MLA Mohammed Naseer Ahmed said Andhra Pradesh's doorstep pension distribution model has become a national benchmark, highlighting the coalition government's focus on welfare and social security.
Mangalagiri: MLA Mohammed Naseer Ahmed on Tuesday said the Andhra Pradesh government's social pension distribution model has emerged as a benchmark for the country, reflecting the coalition government's commitment to welfare alongside development.
Addressing a press conference at the TDP Central Office in Mangalagiri, the MLA said the NDA government led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has placed the welfare of senior citizens, widows, differently-abled persons and other vulnerable sections at the centre of its governance despite financial constraints.
Tracing the evolution of the state's pension programme, Naseer Ahmed said the scheme was introduced during the tenure of former Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao with a monthly pension of Rs.35. He noted that successive governments led by Chandrababu Naidu had progressively enhanced pension assistance, and after the coalition government assumed office, the monthly pension was increased from Rs.3,000 to Rs.4,000 in its very first month.
He said beneficiaries also received Rs.7,000 initially, covering arrears along with the revised pension amount. According to him, the government has spent Rs.66,000 crore on social pensions during the past two years, demonstrating its commitment to social welfare.
Highlighting additional welfare measures, the MLA said pensions for differently-abled beneficiaries have been increased to Rs.6,000, while completely bedridden patients are receiving Rs.15,000 per month to support their medical and living expenses.
Naseer Ahmed said the government has adopted a doorstep delivery mechanism to ensure pensions reach beneficiaries on the first day of every month. If the first day falls on a holiday, distribution is advanced to the previous day to avoid inconvenience. He added that pension amounts are retained for up to three months if beneficiaries are temporarily away from their residence.
The MLA also said the coalition government has introduced a provision for immediate transfer of pension benefits to the surviving spouse in the event of a beneficiary's death, ensuring uninterrupted financial support to affected families.
Criticising the previous YSRCP government, Naseer Ahmed alleged that its "six-step validation" process resulted in nearly 18 lakh eligible beneficiaries losing their pensions. He claimed the present government has replaced that approach with a more inclusive welfare policy.
Reaffirming the coalition government's commitment to social security, the MLA said the administration would continue strengthening welfare programmes for senior citizens, widows, differently-abled persons and other vulnerable groups across Andhra Pradesh.
