Former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday expressed strong views on welfare-driven governance, stating that governments should focus on creating wealth and strengthening the economy rather than depending on populist measures funded through borrowings.

Addressing a gathering at Keshav Memorial College in Narayanguda during the celebrations marking the birth centenary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Venkaiah Naidu said that excessive dependence on government support schemes could weaken the economic foundations of states.

He questioned whether people had actually demanded such schemes and cautioned that indiscriminate distribution of benefits could discourage productivity and self-reliance. Governments, he said, must aim to empower citizens rather than turn them into dependents.

Venkaiah Naidu emphasised that public funds should be prioritised for critical sectors such as education and healthcare, while other forms of financial support should be extended cautiously, keeping long-term economic stability in mind. He warned that borrowing heavily to finance welfare schemes would eventually place a burden on future generations and the state economy.

Stating that the culture of instant political gains was influencing governance decisions, he said such approaches could have adverse consequences in the long run. “Opportunities and assistance should be directed towards those who are genuinely hardworking, enabling them to stand on their own feet,” he remarked.

Recalling the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Venkaiah Naidu said the former Prime Minister always placed national interest above political considerations. He urged today’s leaders and youth to uphold values, principles and a spirit of service in public life.

The former Vice-President reiterated that strengthening education and healthcare through sustained investment would ensure a stronger future for the nation. He also suggested that the Chief Ministers of the two Telugu states reflect on the long-term impact of such welfare-driven policies on their respective economies.