Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday said the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government had unleashed a regime of distress that affected all sections of people and played havoc with the State’s economy.

“I am still unable to understand the previous government’s five-year rule of destruction. Now, our government is committed to restoring development and streamlining all the government services in an efficient manner,” Mr. Naidu said.

The Chief Minister was addressing a gathering at an SC Colony, near Gangadhara Nellore mandal headquarters, after distributing pensions under the NTR Bharosa scheme to the beneficiaries at their doorstep.

The Chief Minister listed the various welfare programmes launched by the coalition government, including NTR Bharosa, which alone was benefitting over 64 lakh people.

Mr. Naidu said patients suffering from kidney-related diseases and thalassemia were being extended special financial assistance. “The government has earmarked ₹33,000 crore towards disbursal of social pensions to stand by the poor and downtrodden sections in the State,” he said.

Mr. Naidu said pensions should be disbursed to the beneficiaries at their doorstep, and no inconvenience should be caused to the senior citizens and differently-disabled.

Growth rate

Stating that top priority was being accorded to economic growth, the Chief Minister said Andhra Pradesh registered 12.9% growth rate within nine months of the NDA coming to power.

“The government has prioritised adoption of latest technologies in the agriculture, horticulture, and allied fields, and deployed drones for management of fertilisers and pesticides,” he said.

Stating that focus was on creating infrastructure, with priority to extend roads and establishment of industrial parks, the Chief Minister said steps were underway to create an industrial park in 2,000 acres in Chittoor district.

“Urban development, clean environment, and excellent living conditions for people are the thrust areas,” Mr. Naidu said.

Super Six schemes

The Chief Minister also said the State government was expediting the process of launching the ambitious ‘Thalliki Vandanam’ and financial assistance to the farmers. The two form a part of the ‘Super Six’ promises made in the run-up to the elections.

Under Thalliki Vandanam, mothers of every school-going student would be provided ₹15,000 annually from May.

“Our motto is to usher in sustainable development, economic progress, and social welfare of all sections of people,” Mr. Naidu said.