On April 1, 2025, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu made impactful statements following the direct distribution of pensions to beneficiaries under the NTR Bharosa Pension Scheme. Despite previously criticizing the YS Jagan-led government for its voluntary pension distribution system, Naidu’s administration has followed suit by directly disbursing pensions to beneficiaries since his return to power.
Naidu emphasized that his government is offering more direct cash benefits to the people compared to the previous government’s “button pressing” system. “My first priority is the people, followed by everything else—politics and other matters. Our government is committed to welfare, economic upliftment, and direct support for the poor. On July 1, 2024, we increased pensions to Rs 4,000 as the first step in improving the quality of life for our citizens,” Naidu stated.
He also highlighted the increase in pensions for the physically disabled, now set at Rs 6,000. “Andhra Pradesh is the only state providing Rs 4,000 monthly pensions to over 64 lakh beneficiaries. We allocate Rs 33,100 crore annually for these pensions alone. This scheme surpasses all previous governments’ direct beneficiary initiatives,” he added.
Naidu also addressed concerns regarding pension beneficiaries who missed their monthly payments, stating that they are allowed to claim their dues in the following months. “We could have easily saved crores of rupees by ignoring this option, but our priority is to uplift the people,” he emphasized.