Amaravati, Dec 19 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, met with the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on Friday to request vital central assistance for a range of projects.

The discussions included the Purvodaya programme, the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme, a transformative horticulture development package for Rayalaseema, and urgent aid for the Polavaram–Nallamala Sagar Link Project, which aims to combat ongoing drought issues in various districts.

CM Naidu highlighted that the Purvodaya initiative is essential for achieving the Viksit Bharat vision, promoting comprehensive growth in eastern states while bolstering India’s overall economic advancement.

As stated in an official release, the Chief Minister mentioned that Purvodaya funds are critical for enhancing rural connectivity, modernizing irrigation systems, developing infrastructure, expanding industrial corridors, creating food-processing clusters, and improving healthcare and education services.

He stressed that these measures would significantly broaden economic prospects in rural Andhra Pradesh and urged the Centre to focus on state-specific requirements while streamlining administrative processes for effective execution of Purvodaya projects.

The Chief Minister also requested the prompt disbursement of funds under the SASCI scheme for several key initiatives. He sought immediate backing for the construction of the Unity Mall in Visakhapatnam, the reconstruction of the historic Havelock Bridge under Akhanda Godavari, the Gandikota Tourism Project, and the completion of three working women’s hostels across different districts.

Highlighting the current severe financial limitations facing Andhra Pradesh, he stated that federal support is crucial for the development of roads, MSME parks, irrigation projects, housing initiatives, and healthcare infrastructure. He urged the Union Minister to allocate Rs 10,054 crore under the SASCI scheme for the fiscal year 2025-26.

CM Naidu further presented a detailed memorandum requesting a dedicated horticulture development package specifically for Rayalaseema.

He informed the Union Minister that the districts of Rayalaseema and Prakasam together cultivate 18 globally sought-after horticulture crops, with 93 horticulture clusters across eight districts currently benefitting approximately 33.7 lakh farmers directly and indirectly. He noted that the state aims to increase horticulture cultivation from 8.48 lakh hectares to 12.28 lakh hectares by 2029.

To facilitate large-scale exports from the area, he emphasized the necessity of enhancing water resources and establishing world-class logistics infrastructure, including roads, rail links, ports, and air-cargo facilities.

CM Naidu asserted that transforming Rayalaseema into a horticulture hub would require Rs 41,000 crore over the next three years, which would assist in raising farmers’ annual incomes from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 3.5 lakh. He urged the Centre to unveil the Rayalaseema Horticulture Development Package in the 2026-27 Union Budget.

Additionally, the Chief Minister sought robust federal support for the Polavaram-Nallamala Sagar Link Project, intended to redirect 200 TMC of floodwaters from the Godavari to drought-stricken areas. He asserted that this initiative would guarantee a reliable supply of irrigation and drinking water for the districts of Prakasam, Rayalaseema, and Nellore.

CM Naidu informed the Union Minister that a preliminary project report has already been submitted to the Union Jal Shakti Ministry, and a Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be provided immediately upon receiving approval.

He requested financial support akin to what was previously granted for the Amaravati capital projects, appealing for necessary allocations in the 2026-27 Union Budget.