AP govt committed to uplift of the poor: CM

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, while addressing a public meeting in Muppalla, NTR district, reaffirmed the NDA government’s commitment to the upliftment of marginalised communities, drawing inspiration from the life and legacy of Jagjivan Ram. He stated that the government’s focus is to transform Andhra Pradesh into a robust economic system while ensuring the welfare of all sections, particularly the underprivileged.
During his visit, the Chief Minister participated in Jagjivan Ram Jayanti celebrations at Muppalla village in Chandarlapadu mandal. He also visited a girls’ residential hostel before addressing the gathering.
Highlighting the government’s achievements, Naidu said that 27 welfare schemes specifically targeting Scheduled Castes (SCs) had been implemented, including the fulfilment of the long-pending promise on SC categorisation.
The Chief Minister began by recalling Jagjivan Ram’s inspiring journey as a champion of social equality who fought untouchability and discrimination. “From his school days, when he challenged the dual water pot system, Jagjivan Ram displayed immense courage in fighting for justice,” he said.
Naidu also noted that Jagjivan Ram played a pivotal role in shaping Indian politics from 1935 to 1977.
He paid tribute to Ram’s enduring legacy, emphasising that the current government draws strength from his vision to address social and economic disparities.
Naidu recounted his personal experience of witnessing the struggles faced by SC communities and said that, during his tenure as Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh, several initiatives had been taken to eliminate untouchability and promote equality. He reiterated his firm support for SC categorisation. “It was the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) that gave political opportunities to the underprivileged by appointing Balayogi as Lok Sabha Speaker and Pratibha Bharati as Assembly Speaker,” he added.
He stated that schemes worth Rs 8,400 crore had been introduced to support the economic progress of SC communities. Quality education is being provided through residential schools, with over 1.18 lakh students currently enrolled in 190 institutions across the state. Under the ‘Jagjivan Jyothi’ scheme, 200 units of free electricity are being supplied to SC families. The government is also implementing the ‘NTR Bharosa’ scheme, benefitting over 11.38 lakh SC families through pensions and housing assistance.
The Chief Minister outlined the P-4 initiative aimed at creating a poverty-free society by encouraging the top 10 per cent of economically strong individuals to support the bottom 20 per cent. So far, 20 lakh families have been identified under this programme. Drawing a parallel with the successful Janmabhoomi initiative, he urged global Telugu communities to contribute to their native villages by becoming ‘Golden Families’—economic leaders who can serve as role models.
In a sharp critique of the previous administration, Naidu said the state had been left with a massive debt of Rs 10 lakh crore. He accused the former government of derailing the state’s progress by misusing resources and neglecting crucial sectors. Despite these challenges, he assured that his government is determined to restore Andhra Pradesh’s growth trajectory.
Naidu said his vision is to make Andhra Pradesh a major economic power by 2047. “I constantly study society and plan 20–30 years ahead,” he said, citing the economic reforms introduced by P. V. Narasimha Rao, which he claimed to have built upon. The Chief Minister has set an ambitious target to raise per capita income from Rs 2.66 lakh in 2023–24 to Rs 2.98 lakh in 2024–25, aiming for Rs 54.60 lakh by 2047.
Various welfare schemes are being rolled out across the state, including the ‘Deepam’ scheme, which now offers three free gas cylinders to women. Pensions have also been enhanced for persons with disabilities, kidney patients, and the bedridden. The government is facilitating self-employment among SC, ST, BC, and minority communities through loans and skill development programmes.
Referring to the Nandigama constituency, the Chief Minister said development had stalled over the past five years but was now regaining momentum. A sum of Rs 15 crore has been allocated to complete the Vedadri Lift Irrigation Project. Additionally, Rs 2.2 crore will be released for the Ayuturu and Muguluru causeways, and a bridge in Kanchikacherla mandal will receive funding. Naidu also promised subsidies for solar power installations in Muppalla and surrounding areas.