Has Andhra Pradesh Spent Over Rs 50,000 Crore on Social Security Pensions?
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Synopsis
In a significant announcement, Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu revealed the state's unprecedented spending of over Rs 50,000 crore on social security pensions in just 18 months. This commitment positions the state at the forefront of public welfare initiatives in India, emphasizing the importance of social support for citizens.
Key Takeaways
- Andhra Pradesh leads in public welfare through substantial pension spending.
- Over Rs 50,000 crore allocated for pensions in 18 months.
- 63 lakh individuals benefit from monthly pension distributions.
- Focus on empowering women, with 59% of recipients being female.
- Government supports education by offering Rs 15,000 annually for children in government schools.
Amaravati, Dec 1 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, announced on Monday that the state leads the nation in public welfare, having allocated over Rs 50,000 crore for social security pensions in the past 18 months.
During the Pedala Seva program in Eluru, the Chief Minister distributed monthly pensions to several beneficiaries and engaged with them personally.
He even visited the home of Nagalakshmi, a kidney patient in Unguturu, to hand her the monthly pension and spend time with her family.
In a public address, CM Naidu revealed that since the coalition government assumed power, Rs 50,763 crore has been dedicated to pensions, asserting that no other state matches this commitment to welfare.
“Over five years, we will invest Rs 1.65 lakh crore in pensions, averaging Rs 32,143 crore per year. States like Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and even Uttar Pradesh fall short in comparison,” he stated.
The government distributes Rs 2,739 crore monthly to more than 63 lakh individuals, with 13% of the population receiving pensions. Notably, 59% of pension recipients are women, amounting to Rs 30,000 crore allocated to them.
This month alone, the government introduced widow pensions for 7,533 new beneficiaries at an additional cost of Rs 3 crore.
CM Naidu emphasized the importance of pension continuity, stating that those who missed a month's payment were penalized. His administration has allocated Rs 114 crore to 139,677 individuals who missed two months and Rs 16 crore to 13,325 who missed three months.
He noted that pension initiatives were first introduced by the late N. T. Rama Rao in 1984, and the current government is committed to increasing this support, currently providing Rs 4000 monthly despite financial constraints.
Furthermore, the CM highlighted the government's focus on welfare as a means of advancing state development, including providing Rs 15,000 annually for every child in government schools under the Talli ki Vandana scheme, which benefits mothers.
CM Naidu also mentioned the success of the Super Six program, asserting that the coalition received a strong mandate to restore the state.
Under the Deepam-2 initiative, the government has distributed three free gas cylinders annually, totaling 2.85 crore cylinders at a cost of Rs 2,104 crore. Additionally, 25 crore women have benefited from free bus rides under the Stree Shakti scheme, and 16,347 teacher posts have been filled since the coalition took office.
He stressed the importance of population balance, stating that a declining population poses a significant concern for the future of both the state and the country.
Point of View
The ongoing initiatives in Andhra Pradesh highlight a significant commitment to social welfare. The state's aggressive spending on pensions not only reflects a robust approach to public welfare but also sets a benchmark for other states. This approach could inspire similar initiatives across India.
NationPress
01/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total amount spent on social security pensions in Andhra Pradesh?
Andhra Pradesh has spent over Rs 50,000 crore on social security pensions in the last 18 months.
How many beneficiaries receive pensions in Andhra Pradesh?
The government distributes pensions to over 63 lakh individuals in the state.
What percentage of pension recipients are women?
59% of those receiving pensions are women.
What is the amount allocated for children studying in government schools?
The government provides Rs 15,000 annually for each child studying in a government school.
When were pensions first introduced in Andhra Pradesh?
Pensions were first introduced in Andhra Pradesh by N. T. Rama Rao in 1984.
