Naidu doubles 10 types of pensions in AP

With elections round the corner, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu started rolling out welfare sops to the poor.

He doubled pensions of around 54.14 lakh beneficiaries under different categories on Friday.

Addressing a public meeting in Boguru of Nellore district, he said that all those who were receiving Rs 1,000 pension a month so far would get Rs 2,000. Currently, senior citizens and widows get Rs 1,000 a month pension. The state government is currently paying pensions to 24,22,444 aged, 20,13,808 widows, 6,41,820 differently abled persons, 1,07,992 weavers, 28,011 toddy tappers, 32,979 HIV patients, 1,665 transgenders, 45,358 fishermen, 1,12,471 single women and 8,044 dialysis patients.

“I am not bothered about the financial burden on the exchequer on account of this revision in the pension amount. I want you all to be happy. I will work hard, create wealth and distribute it among the poor,” Naidu announced amidst applause. He reminded the people that the pension for senior citizens and widows was Rs 200 when he took over in June 2014. “I increased it to Rs 1,000 from October 2014," he said. Party sources also said that Naidu is mulling over sops for farmers during Shankranthi harvest festival early next week.

Sops for women

In addition, the Chief Minister announced the distribution of land pattas to 60,596 women to an extent of 66,276.79 acres costing Rs 8,000 crore. Named Pasupu Kumkuma, the scheme would benefit 29,966 SC women, 8,341 ST, 18,244 BC and 4,024 OC women in all the 10 constituencies of Nellore district.

The Chief Minister announced the distribution of sanitary napkins to 6 lakh girls studying in 8, 9 and 10 classes at a cost of Rs 120 crore, to instill confidence among girls.

Naidu was on a foundation stone laying spree for various development works not only in capital Amaravati but also across all districts. Election code of conduct will come into force for the Legislative Council elections next month.