Govt Committed to Building a Poverty-Free Andhra Pradesh: CM Naidu
Tuni, June 1(TNT): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday said the state government is committed to building a poverty-free Andhra Pradesh through collective social responsibility, economic empowerment and community participation.
Participating in the 21st P4 Seva programme at Chamavaram village in Tuni constituency, the Chief Minister personally distributed NTR Bharosa pensions, interacted with beneficiaries and reviewed the implementation of the P4 initiative during a Praja Vedika programme.
Addressing a public meeting, Naidu said June would remain a historic month in Andhra Pradesh’s political journey as it marked the people’s mandate against what he termed “destructive governance” and the formation of the coalition government.
He said the administration had prioritised the welfare of the poor from its first day in office, citing the enhancement of social security pensions.
The Chief Minister said pensions worth ₹2,729 crore are being distributed this month to 62.34 lakh beneficiaries across the state.
Since July 2024, over ₹65,887 crore has been disbursed under the NTR Bharosa pension scheme, while nearly ₹32,000 crore is being spent annually on pensions.
He also announced additional widow pensions and new spouse pensions for eligible beneficiaries.
Highlighting the P4 initiative, Naidu said the programme aims to bridge economic disparities by encouraging financially capable individuals to mentor and support disadvantaged families.
He urged “Margadarsis” to help “Bangaru Kutumbalu” become educated, self-reliant and financially secure.
The Chief Minister said the government’s welfare agenda extends beyond pensions and includes programmes such as Thalliki Vandanam, Stree Shakti, Annadata Sukhibhava, Matsyakarula Sevalo, Auto Driver Sevalo and special support measures for persons with disabilities, handloom workers and other vulnerable sections.
On economic development, Naidu said the state had secured investment commitments worth ₹23 lakh crore over the past two years, which are expected to generate nearly 23 lakh employment opportunities.
He highlighted major projects including a Green Ammonia facility near Kakinada, the ArcelorMittal steel project in the region and a proposed Google data centre in Visakhapatnam. These investments, he said, would create jobs for local youth and reduce migration in search of employment.
Outlining the government’s healthcare vision, the Chief Minister announced plans for a Universal Health Policy aimed at protecting families from financial distress caused by medical expenses.
Under the proposed Sanjeevani initiative, digital health records would be created to facilitate preventive, predictive and curative healthcare services.
He also said AI-enabled healthcare support systems would be introduced to improve access to doctors, medicines and health information.
Emphasising the importance of healthy living, Naidu called upon citizens to exercise for at least 30 minutes daily and adopt yoga, meditation and healthy lifestyles.
He announced that Yogandhra 2026 would be observed through a 14-day statewide campaign leading up to International Yoga Day on June 21.
The Chief Minister also reiterated the government’s focus on quality education, curriculum modernisation, citizen-centric governance and technology-enabled public services.
Referring to WhatsApp Governance, he said public services were being brought closer to citizens with greater transparency, efficiency and accountability.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to welfare, development and good governance, Naidu said Andhra Pradesh’s journey towards the Swarna Andhra 2047 vision would be driven by inclusive growth, quality public services, employment generation and healthy communities.
He said the coalition government, working with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, remains committed to building a prosperous and developed Andhra Pradesh.
Minister P. Narayana, Kakinada MP Tangella Uday Srinivas, Tuni MLA Yanamala Divya and Kakinada District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad were present.
TNT KM
