Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday highlighted the economic empowerment of the poor as the primary objective of the coalition government, with welfare, development and good governance forming key priorities. Speaking during the distribution of NTR Bharosa pensions at Mogalthur in West Godavari district, Naidu highlighted the government’s welfare initiatives and financial support for vulnerable sections.
Naidu noted that enhanced pensions were being provided to senior citizens, widows, persons with disabilities and other beneficiaries. He stated that Rs 73,507 crore had so far been distributed to the poor through pensions, while Rs 1.50 lakh crore had been spent on welfare programmes over the past two years. He also recalled that September 1 marked 31 years since he first became Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh.
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of strong local bodies in advancing rural development and called for ward members, sarpanches, MLAs and MPs to become active partners in governance. He also alleged that attempts were being made to obstruct local body elections and development activities in the state. Naidu highlighted the role of DWCRA groups in women’s empowerment and pointed to schemes such as Deepam-2.0, under which three free LPG cylinders are being provided annually.
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Naidu further highlighted efforts to promote entrepreneurship among women, noting that one lakh DWCRA women had become MSME entrepreneurs last year. He stated that the target had been increased for the current year and that products made by DWCRA women would receive marketing support through the ‘Swayam’ brand. He also highlighted measures for the economic and social advancement of SCs, STs and minorities, along with reservations and initiatives supporting education and competitive examination preparation.
On development and infrastructure, Naidu highlighted the Veligonda Project for taking Krishna waters to drought-prone areas and efforts to divert Godavari water towards North Andhra. He outlined plans to ensure that Godavari waters reach Anakapalli and Visakhapatnam before being extended towards the Vamsadhara region. The Chief Minister also reiterated the objective of resolving water-related challenges through river interlinking.
Naidu also highlighted efforts to attract large-scale investments to Andhra Pradesh, while criticising previous administrations over the departure of industries from the state. He said the government was exploring an online system to make government services accessible to the state’s 1.60 crore families. He also highlighted plans to expand solar power installations in households under the PM Surya Ghar scheme, while reiterating the government’s focus on reducing economic inequalities and enabling people to lead dignified lives.
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