Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu launched the NTR Bharosa pension scheme, fulfilling a key election promise and bringing hope to millions of beneficiaries across the state.
The Launch Event
Time and Place
- Launched at 6 a.m. on July 1, 2024
- First pension delivered at Penumaka village, Tadepalli block, Amaravati
Key Participants
- Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu
- Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan
- Cabinet members and MLAs of the ruling alliance
About the NTR Bharosa Pension Scheme
What is it?
The NTR Bharosa Scheme is a social security program designed to provide financial support to various vulnerable groups in Andhra Pradesh.
Key Features
- Increased pension amounts for different categories:
- Old-aged people, widows, weavers, etc.: Rs 4,000 per month (up from Rs 3,000)
- Disabled and leprosy patients: Rs 6,000 per month (up from Rs 3,000)
- Severely disabled: Rs 15,000 per month (up from Rs 5,000)
- Chronic disease patients: Rs 10,000 per month (up from Rs 5,000)
- Wide coverage:
- 6.531 million beneficiaries
- 28 different categories
- Doorstep delivery of pensions
Impact of the Scheme
Financial Support
- Total amount distributed on launch day: Rs 4,408 crore
Beneficiary Groups
- Old-aged people
- Widows
- Weavers
- Toddy tappers
- Fishermen
- Single women
- Traditional cobblers
- Transgenders
- Artists
- Disabled individuals
- Chronic disease patients
Additional Announcements
Chief Minister Naidu also promised to introduce Amma canteens in the state, offering meals at just Rs 5.
The Legacy of N T Rama Rao
The scheme is named after Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR), a significant figure in Andhra Pradesh’s history:
- Famous Telugu film actor and producer
- Founder of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in 1982
- Three-time Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh
- Father-in-law of current Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu
Why This Day is Important
July 1, 2024, will be remembered as a day of:
- Fulfillment of Promises: The TDP government, sworn in on June 12, 2024, quickly acted on its election promise.
- Social Welfare: The scheme aims to improve the lives of millions of vulnerable citizens.
- Political Legacy: It honors the memory of NTR while continuing his vision of social welfare.
- Statewide Participation: The involvement of all cabinet members and MLAs in the launch demonstrates the government’s commitment to the scheme.
Important Takeaways from all competitive exams:
- Andhra Pradesh Capital: Amaravati;
- Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister: N. Chandrababu Naidu;
- Andhra Pradesh Formation: 1 November 1956 (Andhra Pradesh Day).