Wed Jul 16 15:18:57 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu met with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to request additional financial assistance for the state. Naidu is seeking ₹10,000 crore under the SASCI scheme and compensation for revenue deficit caused by the state’s bifurcation. He also requested the central government to release funds as grant for construction of Amaravati capital rather than loan.

**News Article:**

**Andhra Pradesh Seeks ₹10,000 Crore Boost from Centre for Capital Investment**

**NEW DELHI -** Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has appealed to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for an additional allocation of ₹10,000 crore under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme for the financial year 2025-26. The request was made during a meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday, marking the second day of Naidu’s visit to the capital.

Naidu presented a detailed proposal outlining the state’s urgent need for financial support, particularly highlighting the ongoing financial strain resulting from the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. He specifically requested that the Centre consider Andhra Pradesh’s appeal to the 16th Finance Commission for revenue deficit compensation.

A key focus of the meeting was the construction of the new capital, Amaravati. Naidu informed Sitharaman that while the estimated cost of the project is ₹79,280 crore, works worth ₹44,351 crore have already commenced, with ₹26,000 crore mobilized so far. He urged the Union Government to release the next tranche of funds as a grant, rather than a loan, to ease the financial burden on the state.

The Chief Minister also expressed his gratitude for the Union Government’s continued support for major infrastructure projects in Andhra Pradesh, including the Polavaram irrigation project. The outcome of the request and the Centre’s response are awaited.

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