In Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu highlighted the state’s massive push on social security pensions during a recent event. Over the past 16 months, the government has poured Rs. 48,019 crore into these pensions, making Andhra Pradesh the top spender in India. What’s more, 59% of the pensioners are women, showing a strong focus on supporting families.
Naidu joined the NTR Bharosa pension distribution program in Datti village, part of Vizianagaram district’s Gajapatinagaram constituency. There, he made a heartfelt visit to the home of Ponturu Appalaraju, a kidney patient, and handed pensions directly to him and his mother.
Turning to power tariffs, Naidu promised no hikes under the NDA government—and even hinted at cuts if feasible. He credited smart management for reviving the power sector after the previous administration saddled consumers with a Rs. 32,000 crore burden through nine tariff increases. In a historic move, power charges will drop by 13 paise per unit starting November 13, the first such reduction in India’s history.
The government is also rolling out free solar rooftops for farmers via the PM Kusum scheme, plus for SC and ST households, to boost green energy access.
Women’s empowerment tops the agenda. Under the Talliki Vandanam scheme, Rs. 10,090 crore has gone straight to mothers’ accounts to support their kids’ schooling. Families got free gas cylinders too, with Rs. 1,718 crore spent on that. The new Stree Shakti initiative offers free rides for women on RTC buses, backed by Rs. 2,963 crore annually—already helping 10 crore women travel in just 45 days.
On housing, Naidu reaffirmed the goal of homes for all by 2029. Workers have finished 3 lakh houses, with another 6 lakh on track for June next year.
Health insurance now covers every resident, offering up to Rs. 25 lakh in treatment for the poor, ensuring better medical access across Andhra Pradesh.
GST reforms are bringing relief too. The upcoming GST 2.0 could save the state Rs. 8,000 crore, while everyday families might pocket up to Rs. 1,500 monthly from cheaper essential commodities.
Naidu took personal charge of North Andhra’s growth, vowing to drive progress in the region. Key projects include completing Bhogapuram airport by August 2026. Irrigation efforts worth Rs. 2,000 crore will wrap up in two years, and the Rs. 25 crore Sarvagadda mini reservoir will be ready in the same timeframe.
Tech and industry are booming in Visakhapatnam, with giants like Google, TCS, and Cognizant setting up offices. A tribal university will rise near the Central University, and the ArcelorMittal steel plant is underway. Plus, the Visakha-Raipur Greenfield Highway will connect the area better to the rest of the country.
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