Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced on Thursday that the state government has spent ₹76,000 crore on welfare pensions to provide economic security to the poor. Speaking in Repalle in Bapatla district during the monthly pension distribution program on October 1, 2026, Naidu emphasized that a Chief Minister should function as a “common man” who understands and addresses public issues directly.
Naidu stated that he, alongside state officials and elected representatives, has personally participated in the pension outreach program on the first day of every month for the past 28 months. Frame-working the administration’s approach to poverty as a humanitarian effort rather than solely an economic measure, he outlined a series of simultaneous welfare and development initiatives underway across the state.
In terms of public infrastructure and housing, Naidu reported that development works valued at ₹50,000 crore are being executed in urban areas, while projects worth ₹11,000 crore are underway in rural regions. The state has completed 5.5 lakh houses, with another 5.5 lakh scheduled for construction in the near future. Additionally, housing-site pattas valued at ₹52,000 crore have been distributed to beneficiaries statewide.
The Chief Minister highlighted several ongoing welfare initiatives, including the Stree Shakti, Thalliki Vandanam, and Deepam programs, alongside tailored support schemes for fishermen and auto-rickshaw drivers. Under the Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas (DWCRA) initiative, one lakh women have been assisted in becoming entrepreneurs, with a target set to expand this to an additional five lakh women. The state is also implementing the P4 program to assist individuals at the lowest economic levels.
On economic growth and industrial targets, Naidu stated that Andhra Pradesh has secured ₹22 lakh crore in investments, which are projected to generate 20 lakh jobs. Capital expenditure is being expanded to build infrastructure spanning roads, railways, ports, and airports.
Regarding water management and regional initiatives, Naidu noted that the first phase of the Handri-Neeva project has been completed, delivering water to Kuppam, while the initial phase of the Veligonda project has supplied Krishna river water to Markapuram. The government plans to complete 36 irrigation projects at a cost of ₹35,000 crore over the next three years.
Furthermore, the government plans to invest ₹1 lakh crore toward the development of 10 districts, including Prakasam, while establishing Rayalaseema as a regional hub for horticulture. In Bapatla district, the administration aims to develop Surya Lanka beach into a prominent national tourism destination.
Sources
– [The Hindu](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/andhra-government-has-spent-76000-crore-on-pensions-so-far-says-naidu-in-repalle/article71532281.ece)
Source: The Hindu – National
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Story synopsis gathered from: The Hindu – National — source
