New Delhi Allocates ₹104 Crore for Andhra Pradesh Judicial Facilities Over Five Years

Federal Funding Strategy for State Courts

Between 2019 and 2024, the Central government disbursed ₹104.29 crore to Andhra Pradesh to modernize its judicial physical assets. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal disclosed these figures in a formal response to Nellore MP Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy. While the Minister clarified that state governments hold primary accountability for building district and subordinate courts, the Union government has provided financial assistance through a specialized scheme active since the 1993-94 fiscal year.

Current Construction and Digital Monitoring

Data provided by the Ministry of Law and Justice indicates that ten newly constructed court complexes are now operational in Andhra Pradesh. Another 24 projects are currently in various phases of development. The current financial year has already seen the approval of a ₹8.79 crore mother sanction for the state.

Specific projects predating 2021 are still undergoing work, including:

• A six-court building complex located at Adoni in Kurnool district.
• Residential facilities for a Senior Division Civil Judge at Ramachandrapuram in Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema district.

Progress on these sites is being tracked through the Nyaya Vikas Portal, an online oversight mechanism designed to ensure accountability in the construction of court halls, residential units for officers, and digital computer rooms.

Human Resource Gaps in the Judiciary

Beyond physical infrastructure, the Minister addressed the ongoing shortage of judicial personnel. Out of a total sanctioned strength of 875 posts in the Andhra Pradesh judiciary, 137 positions remain vacant. The financial resources provided under the central scheme aim not only at building physical courtrooms but also at establishing essential amenities such as lawyer halls, toilet complexes, and digital rooms to support the functional requirements of the legal system.

Source: The Hindu — Cities