Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday made an emotional appeal to the top 10 per cent of wealthy citizens to support the upliftment of the bottom 20 per cent of society, reaffirming his government’s commitment to bridging the economic divide through transformative initiatives.
Citing the Margadarsi-Bangaru Kutumbam scheme as a cornerstone of this effort, the Chief Minister explained that the programme connects affluent individuals (Margadarsis or mentors) with underprivileged families (Bangaru Kutumbams or golden families). “If these families are given the right support, their children can grow into future leaders,” Naidu said.
In Agiripalli alone, 206 families will be supported under the scheme. The first phase targets the upliftment of 20 lakh families across the State. Urging citizens to contribute, Naidu remarked, “Support the poor now, and they will remember you, just as we remember the contributions of great reformers like Phule.”
“Everyone chases personal success, but eventually, people seek social recognition. This initiative is built on the principle of giving back to society,” he added.
Naidu also mentioned the ongoing P4 programme and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to honouring the legacies of leaders like Dr B R Ambedkar, Jyotirao Phule, and Dr Jagjivan Ram as part of wider social reforms.
During the event, beneficiaries shared personal hardships. Pyari Reshma from Agiripalli said her family struggles to educate their three children on her husband’s earnings as a driver. Another woman, Bonam Lakshmi Durga, who lost her husband to cancer, revealed that she has not received a pension and is working as a daily wage labourer while living with her parents.
Responding swiftly, Naidu sanctioned pensions with 12 months’ arrears and assured housing and livelihood support.
Several Margadarsis came forward with major pledges. Nuzvid Seeds owner Prabhakar announced Rs 20–25 crore in support over five years and expressed willingness to extend the scheme to Tukkuluru. Siddhartha of Kusalava Group offered financial aid for students and to build houses, while Gowtham of Happy Valley School committed to expanding free education, having already supported 300 students.
Nitin Krishna of Nitin Sai Constructions promised jobs for skilled youth, and Pinnamaneni Dhana Prakash of Model Dairy vowed to educate 1,000 children, focusing on orphans. NRI Engineering College chairman Ravi Venkat Rao, calling Naidu his own Margadarsi, pledged to adopt multiple families under the programme.
The Margadarsi-Bangaru Kutumbam scheme stands out as a bold step towards inclusive development, powered by community participation and compassionate governance.
