Officials in the Finance Department, who are busy with State division work, have a word of caution for political parties - keep in mind the fact that the State has been divided while promising the moon in manifestoes. New states inevitably need money for infrastructure and development. "State finances are poor, if not worse, as it is. So, where will the money come from for all the poll promises?" they wonder.
This is a unique election as elected representatives will represent two separate State governments after the appointed day. "After State division, the two new States require funds for various activities. It is better if parties do not announce new schemes or projects at least for this election," opined a senior officer.
The finance officials explained that after calculating food inflation, the growth rate many slip into negative zone. Both T and AP States will face initial financial problems, they warned.
The minimum support price of agricultural produce has increased considerably. Input subsidy and other subsidies to agriculture amount to `4,000 crore. Besides, land revenue and irrigation cess were abolished, and the loss was `200 crore. "We have no money to maintain drains and canals now," admitted an officer.
The subsides in power sector, food, agriculture, scholarships to weaker sections and others amount to `22,000 crore. Though the plan expenditure projected in the State budget was `60,000-70,000 crore, the real expenditure was just `40,000 crore every year. After excluding subsidies and others, the actual amount available with the government to spend is just `20,000 crore.
Every year, the expenditure is increasing by 15 to 20 per cent. But, the income is not catching up. "Parties should be careful in announcing new schemes or initiatives. Whichever party forms the government either in AP or T, requires money for development. Any new scheme will halt development process in the new states," an officer explained.
The guidelines issued by the Election Commission on election manifestos too says: "In the interest of transparency, level-playing field and credibility of promises, it is expected that manifestoes also reflect the rationale for the promises and broadly indicate the ways and means to meet the financial requirements for it. Trust of voters should be sought only on those promises which are possible to be fulfilled".
Parties & Promises
TDP
Waiver of crop loans
Free laptops to students pursuing higher education
Rs 10,000-cr package for BCs
Rs 5,000-cr for welfare of Kapus
Cycles to all high school girls
Rs 1,000-2,000 monthly dole to unemployed
TRS
Waiver of up to `1 lakh farm loan to 21 lakh farmers
2-bedroom flats each
Rs 10,000-cr for development of Dalits
YSRCP
Fee power to farmers
Scholarships of `500 per child up to two children
Hike in old age pension to `700
Rs 1,000 for every woman for studies of children
ends
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