Naidu vows to reduce economic inequality through empowerment

Tirupati: Andhra Pradesh chief minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu reiterated the resolve of the state govt in reducing economic inequality through economic empowerment. On the second day of his Kuppam tour in Chittoor district, the CM distributed NTR Bharosa pensions to the beneficiaries at Beggipalli village in Gudupalli mandal on Saturday. Later, the CM addressed the Praja Vedika public meeting at Thumsi. Addressing a massive gathering of people, Naidu asserted that the state govt was spending out Rs 2,730 cr every month towards NTR Bharosa pension disbursements, which was far higher than the pension dole-outs in the neighbouring states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.Naidu listed the numerous welfare measures launched by the TDP-led NDA alliance after coming back to power in the state. He underlined that lakhs of people were benefiting immensely from the Super Six welfare schemes launched by the govt.Stating that the 33% reservation for women would soon become a reality, the CM said the women's reservation would open new vistas for women to excel in politics.Meanwhile, the CM held a detailed interaction with representatives of the P4 Scheme (People-Public-Private Partnership), an initiative aimed at achieving zero poverty. Naidu reviewed progress with families adopted by major groups like MEIL (Megha Engineering), Adani Foundation, and TVS.Corporate partners appointed "Golden Friends" for every 100 families to provide guidance on skill development and income generation. Beneficiaries expressed gratitude, noting that skill training allowed them to find employment locally (eg, at MEIL) without migrating away from their families.In a session with SHG (DWACRA) women, the CM discussed the OFOE policy designed to turn every household into a business unit."We are providing up to 95% loan guarantee for MSMEs. Since DWACRA groups have an excellent repayment track record (only 2% NPA), bankers must cooperate fully to fund their ventures," CM Chandrababu Naidu asserted.