Continued three capitals plan
Pension hike for Rs 3500
Ammavodi from Rs 15,000 to Rs 17000
Rythu Bharosa increased for Rs 80,000
K Varaprasad Rao
Vijayawada: April 27: The eagerly awaited manifesto for 2024 by the YSR Congress Party ( YSRCP ) was unveiled by Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy at the Tadepalle party office in Guntur on Saturday. This manifesto, comprising nine pivotal promises, encompasses a spectrum of initiatives aimed at enhancing the well-being of citizens across the state.
In a significant move, Chief Minister Reddy announced the augmentation of pensions for elderly individuals from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 3,500, with further incremental increases slated for January 2028 and 2029, ultimately reaching Rs. 3,500. Highlighting the state’s commitment to welfare, Reddy emphasized that Andhra Pradesh stands unparalleled nationally in providing pensions to its elderly populace, with 66 lakh beneficiaries currently receiving these benefits, amounting to an expenditure of Rs. 24,000 crore annually.
Additionally, the manifesto outlines enhancements to various schemes, including the ‘Ammavodi’ scheme, which will witness an increase from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 17,000, benefiting numerous families. Notably, the YSR Zero Paisa Interest scheme will extend loans to three lakh individuals, fostering economic empowerment.
The YSR Cheyutha scheme has also been bolstered, with the amount raised to Rs. 1.50 lakh from the existing Rs. 75,000, ensuring a substantial impact on women’s financial stability.
Furthermore, the manifesto promises an array of developments across sectors such as education, health, and agriculture. The Rythu Bharosa scheme will witness an increase from Rs. 67,500 to Rs. 80,000, benefiting 53 lakh farmers. Special initiatives have been earmarked for marginalized communities, including the establishment of separate panchayats for regions with a significant Dalit population.
In education, the manifesto envisions the creation of skill hubs in every constituency, skill development colleges in each district, and a skill development university in Tirupati. Paid internships will be provided to students, enhancing practical learning opportunities. Noteworthy infrastructure projects, including the completion of the Polavaram Irrigation project, medical colleges, ports, and airports, are also part of the ambitious agenda outlined in the manifesto.
In a strategic administrative move, Jagan affirmed that Visakhapatnam would serve as the administrative capital, while Amaravati and Kurnool would retain their roles as legislative and judiciary capitals, respectively, post-reelection of the YSRCP government.