Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu distributed NTR Bharosa pensions in Datti village of Gajapathinagaram constituency in Vizianagaram district on Tuesday. He outlined his government’s welfare and development agenda. Naidu extended Dasara greetings to Telugu people and said Andhra Pradesh has become a model for welfare governance in India.
Naidu described the 1st of every month as a ‘festival of pensions’. He noted that 63.57 lakh beneficiaries are receiving monthly payments totaling ₹2,745 crore. In the past 16 months, the State government has distributed pensions worth ₹48,019 crore, he added.
He recalled that NT Rama Rao introduced pensions at ₹30 in 1985. Now the amount has been raised to ₹4,000 after TDP returned to power in 2024. “No other State in the country provides pensions at this scale,” Naidu said. He added that Andhra Pradesh spends about ₹33,000 crore annually on the initiative.
Naidu lays emphasis on women’s empowerment
Naidu said free bus travel for women under the Stree Shakti scheme has seen 10 crore journeys in 45 days. Under Deepam 2.0, three free gas cylinders a year are being provided. Indeed, 2.3 crore cylinders worth ₹1,718 crore have already been distributed.
The Thalli Ki Vandhanam scheme has supported 67 lakh students, with ₹10,090 crore deposited into mothers’ accounts. “My wish is to see every girl financially strong and contributing to the nation,” Naidu affirmed.
Naidu said farmers are receiving ₹20,000 per year under the Annadata Sukhibhava scheme. Indeed, ₹7,000 has already been credited in the first phase to 46.85 lakh farmers. Auto drivers are also receiving financial support. About 2.9 lakh drivers will get ₹15,000 each on October 4 under the Auto Driver Seva programme.
3 lakh TIDCO units ready for occupation by Diwali: CM
On the occasion, the Chief Minister announced a health security initiative. It covers every citizen with insurance worth ₹2.5 lakh. Additionally, medical treatment up to ₹25 lakh is provided for the poor. By Diwali, 3 lakh houses will be ready for occupation, and another 6 lakh will be completed by June 2025, Naidu said.
Developmental boom in North Andhra
Naidu highlighted upcoming investments in Visakhapatnam, including projects by TCS, Cognizant, and a Google Data Centre. He said that the permanent campus of the Central Tribal University is under construction near the current location. Moreover, a Greyhounds campus will also be established nearby.
Infrastructure projects include the Greenfield Bhogapuram Airport and the Vizag-Raipur Greenfield Highway. The completion of the Uttarandhra Sujala Sravanthi irrigation project is also included. He also confirmed that ArcelorMittal is setting up a steel plant near Anakapalli with an investment of ₹1 lakh crore. Meanwhile, the Vizag Steel Plant has been saved from privatisation with a financial package of ₹11,000 crore.
Naidu added that rooftop solar subsidies are being offered, including free 2 kW systems for Scheduled Castes. Up to ₹98,000 subsidies are available for BC households installing 3 kW systems. The Chief Minister said his government is committed to efficient administration.The Chief Minister cited power tariff reductions starting in November after a ‘true-down’ adjustment. He assured that tariffs will not be increased in the future.
Naidu also emphasized job creation, noting that ₹10 lakh crore in investments have been attracted. These investments have created 9 lakh jobs, with 4.71 lakh positions already filled in the past 15 months. “Only with good governance do people benefit,” Naidu said, promising continued reforms, accountability, and welfare delivery.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister personally handed over the pension to Ponthuru Appalaraju, who is suffering from kidney problems. Later, he interacted with the beneficiaries, enquiring about their issues. On his way to the Praja Vedika public meeting, children approached him. He warmly spoke with them and posed for photographs.
