Hyderabad's budget presentation planned for fiscal 2025-26

Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka will present the Congress government's second full-time budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 on Wednesday. The government faces the challenge of meeting financial commitments while gathering enough resources for welfare programs. Recent data from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India shows that the state's total receipts until January reached Rs 1.82 lakh crore. This is 66.57% of the Rs 2.74 lakh crore expected in the budget estimates, with just two months left in the current fiscal year. In December, the state used a special drawing facility for the entire month, amounting to Rs 4,560 crore. It also accessed ways and means advances for 24 days, totaling Rs 1,776 crore. Much of the revenue has come from borrowings, which are significantly higher than originally projected. Although increasing taxes to raise more revenue seems unlikely, the government hopes for more income due to upcoming initiatives. Plans include auctioning 400 acres of land in Kancha Gachibowli and retail liquor outlets, both expected to generate significant funds. Additionally, raising liquor prices and imposing penalties in the mining sector could also boost income. The state is also looking into ways to increase non-tax revenue.