Mon Jan 12 15:48:44 UTC 2026: Headline: Andhra Pradesh Government Announces Sankranti Bonanza, Releasing ₹2,653 Crore in Arrears
The Story:
The coalition government in Andhra Pradesh has announced a significant financial relief package for state employees, pensioners, police personnel, and contractors ahead of the Sankranti festival. Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav announced on Monday, January 12, 2026, the release of ₹2,653 crore in long-pending bills and arrears, directed by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. The move aims to ease financial strain across various sectors of the state’s workforce.
The released funds cover a wide range of obligations, including Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) arrears, surrender leave encashment for police personnel, and payments for development works executed under various schemes. The initiative is expected to benefit approximately 5.70 lakh people.
Key Points:
* ₹2,653 crore released in total arrears.
* ₹1,100 crore sanctioned for Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) arrears.
* 2.25 lakh CPS employees and 2.70 lakh pensioners to benefit from DA/DR release.
* ₹110 crore approved for surrender leave encashment for 55,000 police personnel.
* ₹1,243 crore released for payments related to works under EAP, NABARD, SASCI, and CRIF schemes, including ₹40 crore for Neeru–Chettu program.
* Over 19,000 contractors to receive payments.
Critical Analysis:
The timing of this announcement, just before Sankranti, suggests a strategic move to boost public perception and potentially garner political favor. The wide distribution of funds across various sectors—employees, pensioners, police, and contractors—indicates a broad-based approach to alleviate economic pressures. The release of funds specifically for the Neeru–Chettu program, a water conservation initiative, reflects a commitment to ongoing development projects despite previous financial constraints.
Key Takeaways:
* The Andhra Pradesh government is prioritizing the clearance of pending financial obligations to its employees and contractors.
* The timing of the release suggests an attempt to provide financial relief and potentially improve public sentiment ahead of Sankranti.
* The funds allocated cover a broad spectrum of beneficiaries, indicating a comprehensive approach to economic relief.
* The focus on development projects through payments to contractors underscores the government’s commitment to infrastructure and water conservation initiatives.
First Piper 