Naidu Government Spends Rs 1.17 Lakh Crore on Welfare in Two Years

 Vijayawada: The ruling NDA coalition government has delivered welfare benefits worth Rs 1.17 lakh crore in its first two years through fiscal discipline and transparent governance, while simultaneously servicing the heavy debt burden inherited from the previous YSRC regime, Telugu Desam national spokesperson and AP Biodiversity Board chairman Neelayapalem Vijay Kumar underlined on Friday.

Addressing a press conference at the TD central office in Mangalagiri, Vijay Kumar challenged the YSRC leadership to an open debate on what he termed the difference between the coalition's "genuine welfare model" and the previous government's "debt-driven welfare".

He said the NDA government has spent Rs 1,17,385.83 crore under 12 major welfare schemes, while maintaining financial discipline. According to him, over 25 per cent of state's revenue is being utilised to repay loans and interest of the previous regime. Yet, the government has sustained welfare spending without compromising fiscal stability.

The TD national spokesperson said major allocations include Rs 68,194.68 crore on NTR Bharosa pensions, Rs 12,110.88 crore for Annadata Sukhibhava, Rs 17,863 crore for Thalliki Vandanam, Rs 3,838 crore towards post-matric fee reimbursement and scholarships, and Rs 436 crore as assistance to auto, cab, and three-wheeler drivers.

Vijay Kumar said the government further spent Rs 14,281.27 crore towards in-kind and service subsidies, including Deepam-2 LPG subsidy, subsidised rice through the public distribution system, free bus travel for women, housing infrastructure, child nutrition, free power for vulnerable sections, and Anna canteens.