Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday (May 17) reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fulfilling key welfare promises, announcing that the much-awaited free bus travel for women would likely be launched on Independence Day, August 15.
Addressing a public gathering at Nandyal Checkpost in Kurnool district, Naidu said, “Very soon we will provide free bus travel facility for women. I am considering launching it on August 15. This government has a responsibility to make that happen from that day onward.”
‘Super Six’ agenda to be rolled out soon
Naidu reiterated his party’s ‘Super Six’ pre-poll agenda, assuring citizens that each of the flagship welfare schemes would be implemented in the near future. These include:
- A monthly assistance of Rs 1,500 for women aged 19–59
- 20 lakh new jobs or a Rs 3,000 monthly unemployment allowance
- Free bus travel for women
Welfare schemes for families, farmers and students
Other key schemes under the ‘Super Six’ banner include:
- Talliki Vandanam: Rs 15,000 per year for each school-going child
- Deepam-2: Three free LPG cylinders annually per household
- Annadata Sukhibhava: Rs 20,000 annual support for every farmer
While Deepam-2 has seen a partial rollout in the 2024–25 fiscal year, Naidu said other schemes are on track. Investment deals worth Rs 5 lakh crore have been signed, with the potential to generate over four lakh jobs.
Support for farmers and agriculture reforms
Reassuring the farming community, Naidu said ‘Annadata Sukhibhava’ will be rolled out in three installments and vowed to ensure fair prices and profitability in agriculture. “This government is committed to farmers’ welfare. We will provide support, ensure fair prices, and make farming profitable,” he said.
Educational aid and teacher recruitment
Naidu assured parents that the Talliki Vandanam scheme will be fully implemented before the 2025–26 academic year. He also confirmed that funds under the Deepam-2 scheme will be credited directly to beneficiaries every four months.
Additionally, the recruitment of 16,400 teachers through the mega District Selection Committee (DSC) will be completed ahead of the upcoming academic session.
Highlighting the state’s welfare model, Naidu said Andhra Pradesh offers the highest monthly pensions in the country—up to Rs 15,000—with Rs 33,000 crore allocated for welfare pensions.
Regional development and green energy
On the development front, Naidu announced plans to double the area under horticulture cultivation in the Rayalaseema region from 18 lakh hectares to 36 lakh hectares within five years.
He also underscored Andhra Pradesh’s ambition to become a national leader in green energy and expressed hope that the completion of the Polavaram-Banakacherla irrigation project would mark a milestone in that journey.
Naidu concluded by announcing that the state will host a record-breaking International Yoga Day event on June 21, to be led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi—an occasion he said would highlight Andhra Pradesh on the global stage.