We have kept our promise—pensions have been increased from Rs.3,000 to Rs.4,000 in the very first year of our government. A staggering ₹34,000 crore is being spent annually to support 64 lakh pensioners

metro india news  I hyderabad

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu made a powerful statement of intent and delivery during a mass pension distribution event in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district, declaring that “There is no greater joy than helping the poor.” He personally handed over pensions to beneficiaries at their doorsteps, reinforcing the government's commitment to direct benefit delivery and social justice.

Addressing a massive public gathering later, CM Naidu said, “We have kept our promise—pensions have been increased from Rs.3,000 to Rs.4,000 in the very first year of our government. A staggering Rs 34,000 crore is being spent annually to support 64 lakh pensioners. No other state in the country offers this level of support to the poor.”

Reiterating that his administration is rooted in pro-poor governance, the Chief Minister recalled how the pension scheme was initiated by TDP founder N.T. Rama Rao to serve the downtrodden. “We are a government of the poor, by the poor, and for the poor. Be it pensions, food security, or employment, every policy we implement is centered around uplifting the underprivileged,” Naidu asserted.

In a sweeping move to reform Andhra Pradesh’s public distribution system, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced a revamped ration delivery mechanism, ensuring convenience, dignity, and transparency for lakhs of families dependent on government supplies. Naidu declared that from June 1st, ration supplies will be made available in a flexible, citizen-friendly format, including home delivery for the elderly and differently-abled, and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for those who opt for monetary compensation instead of physical goods.

“From tomorrow, citizens can collect their ration at a time of their choosing, without depending on fixed days or queues,” said the Chief Minister. This marks a significant departure from the previous system, which forced beneficiaries to conform to a rigid schedule, often leading to long waits and logistical issues.

Most notably, Naidu announced that elderly citizens, persons with disabilities, and those unable to travel will now receive ration items directly at their doorstep — a move aimed at restoring dignity and eliminating dependence.

In a scathing critique of the previous YSRCP regime, Chandrababu accused them of turning welfare into a smokescreen for scams. “They operated mafia-style rackets in the name of door delivery. They didn’t even provide widow pensions properly—71,380 widows were left in the lurch,” he charged. Naidu emphasized that under his government, widows automatically receive pensions upon the husband’s death, and those who missed pensions for up to three months are now covered. “We don’t just give fish—we teach how to catch it,” he said, underlining TDP’s focus on long-term empowerment.

Touching on individual cases, the CM granted immediate pension to a diabetic amputee named Polishetty Durgaprasad and financial assistance of Rs.1.5 lakh and job assurance to his B.Tech graduate daughter. Similarly, another young woman, a B.Sc Computers graduate, was promised employment. “We will stand by every family in distress,” he affirmed.

The government has launched a Mega DSC process to recruit 16,347 teacher posts, with Naidu signing the first approval himself. He also announced the upcoming rollout of "Annadata" and "Talli ki Vandanam" schemes in June—ensuring Rs.20,000 annually to each eligible farmer and Rs.15,000 per child to mothers, respectively.

CM Naidu proudly stated that Andhra Pradesh stands ahead of richer states like Maharashtra and Telangana in pension distribution. “Maharashtra gives only Rs.1,000, Telangana Rs.2,500—but we are delivering Rs.4,000. Our pensions alone can match the annual earnings of NREGA workers,” he said.

In a fierce warning to wrongdoers, CM Naidu said, “Those who indulge in corruption and lawlessness will be pursued relentlessly. My eagle eye and technology will expose every criminal.” He lambasted attempts to politicize natural deaths and manipulate public sentiment, vowing to protect the dignity of the government and uphold justice. Wrapping up his address, Chandrababu Naidu reaffirmed his commitment to social equity. “Every community, based on its population share, will get justice. Social justice isn’t a slogan—it’s my responsibility,” he declared.