AP Is On Top: 65 Lakh Beneficiaries Receive Record Welfare Support Under Coalition Govt” – Minister Gottipati

“AP Is On Top: 65 Lakh Beneficiaries Receive Record Welfare Support Under Coalition Govt” – Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar

Addanki, Monday:  The State Government is firmly committed to ensuring that welfare schemes reach every eligible beneficiary, said Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar. The minister participated in the NTR Bharosa pension distribution program at Yeleswarapalem in Mailavaram Gram Panchayat under Addanki mandal and personally handed over pensions to beneficiaries at their doorsteps. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister stated that the coalition government led by Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu is allocating over ₹34,000 crore for NTR Bharosa pensions, ensuring that the poor receive timely support. He interacted with locals to verify whether all welfare schemes were being delivered properly and whether secretariat staff were extending hassle-free services.

Criticising the previous YSRCP government, Minister Gottipati said not a single spouse pension had been granted during their rule. “After the coalition government came to power, more than one lakh spouse pensions were sanctioned,” he said. He added that the government is extending NTR Bharosa pensions to nearly 65 lakh beneficiaries, an unprecedented measure in the country.

As part of the program, a tractor was handed over to a farmer of Mailavaram Gram Panchayat under a subsidy scheme. The Minister explained that the government is offering 90% subsidy on essential agricultural machinery, while SC and ST farmers are receiving certain equipment on 100% subsidy. He criticised the previous government for delaying payments to farmers after paddy procurement, whereas the current government has cleared all dues and deposited money directly into farmers’ accounts.

Strengthening Education in Government Schools

Later, the Minister distributed 162 free bicycles to students at Mailavaram Zilla Parishad High School. He appreciated NREDCAP and ASSIST organizations for supporting the initiative and announced that ASSIST has come forward to extend the program across the Addanki constituency. So far, over 5,300 free bicycles have been provided to students in the region to ensure they attend school regularly. Interacting with students, Minister Gottipati said the government is upgrading government schools to compete with private institutions. “We have recruited 16,300 highly qualified teachers through DSC to improve education standards,” he said. He urged students to study diligently and aim for 500+ marks in the 10th class, noting the increasing competition for jobs.

Focus on Nutritious Mid-Day Meals

The Minister also inspected the mid-day meal scheme at the school and spoke to students about the quality of the food being served. He directed officials and administrators to ensure that meals meet the highest quality standards, emphasizing that the government is taking the scheme’s implementation very seriously. He also encouraged parents to regularly monitor food quality for their children’s safety and wellbeing. Parents, local leaders, and officials participated in the NTR Bharosa pension distribution and bicycle distribution program alongside the Minister.