: Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu today said reforms were essential to strengthen the power sector in the state.
There were some financial constraints in the power sector in the state and an amount of Rs 2,500 crore was allotted in the budget to support the power sector as against the request made for Rs 4,500 crore, he told reporters here.
The state stood first with regard to surplus power in the nation and the reforms introduced after bifurcation helped in achieving power reforms, he added.
The minister said an amount of Rs 2,500 crore was given as power subsidy to farmers in the state.
He further said many new industries were coming up in the state because of surplus power and availability of land.
Ramakrishnadu laid the foundation for a 33/11 sub-station at Chediga village in Kakinada rural mandal.