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.
While attending 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.
The Chief Minister revealed that a total of ₹73,507 crores has been distributed among the poor through pensions so far, while approximately ₹1.50 lakh crores has been spent on various welfare schemes over the past two years.
Chandrababu Naidu 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. He emphasized that since then, numerous reforms and initiatives have been implemented to enhance public participation in governance and raise awareness.
The TDP leader claimed that defeating the NDA alliance in upcoming elections will not be easy. He stated that rural development is only possible when local bodies are strong. Active participation from ward members, sarpanches, MLAs, and MPs is essential to secure more funds for rural development from the center.
The Chief Minister accused some individuals of attempting to obstruct local body elections and hinder ongoing development projects in the state.
Emphasizing women’s empowerment, CM Naidu noted that the savings movement initiated through DWCRA groups has laid the foundation for women’s economic strength. He mentioned that under the Deepam scheme, aimed at alleviating women’s cooking gas issues, three free LPG cylinders are now provided annually in Deepam-2.0. Additionally, 33% reservation has been made available to enhance women’s participation.
He stated that 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.
The Chief Minister highlighted that Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and minority communities remain socially and economically backward. 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 involved in toddy tapping at liquor stores.
He also addressed the long-pending issue of SC classification to ensure justice. 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 over the presence of poor individuals in any village, stating that 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 the people.
Discussing water resources, the Chief Minister stated that the Krishna River’s water has been brought to drought-affected areas through the Velugonda project. Work is also underway to supply Godavari River water to northern Andhra. He set a goal to reach Anakapalli and Visakhapatnam with Godavari water next year, after which it will be extended to the Vamsadhara region.
The Chief Minister clarified that his objective is to find a permanent solution to the country’s water crisis 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 job opportunities.
Naidu announced that the government is developing a system to deliver online services to 1.60 crore families in the state. Emphasis is also being placed on installing solar energy panels in every home under the Prime Minister’s Surya Home Scheme.
The event was attended by several public representatives, including Ministers Nimmaka Ramanaidu, Gottipati Ravi Kumar, Vice Chairman Raghuram Krishnam Raju, Union Minister Bhupati Raju Srinivasa Varma, and Whip Bolisetty Srinivasa.
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