Amaravati, September 1: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu stated on Tuesday that his government prioritizes welfare, development, and good governance, with a primary focus on the economic empowerment of the poor. Speaking at the NTR Bharosa pension distribution program in West Godavari district, he announced that increased pensions are being provided to senior citizens, widows, the disabled, and other eligible groups.
Naidu revealed that a total of ₹73,507 crores have been distributed among the poor through pensions, while approximately ₹1.50 lakh crores have been spent on various welfare schemes over the past two years. He reminded attendees that 31 years ago, on September 1, he took the oath as the Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh for the first time. Since then, he has implemented several reforms and schemes to enhance public participation in governance and raise awareness.
The TDP leader claimed that it would not be easy to defeat the NDA alliance in upcoming elections. He emphasized that rural development is only possible if local bodies are strong, urging ward members, sarpanches, MLAs, and MPs to actively participate in governance to secure more funds for rural development from the center.
He accused some individuals of attempting to obstruct local body elections and halt developmental work in the state. Highlighting women’s empowerment, CM Naidu noted that the savings movement initiated through DWCRA groups has laid the foundation for economically empowering women. He mentioned that under the Deepam scheme, which aims to alleviate the cooking gas issue for women, three free LPG cylinders are now provided annually in Deepam-2.0. Additionally, 33 percent reservation has been made available to increase women’s participation.
Last year, one lakh DWCRA women became micro, small, and medium enterprise entrepreneurs, with plans to increase this number further this year. The government will also facilitate the marketing of products made by women under the ‘Swayam’ brand.
Naidu acknowledged that Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and minority communities still face social and economic backwardness, and the government is taking special measures to uplift these groups. He mentioned that reservations have been granted to the Vaddera community in the mining sector and to the community extracting toddy in liquor shops.
He also addressed the long-pending issue of SC classification to ensure justice and stated that special training is being provided to students from tribal areas for competitive exams and higher education in institutions like IITs and IIMs.
Naidu expressed concern that the presence of poor individuals in any village should be a matter of concern. The government is working to reduce economic inequality and provide a dignified life for all citizens. He mentioned that the ‘P4’ program aims to improve the living standards of people.
Regarding water resources, the Chief Minister stated that the Krishna River’s water has been made accessible to drought-affected areas through the Velugonda project. Work is also underway to bring Godavari River water to northern Andhra. He set a target for next year to supply Godavari water to Anakapalli and Visakhapatnam, after which it will be extended to the Vamsadhara region.
Naidu clarified that his goal is to find a permanent solution to the water crisis in the country through the river linking project. He accused the previous government of allowing industries to leave the state, which harmed the future of the youth. His government is now focused on attracting large-scale investments and creating new employment opportunities.
He added that the government is developing a system to provide online government services to 1.60 crore families in the state. There is also a special emphasis on installing solar energy panels in every home under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana.
The program was attended by ministers Nimmaka Ramanaidu, Gottipati Ravi Kumar, Vice Chairman Raghuram Krishnam Raju, Union Minister Bhupati Raju Srinivas Varma, and Whip Bolisetty Srinivas, among other representatives.
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