Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday stated that the state government is allocating nearly Rs 33,000 crore annually towards social security pensions, describing the initiative as unmatched anywhere in the country.
Amaravati
He emphasised that the programme reflects the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable sections of society. Addressing a public gathering in Krishna district after distributing pensions under the NTR Bharosa scheme, Naidu highlighted that around 62.47 lakh beneficiaries receive pensions every month. Over the past 22 months, the government has reportedly spent more than Rs 63,000 crore on the initiative, underlining the scale of welfare expenditure.
The Chief Minister said that the government ensures the availability of approximately Rs 2,700 crore every month to sustain the programme. He clarified that such spending is not viewed as a financial burden but rather as a responsibility aimed at providing relief and stability to economically weaker sections. According to him, the scheme plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life for millions of citizens.
Naidu participated in the ‘Pedala Sevalo’ programme in Pamidimukkala village of Pamarru constituency, where he directly interacted with beneficiaries. During the event, he reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusive development and welfare-driven governance.
The Chief Minister also referred to the broader vision of rebuilding Andhra Pradesh in coordination with Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He stated that the coalition government, led by the Telugu Desam Party, has been working continuously for the past 22 months to restore administrative efficiency and revive development across sectors.
In addition to welfare measures, Naidu reaffirmed his government’s promise to reduce electricity tariffs, stating that there would be no increase in power rates. He criticised previous administrations for imposing multiple electricity tariff hikes, claiming that such measures had placed an unnecessary burden on the public.
The Chief Minister concluded by asserting that his government remains focused on balancing welfare initiatives with long-term development goals, ensuring both economic stability and social support for the people of Andhra Pradesh.