Will Andhra Pradesh's P4 Initiative End Poverty by 2029?

Amaravati, Aug 5 (NationPress) The state of Andhra Pradesh is set to launch the P4 initiative on August 19, with the ambitious goal of eradicating poverty by 2029, as declared by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu during a video conference on Tuesday.

The Chief Minister expressed his strong belief that the P4 model will serve as a national benchmark. He reviewed the program with MLAs, public officials, and government representatives from the Secretariat.

The Chief Minister disclosed that Bangaru Kutumbams (beneficiary families) numbering 9,37,913 have been identified, and 1,03,938 Margadarshi (mentors) have been appointed.

Prioritizing the needs of 10 lakh Bangaru Kutumbams statewide, an 11-question survey was conducted, the results of which were analyzed using AI technology. The findings indicate that 31% of families are looking for employment opportunities, 22% require medical assistance, and 9% are interested in expanding their small businesses.

“In addition to assisting families, many Margadarshi are taking the initiative to adopt entire villages and mandals. We’ve also launched a 'Fund a Need' concept as part of P4. The program’s implementation will be reviewed quarterly, and public representatives and officials are encouraged to participate voluntarily,” stated the Chief Minister.

Chandrababu Naidu also mentioned that he has personally registered as a Margadarsi and has adopted 250 families in his Assembly constituency, Kuppam.

He emphasized that the selection of Margadarshi for the Bangaru Kutumbams is entirely voluntary. “No one should feel compelled to participate, and there should be no coercion. We seek individuals with compassion and humanity to join this effort. Unfortunately, some individuals are attempting to undermine these positive initiatives and create a negative perception,” he said.

He pointed out that while some individuals possess the financial means to assist, they lack the desire, whereas others may wish to help but do not have the time.

“We must identify such individuals and inform them about the P4 platform. Our goal is to reduce economic disparity through collective efforts. Today’s beneficiaries may become Margadarshi tomorrow. Alongside welfare initiatives, P4 will ensure that additional support reaches Bangaru Kutumbams. We should engage NRIs and industrialists abroad to inspire a sense of giving back to society,” he added.

The Chief Minister affirmed that the P4 initiative is integral to the mission of poverty eradication.

“The primary aim is to elevate the living standards of every family in AP. The core objective is to contribute back to society. Even small contributions from role models can make a significant impact on the less fortunate. For instance, Pallakunta Hemalatha, a sanitation worker from the Avanigadda constituency, became a beacon of hope by voluntarily supporting an elderly woman. When compassion is present, humanity rises to the occasion and steps forward to help. Those who give both financially and through service are the true role models,” he remarked.

“While organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Vedanta operate through CSR funds, our focus with P4 is to go beyond that, aiming to uplift families directly. We are advancing the Zero Poverty Mission with the community as our greatest asset,” he concluded.

Present at the meeting were Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand, Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav, P4 Foundation Vice-Chairman Kutumba Rao, and officials from the Finance and Planning departments.