As announced during the election campaign, Telugu Desam Party president and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has decided to retain the village and ward volunteers’ system designed to deliver the benefits of government welfare schemes to the doorsteps of poor people.
State Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu told reporters that Naidu had signed a file approving the increase of social security pensions from Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 per month, and for disabled people from Rs 3,000 to Rs 6,000 per month, effective from July 1.
“The pensions will be distributed at the doorsteps of the elderly and disabled people starting from July 1 through the existing volunteers' system. It is unfortunate that the previous ruling party YSRCP forced several village and ward volunteers to quit their jobs. We will reappoint the volunteers to ensure they continue to provide benefits to the people,” he said.
Ramanaidu stated, “The enhancement of pensions will be retroactively effective from April. On July 1, the old age pensioners will receive Rs 7,000, including arrears for the past three months,” adding that the government will spend Rs 5,000 crore in July alone on pensions.
The Chief Minister also signed the file to revive Anna Canteens, which were established during the TDP's previous regime between 2014 and 2019.
“The poor will get subsidized food three times a day for Rs 5 a plate,” the minister said.
