AP spending 33,000 cr annually on social security pensions

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said on Friday that the state government is spending Rs 33,000 crore every year on social security pensions and this is unparalleled in the country.

The state government is providing pensions to 62.47 lakh beneficiaries every month. It has spent more than Rs 63,000 crore on pensions during the last 22 months.

"We ensure that Rs 2,700 crore is kept ready every single month. I do not view this as a burden; rather, I regard it as a responsibility. This programme provides much-needed relief and support to the poor," the Chief Minister said while addressing a public meeting after distributing pensions among some beneficiaries under NTR Bharosa pension scheme in Krishna district.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu participated in 'Pedala Sevalo' (service to the poor) programme in Pamidimukkala in Pamarru constituency of Krishna district.

Stating that he along with Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a promise to rebuild Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu claimed that they have been working tirelessly for the past 22 months to fulfil this promise.

"Ever since the Telugu Desam Party-led coalition government assumed office, it has been working to rebuild shattered systems and restore the glory of Andhra Pradesh," the Chief Minister said.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu reiterated that the state government are reducing electricity tariffs as promised during the previous state Assembly elections and made it clear that they would not increase power rates.

He noted that previous administrations had burdened the people with electricity tariff hikes on nine separate occasions.

He affirmed that the people-centric government is functioning with great transparency, delivering good governance powered primarily by the cooperation extended by the public.

The Chief Minister announced that, henceforth, at every public meeting, he would seek feedback from the people regarding the performance of their respective MLAs.

He said he would personally assess the performance of MLAs in the presence of people.

"I stand on the side of the people, not on the side of the MLAs. My commitment lies solely with the people," Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu remarked.

He emphasised that, as the team leader, the state government as a whole would earn a good reputation only if the elected representatives and officials worked together.