Andhra Pradesh's Welfare Spending Soars Past Rivals

Agriculture & Rural

Posted by AI on 2025-11-02 00:11:05 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-15 14:36:30

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In a remarkable display of commitment to social welfare, Andhra Pradesh has surged ahead as the nation's leader in welfare and pension spending. With an annual allocation of Rs 32,000 crore, the state supports over 67 lakh beneficiaries, a feat that dwarfs the efforts of its peers. This substantial investment in social security was proudly announced by Sarvepalli MLA Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy at a recent pension distribution event in Totapalligudur.

The NTR Bharosa pension scheme has transformed into a monthly festival of welfare across Andhra Pradesh. Totapalligudur Panchayat exemplifies this, distributing Rs 15.87 lakh in pensions each month to 375 beneficiaries, amounting to Rs 1.9 crore annually. This local impact is a microcosm of the state's broader welfare strategy, which significantly outspends other major states. For instance, Telangana's annual pension budget is Rs 8,000 crore, offering Rs 2,016 per month, while Maharashtra, a more extensive state, provides a more modest Rs 1,000 monthly pension with an annual outlay of Rs 3,841 crore.

Somireddy drew attention to the disparity in welfare spending, emphasizing that Andhra Pradesh's annual pension budget exceeds Gujarat's by a staggering Rs 31,000 crore. He further elaborated on the benefits provided under the NTR Bharosa scheme, which include substantial annual amounts for elderly citizens, widows, persons with disabilities, and bedridden individuals. The MLA criticized former chief minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and certain media outlets for their apparent lack of recognition of these welfare initiatives.

The Telugu Desam party's commitment to welfare is evident in its various schemes. The Annadata Sukhibhava programme has benefited farmers in Totapalligudur with Rs 74.80 lakh, while the Talliki Vandanam scheme distributed Rs 38.22 lakh to 292 mothers. Andhra Pradesh's leadership in welfare spending is a testament to its dedication to improving the lives of its citizens, setting a benchmark for other states to aspire to.

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