Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu participated in the NTR Pension Scheme distribution event at Motakatla village in Sambepalli Mandal, Rayachoti constituency, Annamayya district. During the visit, he personally handed over pensions to beneficiaries, unveiled an NTR statue in Sambepalli, and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects in Motakatla. He also interacted with pensioners, IT professionals, and residents, addressing various key issues.
Promoting Knowledge and Technological Growth
The Chief Minister emphasized the role of knowledge and perseverance in achieving success, stating that those who embraced his vision have progressed significantly. He recalled his early efforts in promoting the IT sector, highlighting his initiative in establishing Hitech City despite initial skepticism. “I personally visited top companies in the U.S. to attract investments and develop the IT industry in India. The advent of the internet transformed the global landscape, and we leveraged this to create opportunities for our youth,” he said.
Chandrababu also noted the substantial contribution of Telugu professionals in the U.S., stating, “While the per capita income of an average American is $60,000, Telugu professionals in the U.S. earn around $1,20,000.” He further highlighted the global influence of the Telugu community, mentioning that during his arrest, protests were held in 80 countries for 53 days.
Developing Andhra Pradesh as a Work-From-Home Hub
Reaffirming his vision to make Andhra Pradesh a hub for remote work, Chandrababu recalled that he had advocated for this model during the recent general elections. He outlined plans to establish co-working spaces and promote work-from-home opportunities, ensuring the efficient utilization of human resources. He also announced upcoming startup initiatives and the establishment of five Tata Innovation Hubs, allowing individuals to work from their hometowns while engaging in agricultural and allied activities for additional income.
WhatsApp Governance and Welfare Initiatives
The Chief Minister credited his son Lokesh’s Yuvagalam padayatra for inspiring the introduction of WhatsApp Governance, through which 161 government services are now accessible to citizens. He pledged to exceed expectations in the next seven months by accelerating welfare programs.
He highlighted key welfare measures, including the provision of three free gas cylinders under the Deepam scheme. “We were the first in the country to introduce free gas connections, ensuring that no woman endures hardships like my mother did. Soon, we will launch a scheme to provide financial assistance to mothers based on the number of children in the household,” he announced.
Under the Rythu Bharosa scheme, he stated that farmers would receive ₹20,000, combining state and central government contributions. He also pointed out that ₹6 crore was allocated for pothole-free roads in the district, showcasing his government’s commitment to infrastructure development.
Rayalaseema Development and Irrigation Projects
Chandrababu credited former Chief Minister NTR for initiating key irrigation projects in Rayalaseema and asserted that his government had carried them forward. “Between 2014-2019, we allocated ₹64,000 crore for irrigation projects to enhance agricultural productivity in the region,” he said.
Criticizing the previous government for neglecting the irrigation sector, he accused them of mismanaging the Polavaram project. “They submerged Polavaram in the Godavari, forcing us to reconstruct the diaphragm wall,” he remarked.
Call for Rational Voting
Urging people to make informed choices, Chandrababu stated, “Set aside caste, region, and religion. Think about who has worked for your welfare, who had the foresight to develop the state, and who contributed to your progress. If you analyze this, you will always vote for this government.”