries which do not normally earn any interest. A question has been frequently raised whether these Local Bodies should be permitted to withdraw their funds from the State Treasuries and re-invest them in securities or with banks in order to earn some interest. The amount involved happens to be very large and its sudden withdrawal from the treasuries is likely to cause serious dislocation of Government finances. The release of these funds can, therefore, be thought of over a period of years and according to a properly phased programme. Finance Department will work out the details in consultation with the concerned Departments and the Municipalities and Local Bodies will be permitted to withdraw their funds according to the Banks which will also have the advantage of enabling the Co-operative Banks to borrow and disburse more funds for Rural development.

The provision for maintenance of communications under Government and Zilla Parishads have been raised to Rs. 5.00 crores as against Rs. 3.38 crores in the actuals for 1960-61 . this is in addition to the construction grant for roads which is fixe at Rs. 4.03 crores in the next year’s Budget.

Hon’ble members are aware that the bridge at Rangapur over Krishna river had been opened for traffic. Bhadrachalam, Vasishta and Godavari bridges would be completed during the course of the year. After discussions which our Public Works Minister had with the concerned at the Centre, Government have decided to place at the disposal of the Railway Ministry one crore of rupees as our share for the construction of 18 ft. bridge over Goad at Rajahmundry town.
Agriculture Animal Husbandry and Co-operation put together will receive an allocation of Rs. 10.14 crores in 1964-65 as against Rs. 6.28 crores at the end of the Second Plan. This is in addition to the efforts made for increasing agricultural production through Community Development Programmes for which Rs. 6.43 crores have been provided next year.

The expenditure on amelioration of Scheduled Tribes, Castes, etc., in 1960-61 amounted to Rs. 3.64 crores against which the provision in the next year’s Budget stands at Rs. 4.20 crores.

Other development heads have also received similar attention and the Budget for next year provides for substantial increases over the previous figures.

The development programme for next year also includes the following special grants:-

1. It is proposed to establish a Central Jail in the Rayalaseema area. The estimates of buildings and other requirements are being worked out . in the meanwhile, a token provision of Rs. 1 lakh has been made in the Budget which will be utilised for the acquisition of site and other preliminary expenses, Additional funds will be provided during the course of the year depending on the progress of work.

2. In keeping with the established policy of Government, it is proposed to open 5 or 6 new Fire Stations during the year and a sum of Rs. 5 lakhs has been provided for this purpose.

3. In order to strengthen the field staff which is necessary for adequate protection of the valuable forests particularly in the Telangana area, it is proposed to spend Rs. 5 lakhs additionally for reorganising and strengthening the establishment and necessary provision has been included in the next year’s Budget.

4. Another Rs. 5 lakhs have been provided as assistance to Municipalities for development works, such as roads, etc., in their areas.

5. There is also a proposal to provide facilities for training in Textile Technology by starting an independent institute of Textile Technology or by instituting Textile Diploma Course at one or more of the Polytechnics in Andhra Pradesh State. The economics and other relevant details of both the alternatives are being worked out and a decision will be taken by Government after examining the details. Meanwhile, a provision of Rs. 5 lakhs is being included in the Budget for this purpose

Visakhapatnam 6,00,000

Proposals for repairs to roads and irrigation sources in the Districts of Guntur, West Godavari and East Godavari have been received and they are under consideration. In addition to the amounts spent from the State Exchequer, a sum of Rs. 15,000 was sanctioned from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the relief of flood victims in the five districts affected by heavy rains of October 1963.

The following amounts have been sanctioned towards special loans for the reclamation of sand-cast lands:-

Rs.

Guntur District 2,20,000

Krishna District 1,00,000

A proposal for sanction of special loans for supply of bull-dozers for the reclamation of sand-casts lands in Visakhapatnam District is under consideration of Government.

Liberalisation of Rules regarding grant of remissions of Land revenue:- There were two sets of rules governing the grant of remissions of land revenue in the Telangana and Andhra regions. In pursuance of the general policy of Government to bring about unification of laws and rules in the two areas, a uniform set of rules regarding the grant of remissions has been sanctioned by the Government extending the more liberal provisions of the Andhra rules on the subject to the Telangana area. Some of the provisions of the rules obtaining in Andhra area have been further liberalised and made applicable to both the regions.

The Government of India have decided that all villages in the country should be provided with adequate4 drinking water5 supply facilities by the end of the current Plan. The entire provision of Rs.35 crores under the local development works programme was, therefore, earmarked by the Government of India exclusively for Drinking Water Supply Schemes. This State is eligible for about Rs. 4.5 crores based on the population for the period of Third Five-Year Plan. The Government of India have allotted Rs.1.15 crores during the first three years and it is expected that an amount of at least Rs.1.0 crore would be allotted to this State during 1964065. Therefore, an amount of Rs.1 crore is proposed in the Budget for 1964-65 under the Programme. During 1962-63, out of Rs. 41.0 lakhs allotted, Rs. 40.20 lakhs was actually spent.

The Government of India have stated that it is not possible to provide separate amount to sanction costly Protected Water Supply Schemes and suggested that the provisions under Local Development Works Programme and under Health sector might be utilised for this purpose. During the year 1963-64, an amount of Rs. 5 lakhs under Local Development Works Programme and Rs.15 lakhs under Equalisation Grant has been set apart for Protected Water Supply Schemes and 206 schemes at an estimated cost of Rs.98.10 lakhs covering a grant of Rs.61.57 lakhs were sanctioned and grants were released to an extent of Rs. 20 lakhs. An amount of Rs. 17.81 lakhs was sanctioned as loan, out of which Rs.6.64 lakhs were released during 1963-64. A minimum amount of Rs.41 lakhs is required during 1964-65 for completing the spillover Protected Water Supply Schemes sanctioned during the year 1963-64. This amount is proposed to be met from the provisions under the Local Development Works Programme and Equalisation Grant.

Housing is as important as any other social security measure in a Welfare State. A provision of Rs. 238.51 lakhs has been made in the revised Third Five-Year Plan with a view to constructing at least 6,000 dwelling units of various types. During the first three years, as many as 4,950 units would have been constructed at a cost of Rs.148.92 lakhs. Of the balance amount, Rs.51.21 lakhs is proposed to be spent next year in constructing 566 more houses. So far2,771 plots have been developed for the purpose of constructing low cost houses.

The Schemes under implementation fall under different categories such as: -

a. Subsidised Industrial Housing;

b. Low Income Groups Housing;

c. Village Housing;

d. Slum Clearance;

e. Sweepers' Housing;

f. Middle Income Group Housing;

g. Rental Housing;

h. Land Acquisition and Development for Housing.

The last three schemes are financed outside the Plan from the funds made available by the Life Insurance Corporation of India. So far the Life Insurance Corporation has allotted Rs. 486.46 lakhs. Of this amount, the provision for the current year is Rs.76 lakhs. It is hoped that the Life Insurance Corporation would provide more funds in the remaining two years of the Third Five-Years Plan and thereby assist the State Housing Board in accelerating its progress under various schemes.

Government have also taken sufficient steps to provide housing for the police. Since the formation of Andhra Pradesh a sum of Rs. 258.85 lakhs has been spent on Police Housing. This Scheme is financed out of loans advanced by the Government of India. It is proposed to request the Ministry of Home Affairs to provide at least Rs.1.0 crore every year from next year for providing more houses to the Police under this scheme.

A separate paper explaining the Housing Schemes in detail has been circulated to the Hon'ble Members.

Rural Industries Projects:- The three Rural Industries Projects in the State at Nalgonda, Narsaraopet and Ananthapur which are being established with a view to bringing the benefits of planning within the reach of the rural folk have been inaugurated in April 1963. After completing a rapid survey of the potentialities of the project areas, certain schemes have been formulated and approved by Government for implementation in the projects area, of which mention may be made of the following :- (1) Scheme for the establishment of one General Engineering Workshop, (2) Scheme for the training of Artisans in improved Technology, (3) Scheme for supply of improved tools and equipment to village aritisans and (4) Scheme for the establishment of a Dye House and Designs Extension Centre in each of the Projects.

As it is the intention to implement the Rural Industries Projects primarily through non-official agency to develop local leadership, adequate administrative and financial powers have been delegated to the State Level Advisory Committee and Project Implementation Committees, which have since been redesignated as State Rural Industries Projects Committee and Rural Industries Project Committee, to ensure smooth and speedy implementation of the Schemes in the Projects.

Development of Film Industry:- With a view to developing the film industry at Hyderabad as a part of the general industrial development of the State and encouraging production of Telugu films which, for lack of facilities here, are now being produced outside the State, the Government have decided to offer facilities to the Industry for production of films in the State, for establishment of studios by acquiring land for the construction of studios and also financial assistance by way of loans which would be free of interest for first two years. Annual cash awards are also to be given to the feature, documentary, children and education films. Necessary funds will be provided for this purpose during the course of the next year.

The execution of the Major, Medium and Minor Irrigation; Projects is in; good progress. On the Minor Irrigation programme, tempo has been built up on a high scale investigation and execution has been accelerated. The Government of India, Ministry of Food and Agriculture have also been requested to consider the question; of raising the ceiling for treating a scheme as minor irrigation scheme from Rs. 10 lakhs to Rs. 15 lakhs. If this is agreed to by the Government of India, the minor irrigation programme will receive further impetus. The programme is so planned that the benefits are spread over all the districts in the State. One important feature is the fillip given to public participation through Panchayat Samithis, Village Panchayats and Ayacutdars who are given special facilities for participation in the execution of works in their area.

Nagarjunasagar Project:- In the Second Plan as well as the Third Plan of Andhra Pradesh, we were unable to allocate adequate funds for development heads like Education , Health, Communications, Welfare of Backward Classes, etc., due to the fact that a sizeable portion of the total Plan Outlay had to be earmarked for the Nagarjunasagar Project. We shall be spending nearly Rs. 90 crores on this project by the end of the Third Plan and may have to provide another Rs. 50 crores during the Fourth Plan in order to complete the first phase. Some of the other States also seem to be facing a similar situation on account of large irrigation and Power projects which they have started. Another serious drawback about these large projects is that they take several years to complete and even then without adequate returns. Therefore, the State Government have to make large provisions during the period of their construction not only for the repayment of loans but also for the interest charges which are quite heavy. This is naturally putting considerable strain on the resources of the States both on Revenue and Capital accounts, Our Chief Minister, therefore, urged, at the last meeting of the National Development Council held in December, that relief should be provided to the State Government by the Centre by taking over the responsibility of financing such projects outside the States' Plans. Other Chief Ministers lent their valuable support to this view. The matter is receiving sympathetic consideration of the Government of India.

Pending final settlement of this issue, the Government of India have been requested to postpone the recovery of interest on the Central loans for Nagarjunasagar Project.

The Government transferred to the Andhra Pradesh State Electricity Board with effect from 1-4-1963 all the projects except those having an inter-state aspect or connected with river-water dispute . among the continuing schemes which are Government works, all the six units under Machkund Hydro Electric Scheme were installed before the end of the Second Plan and are generating power. The contour channel has recently been commissioned thereby increasing the generating capacity by about 20 M.W. The Tungabhadra Hydro Electric Scheme and Tungabhadra-Nellore Hydro Thermal Scheme comprise the installation of 8 Hydro sets of 9 M.W. each, 4 sets at the Dam Power House and 4 sets at the Canal Power House (Hampi) and 30 M.W. Thermal set at Nellore, of the 8 Hydro sets of 9 M.W. each, 4 had already been installed during the Second Plan period and work on the remaining 4 is now in an advanced stage of progress. Two of the above 4 units will be commissioned during 1963-64 and the remaining 2 early in 1964-65. Civil Works relating to the Upper Sileru Hydro Electric Scheme are progressing according to schedule and order for plant and machinery has been placed under ' Swiss Credit'. An amount of Rs. 150 lakhs is provided in the revised Estimate 1963-64 on the Balimela Dam which is a joint scheme of Andhra Pradesh and Orissa Governments executed by the Balimela Control Board.

Among the continuing schemes pertaining to the State Electricity Board, the Tungabhadra- Nellore Hydro thermal Scheme envisages the installation of a 30 M.W. set at Nellore which is expected to go into service by June 1964. The 132 K.V. Hampi Gooty-Cuddapah line has since been commissioned.

The Telangana Hydro Thermal scheme is making good progress and the major portion of the work in respect of Hussainsagar Boiler is completed and the boiler is expected to be commissioned by March 1964. The Ramagundam Boiler foundation works were completed and the erection work was commenced in December , 1963. Among the new schemes, work on the Kinnerasani Project is going as per schedule . the preliminary civil works pertaining to Kothagudem Thermal Station have been completed and a letter of intent order was placed on M/s. Mitsui, Japan for manufacture, erection and commissioning of the boilers and ancillary equipment. As regards the Turbo Generators, a letter of intent order was placed on M/s. Hitachi Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, for manufacture, erection and commissioning of the Generators. Equipment for the installation of 60 M.W. set at Ramagundam is being procured under Bulk Purchase by the Central Water and Power Commission. Two 10 M.W. Gas Turbo sets are to be installed at Erragadda to relieve the power shortage in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad and one of the two was commissioned on 26-1-1964.

Rural Electrification:-During the first two years of the Third Plan the total number of villages electrified was 1077 ( 844 in Andhra region and 233 in Telangana), 86 more villages (45 Andhra and 41 in Telangana) were electrified up to the end of December, 1963.

Apart from Agriculture and Industry, the other development heads like Education, health Services, Communications, etc., have been receiving adequate attention both under the non-Plan heads . The Education Budget, for instance, has grown from Rs. 17.38 crores in 1960-61 ( Accounts ) to Rs. 25.98 crores in 1964-65, which includes and additional grant of Rs. 10 crore under the head Grants-in-aid to Zilla Paridhads and Panchayat Samithis for Primary and Secondary Education.

Similarly expenditure on Medical and Health Services which amounted to Rs. 7.56 crores in 1960-61 (Accounts) is being stepped up to Rs. 10.18 crores in 1964-65.

The provision for maintenance of communications under Government and Zilla Parishads have been raised to Rs. 5.00 crores as against Rs. 3.38 crores in the actuals for 1960-61 . this is in addition to the construction grant for roads which is fixe at Rs. 4.03 crores in the next year’s Budget.

Hon’ble members are aware that the bridge at Rangapur over Krishna river had been opened for traffic. Bhadrachalam, Vasishta and Godavari bridges would be completed during the course of the year. After discussions which our Public Works Minister had with the concerned at the Centre, Government have decided to place at the disposal of the Railway Ministry one crore of rupees as our share for the construction of 18 ft. bridge over Goad at Rajahmundry town.

Agriculture Animal Husbandry and Co-operation put together will receive an allocation of Rs. 10.14 crores in 1964-65 as against Rs. 6.28 crores at the end of the Second Plan. This is in addition to the efforts made for increasing agricultural production through Community Development Programmes for which Rs. 6.43 crores have been provided next year.

The expenditure on amelioration of Scheduled Tribes, Castes, etc., in 1960-61 amounted to Rs. 3.64 crores against which the provision in the next year’s Budget stands at Rs. 4.20 crores.

Other development heads have also received similar attention and the Budget for next year provides for substantial increases over the previous figures.

The development programme for next year also includes the following special grants:-

1. It is proposed to establish a Central Jail in the Rayalaseema area. The estimates of buildings and other requirements are being worked out . in the meanwhile, a token provision of Rs. 1 lakh has been made in the Budget which will be utilised for the acquisition of site and other preliminary expenses, Additional funds will be provided during the course of the year depending on the progress of work.

2. In keeping with the established policy of Government, it is proposed to open 5 or 6 new Fire Stations during the year and a sum of Rs. 5 lakhs has been provided for this purpose.

3. In order to strengthen the field staff which is necessary for adequate protection of the valuable forests particularly in the Telangana area, it is proposed to spend Rs. 5 lakhs additionally for reorganising and strengthening the establishment and necessary provision has been included in the next year’s Budget.

4. Another Rs. 5 lakhs have been provided as assistance to Municipalities for development works, such as roads, etc., in their areas.

5. There is also a proposal to provide facilities for training in Textile Technology by starting an independent institute of Textile Technology or by instituting Textile Diploma Course at one or more of the Polytechnics in Andhra Pradesh State. The economics and other relevant details of both the alternatives are being worked out and a decision will be taken by Government after examining the details. Meanwhile, a provision of Rs. 5 lakhs is being included in the Budget for this purpose.

Provision for grant of loans to students in Engineering Colleges and Polytechnics, Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Colleges will be increased by Rs. 2 lakhs for the first two categories every year for a period of 5 years, and by Rs. 1 lakh each for the next 4 years in the case of the latter two categories.

Provision for taccavi loans in 1964-65 has been increased from Rs. 55 lakhs to Rs. 75 lakhs. It has also been laid down that in the case of small peasants owning two acres of wet land or five acres of dry land or less, the loan shall be granted free of interest but the maximum of such interest-free loan shall not exceed Rs. 200 in any individual case. About Rs.50 lakhs are expected to be advanced in this manner.

Provision for opening maternity centres has been increased from Rs. 0.75 lakh to Rs. 3 lakhs next year so that 20 such centres may be opened at the rate of one in each district.

A sum of Rs. 10,000 will be made available to the Commissioner of Labour for supplying artificial limbs to physically handicapped workers coming under the purview of the Workmen’s Compensation Act.

Rehabilitation of Goldsmiths:- The State Government have constituted an Advisory Committee under the Chairmanship of the Minister ( Labour and Transport ) for considering various measures for rehabilitation of goldsmiths. The measures taken so far include giving priority treatment for the absorption of unemployed goldsmiths in the State through Employment Exchanges, grant of free education facillities upto 12th standard and, in addition a book allowance of Rs. 20 per annum to children of goldsmiths whose annual income is below Rs. 1,800 and sanction of a sum of Rs. 2.5 lakhs as grants and loans for starting small-scale industries in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. The Government of India have granted a loan of Rs. 20 lakhs out of which the State Government have sanctioned Rs. 10 lakhs for the grant of loans and Rs. 4 lakhs for supply of sewing machines to goldsmiths on loan basis. Out of the balance of Rs. 6 lakhs, the following schemes are proposed to be started:-

1. Cast Iron Foundry at Vijayanagaram.

2. All Steel Agricultural Plant in West Godavari District.

3. Tin Blacksmith Unit at Cuddapah.

4. Survey Instruments at Warangal.

5. Fancy Articles, Jewellers and Silver Filigree Works at Karimnagar.

Recently the Government of India have agreed to grant a further loan of Rs. 10 lakhs for the rehabilitation of goldsmiths.

Liberalisation of Family Pension Rules:- The Government of India have with effect from 1-1-1964 introduced a Revised Family Pension Scheme for the Central Government employees. The Family Pension granted under this scheme is tenable for the lifetime of the widow unless she remarries. In case of death of the widow, the minor children are also eligible for the Family Pension till they attain the age of 18 years. A third feature of this Pension Scheme is that its quantum does not depend on the length of service and amount of service pension of the deceased but has been connected to the pay drawn by the employee and fixed at a certain percentage of the same according to the various pay ranges. The Family Pension can be granted to the survivors of an employee who puts in a regular minimum service of one year. The State Government have adopted the above scheme for the State employees which will be an important measure of social security to the dependents of deceased Government servants especially those who die in harness without having had the opportunity to make adequate provision for their families.

The Government have also decided to fix the minimum amount of service pension at Rs. 15 p.m. for all pensioners retiring after 1-1-1964 and extended the benefit to existing pensioners also in case pension plus dearness allowance works out to be less than Rs. 15 p.m. These concessions are likely to result in an additional expenditure of Rs. 20 lakhs.

In October 1963, there were heavy rains in the Districts of Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, West Godavari, Krishna and Guntur and considerable damage was caused by floods in the Budameru, Thammileru, Yerrakalava and other rivers and drains.. government immediately came to give them immediate relief by way of supply of food, clothing, etc.

Several roads and irrigation sources in the above districts were damaged by floods and the following amounts have so far been sanctioned for repairs to minor irrigation sources:-

Rs.

Nellore District 1,50,000

Visakhapatnam 6,00,000

Proposals for repairs to roads and irrigation sources in the Districts of Guntur, West Godavari and East Godavari have been received and they are under consideration. In addition to the amounts spent from the State Exchequer, a sum of Rs. 15,000 was sanctioned from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund for the relief of flood victims in the five districts affected by heavy rains of October 1963.

The following amounts have been sanctioned towards special loans for the reclamation of sand-cast lands:-

Rs.

Guntur District 2,20,000

Krishna District 1,00,000

A proposal for sanction of special loans for supply of bull-dozers for the reclamation of sand-casts lands in Visakhapatnam District is under consideration of Government.

Liberalisation of Rules regarding grant of remissions of Land revenue:- There were two sets of rules governing the grant of remissions of land revenue in the Telangana and Andhra regions. In pursuance of the general policy of Government to bring about unification of laws and rules in the two areas, a uniform set of rules regarding the grant of remissions has been sanctioned by the Government extending the more liberal provisions of the Andhra rules on the subject to the Telangana area. Some of the provisions of the rules obtaining in Andhra area have been further liberalised and made applicable to both the regions.

This will take effect from the 1st of April 1964 and will involve an immediate commitment of Rs.1.84 crores per annum which together with extra expenditure of Rs.10 lakhs on Compensatory Allowance (excluding Rs.24lakhs expenditure under Two-man Committee recommendations) will convert the surplus of Rs.15 lakhs into a deficit of Rs.1.79 crores on Revenue Account with a corresponding increase in the negative cash balance.

As the Hon'ble Member's are aware, the year which has ended was full of problems. Due to various reasons there were signs of stagnation in the national economy and a mid-term appraisal was made by the Planning Commission to investigate into the causes of this phenomenon and as to why the targets fixed under the Plan could not be reached as expected. It must be borne in mind that the problems we are facing are not peculiar to us but are common to all developing economies and are attendant upon the investment of large capital to build up new industries and other Nation-building activities. Various measures have been taken by the Central Government for stepping up agricultural production and for giving relief to industries and for encouraging capital formation. Corresponding action has been taken by the State Government as well in all these directions. In spite of the limitations on resources the State Government has maintained the tempo of developmental activities over the years as we have just see and are spending large sums on Social Services and aid to backward classes of the community. It is grat5ifying to note that that the State has been making significant progress in all directions and going from strength to strength every year. This has been made possible by the joint efforts and close co-operation of officials and non-officials and the enthusiasm evinced by the common man in the development and progress of the State. I am fully confident that the same spirit of Co-operation and mutual good-will will continue to prevail in the years ahead. An all out effort has to be made now to increase production in all sectors of the economy which is the prime need of the hour. Though the Central and State Governments have adopted several measures for checking the trend of rising prices, in the ultimate analysis, it is increase in production which is the most potent factor in the control of prices. We have to realise that the Chinese threat to our northern borders is still there and the need for vigilance continues. The nation ;has to keep itself in a state of preparedness as we have to deal with a country which is both ruthless and treacherous. This is no time for fissiparous tendencies and, now, as never before, the need for National Solidarity is paramount. We have all to put our shoulders to the wheel and make an all out effort to over come the disconcerting trends in the economy which have developed of late. The task ahead is no doubt difficult but given the will it should not be difficult to overcome the obstacles, whatever be their magnitude. The Nation has already pledged itself to the goal of a socialistic pattern of society and to keep our holy frontiers inviolate. Let us all renew the pledge for the ensuing year and contribute our mite to the development of a healthy secular India. May God give us the will and the strength to work for that goal