Naidu Announces Free Electricity for Weavers Costing Rs 153 Crore Annually
AP rolls out clusters, funds, housing and industry plans to boost growth, welfare
Nellore: Fulfilling a key election promise, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced free electricity for weavers—up to 200 units for 93,000 handloom families and 500 units for over 11,000 power looms—costing the state exchequer Rs 153 crore annually.
Addressing a large gathering under the “Pedala Sevalo” programme at Vinjamoor in SPSR Nellore district on Wednesday, the AP CM went on to unveil a Rs 5 crore thrift fund and five new handloom clusters under the National Rural Livelihood Mission.
He declared that Andhra Pradesh is setting a national benchmark in welfare delivery. “We are spending Rs 2,750 crore every month on pensions alone. No other state in India matches this commitment,” he underlined, contrasting it with Rs 1,000 pension in neighbouring Tamil Nadu.
The Chief Minister highlighted the ongoing rapid industrialisation in and around Nellore district. He pointed to projects such as Ramayapatnam Port, Dugarajapatnam Shipbuilding Centre and emerging defence manufacturing units, including those of drones and explosives in Udayagiri. He underlined that the IFFCO SEZ and solar manufacturing units will generate up to 80,000 jobs, positioning Andhra Pradesh as a top investment destination.
Accusing critics of resorting to “hit-and-run politics,” Chandrababu Naidu accused the “rival party” of spreading misinformation about the Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour project. He clarified that the proposal dates back to 2018 and it is being executed at a cost of Rs 285 crore. He assured that strict measures will be taken to protect local fishermen from cross-border raiders.
Reaffirming focus on irrigation, the AP CM said the centre has released Rs 1,300 crore for the Polavaram project, which will be dedicated to the nation before the Godavari Pushkaralu in 2027. He announced Rs 34 crore to bring water from the Somasila canal to Vinjamoor’s Patha Cheruvu by October 2026.
Chandrababu Naidu highlighted flagship schemes, such as “Talliki Vandanam,” announcing that financial assistance will again be credited into the accounts of girl children in June. Under “Deepam 2.0,” three free LPG cylinders are being provided annually, with plans to extend piped gas supply to households. Beneficiaries are also receiving Rs 2,400 per year as subsidy support, he maintained.
On housing, the Chief Minister said over 5.5 lakh houses have been completed in 21 months, including 2.5 lakh recently, and another 4.5 lakh will be ready by December. “Our goal is to ensure every poor family has a home to live with dignity,” he asserted.
On governance, he stressed on accountability, warning that surprise inspections would be conducted to ensure service delivery. “Anyone who disrupts our mission of good governance will not be spared,” he warned.
Naidu concluded, saying AP, which went into a “ventilator-like condition,” will be transformed into number one state in the country with people’s support.
