Chandrababu Naidu, upon taking charge as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, has delivered welcome news for pensioners. Fulfilling an election manifesto promise, APCS Nirabh Kumar announced an increase in pensions from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 4,000. The pension scheme, now reinstated as the “NTR Assurance,” reflects the commitment made during Naidu’s previous tenure from 2014-19.
In a significant move, the CM signed five critical files in the secretariat, with the third signature authorizing the pension increase. Starting from April, the government will provide a monthly pension of Rs. 4,000 to the elderly, widows, single women, handloom workers, fishermen, tanners, drum artists, stone cutters, hijras, and HIV sufferers. Pensioners are set to receive Rs. 7,000 on July 1, accounting for the Rs. 1,000 monthly increase retroactive from April and the new Rs. 4,000 monthly pension starting in July.
This decision impacts 65.39 lakh pensioners across the state, with monthly spending on pensions rising to Rs. 2,758 crores from August, totaling an annual expenditure of Rs. 33,099 crores. The enhanced pension scheme will require a one-time outlay of Rs. 4,408 crores in July alone.
The new scheme also offers substantial benefits to disabled individuals, who will see their pension doubled from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 6,000 starting July 1. Additionally, those who are ill, bedridden, or wheelchair-bound will receive a significant increase from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 15,000. Kidney patients undergoing dialysis or those who have had kidney and liver transplants will also receive a Rs. 15,000 monthly pension from the government.
Beneficiaries across the state have expressed their happiness and relief at this increase, marking a positive step towards their financial stability.
