Reports: Naidu Spending More Than Jagan on Welfare

According to the latest PRS State of State Finances 2025–26 report, Babu appears to be spending more than what Jagan has done so far for the welfare schemes.The report highlights a huge rise in funds allocations for the welfare schemes particularly supporting the OBCs, SC/STs and minorities.

Under the current NDA government, the government now spends 38% of its total budget on the welfare of OBCs, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and minorities; that’s almost double than what Jagan’s government was able to do during their time. This is a steep rise from the previous government’s spending which was around 19% in 2022–23 and 17% in 2024–25 under the YSRCP rule for the welfare of minorities and SC/STs, OBCs. In addition with 11% of the total budget on overall welfare programmes that is seemingly higher than what Jagan was able to do which was just meager 6% – 8% during his time.

The numbers show that the CBN placed a better and improved emphasis on social inclusion, pensions and direct support schemes, surpassing the welfare-heavy spending schemes Jagan advertised and propagated through ‘Camp-Office’ button governance during his term. While Jagan’s “Navaratnalu” schemes were known for direct cash transfers and subsidies, CBN’s administration seems to be expanding welfare in both coverage and scale, especially for marginalized groups.

Analysts say this increase signals the NDA government’s attempt to both rebuild public trust and deliver quick social benefits while maintaining fiscal balance by attracting the investments to the state. Welfare now forms a central pillar of Naidu’s policy focus, echoing his campaign promise of inclusive and balanced growth in the name of SUPER 6 while simultaneously also working on getting the funds from the Centre.

The PRS report also places on how Andhra Pradesh is allocating the highest budget towards welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and minorities, largely through the social security pension scheme. Not just that, AP government received ₹7,902 crore under the Centre’s Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) in 2024–25, one of the highest among major states, indicating how the NDA alliance has been actively pushing the Centre for funds not just for welfare schemes but for capital and infrastructure building in the state.

With higher welfare spending than during Jagan’s tenure, the Naidu government is sending a clear message that social support and inclusive growth remain at the heart of Andhra Pradesh’s governance model while the infrastructure and capital’s development is not neglected.