AP Rolls Out ₹2,729 Crore Pension Aid Under Expanded NTR Bharosa Scheme

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday disbursed monthly pensions to beneficiaries in Chamavaram village of Tuni constituency in Kakinada district, while highlighting the growing scale and expanded reach of the state's flagship NTR Bharosa Pension Scheme .

Participating in the monthly “Pedala Sevalo” programme, Naidu personally handed over pensions to elderly citizens, widows and specially-abled persons. The Chief Minister has been attending pension distribution drives on the first day of every month as part of the government's effort to directly monitor welfare delivery and ensure benefits reach beneficiaries through the Village and Ward Secretariat system.

According to official figures, the state government is disbursing ₹2,729 crore in pensions this month to 62.34 lakh beneficiaries across Andhra Pradesh. The government also noted that a cumulative ₹65,887 crore has been released under the pension programme since July 2024, underscoring the scale of welfare spending undertaken by the TDP-led coalition.

The pension distribution exercise comes amid the continued expansion of the NTR Bharosa Pension Scheme , which replaced the earlier YSR Pension Kanuka programme after the coalition government assumed office. One of the administration's first major welfare decisions was to raise pensions for senior citizens, widows, weavers, fishermen, toddy tappers, transgender persons, traditional cobblers, Dappu artists and several other vulnerable groups from ₹3,000 to ₹4,000 per month , fulfilling a key election promise.

The government also enhanced assistance for persons with disabilities. Disability pensions were increased from ₹3,000 to ₹6,000 per month , while fully disabled beneficiaries became eligible for ₹10,000 per month . Bedridden individuals now receive up to ₹15,000 per month , among the highest social security pension benefits offered by any state government.

In a significant addition, the government introduced a Spouse Pension Category to ensure financial support continues for families after the death of an existing beneficiary. During Monday's programme, officials announced the sanction of 5,606 new spouse pensions , involving an additional expenditure of around ₹2.24 crore .

The scheme has also been expanded to cover patients suffering from severe chronic ailments, including those undergoing dialysis and individuals with serious kidney-related conditions, who are eligible for pensions of up to ₹10,000 per month .

With more beneficiary categories being considered for inclusion and fresh applications under review, the government says NTR Bharosa has evolved into one of Andhra Pradesh's largest social security programmes, providing financial stability and dignity to millions of vulnerable households across the state.