Andhra Pradesh Pension Beneficiaries to Receive ₹7,000 in July: Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy
Enhanced Pension Benefits Announced
In a significant move, Andhra Pradesh’s Endowments Minister, Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, announced that beneficiaries of the NTR Bharosa scheme will receive an increased pension of ₹7,000 for July. This increase represents a ₹1,000 monthly hike over the previous pension amount of ₹3,000, along with arrears of ₹3,000, as the hike has been applied retrospectively from May.
Financial Commitment by the Government
At a press conference on Thursday, Minister Reddy highlighted the financial commitment of the current administration towards pension schemes. He noted that while the previous government allocated ₹2,700 crore for more than 65 lakh beneficiaries, the new government has sanctioned ₹4,400 crore for the same purpose. Importantly, the distribution of pensions will now be managed by employees of village and ward secretariats, rather than volunteers.
Fulfillment of Electoral Promises
Minister Reddy emphasized that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has honored the electoral promise of increasing pensions within the first month of taking office. Specifically, ₹218.87 crore has been allocated to support 3,19,961 beneficiaries in the Nellore district. The pension increases apply to various groups including senior citizens, widows, single women, fishermen, and artisans.
Enhanced Support for Disabled and Chronic Disease Patients
Significant increases have been made to the pensions for disabled individuals and tuberculosis patients, with monthly amounts doubling from ₹3,000 to ₹6,000. For those with total disabilities, pensions have tripled from ₹5,000 to ₹15,000. Additionally, individuals suffering from chronic diseases will now receive ₹10,000 per month, up from the previous ₹5,000.
Focus on Temple Development
Minister Reddy also announced plans to revamp major temples across the state, starting with the renowned Tirumala temple. The development and reconstruction plans will be devised with the input and cooperation of temple priests. Of the 27,000 temples in the state, eight will receive special focus: Srisailam, Srikalahasti, Kanipakam, Vijayawada, Simhachalam, Annavaram, Arasavilli, and Ontimitta.
Increased Funding for Temple Rituals
To enhance the conduct of rituals such as ‘Dhupa, Deepa, Naivedyam,’ the government has doubled the monthly expenditure for these activities from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000. This move is part of a broader initiative to support and maintain the cultural and spiritual heritage of Andhra Pradesh’s temples.
