Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu recently highlighted the NDA government’s unwavering commitment to both welfare and development. He emphasized the power of a ‘double-engine government,’ signifying strong cooperation between the Union and State administrations.
During a detailed PowerPoint presentation in the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Naidu showcased the progress made on the election manifesto promises and the ‘Super Six’ initiatives. He confidently stated that his government is actively delivering on its commitments.
A significant announcement from Mr. Naidu was the launch of the ‘Auto Drivers’ Sevalo’ scheme, set for October 4. This initiative promises an annual financial assistance of ₹15,000 to every eligible auto and cab driver who owns a vehicle.
This scheme is poised to benefit approximately 2.9 lakh drivers and will incur an annual cost of ₹435 crore. Chief Minister Naidu pointed out that while the previous administration offered ₹12,000, the current coalition government has increased the annual aid to ₹15,000.
Key Welfare Programs
Detailing other major welfare efforts, the Chief Minister mentioned the ‘NTR Bharosa’ scheme, which currently provides monthly pensions to 63.5 lakh beneficiaries, with women comprising 59% of them. The government allocates a substantial ₹32,143 crore annually for this program.
He also highlighted the ‘Stree Shakti’ scheme, which has facilitated 8.86 crore free bus rides for women, involving an annual expenditure of ₹2,963 crore. This initiative, he noted, has not only increased ridership for APSRTC but also significantly enhanced women’s financial independence.
For family welfare, Mr. Naidu emphasized the ‘Thalliki Vandanam’ program, reaching 66.5 lakh students, and ‘Deepam 2.0,’ which supplies three free LPG cylinders annually to 2.66 crore women. Furthermore, he challenged MLAs to foster one lakh women entrepreneurs through Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
Farmers are also receiving significant support through the ‘Annadata Sukhibhava-PM Kisan’ scheme, which provides an annual sum of ₹14,000 per farmer, complementing the existing PM-Kisan aid. To date, 46.86 lakh farmers have collectively received ₹3,174 crore. This aid includes input subsidies and disaster relief, with onion farmers specifically receiving ₹50,000 per hectare in compensation.
Employment Generation
The Chief Minister affirmed that employment and social welfare remain paramount, with 4.71 lakh new jobs generated to date.
Mr. Naidu also highlighted the revival of ‘Anna Canteens’ and announced plans for their expansion into rural regions. In healthcare, a new Universal Health Policy will offer free treatment up to ₹25 lakh for 1.63 crore underprivileged families.
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister committed to completing 6.15 lakh housing units by June 2026. He reiterated his vision for a strong and inclusive Andhra Pradesh, declaring, ‘As long as I live, I will work tirelessly for the poor. Together, we must strive to make our State the best by 2047.’