The government of Andhra Pradesh has fulfilled its promise made in the run-up to the elections by enhancing the social security pension for various categories of beneficiaries in the state. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu restored the name of the scheme after TDP founder N.T. Rama Rao, according to G.O. Ms. No. 43 issued by Chief Secretary Neerabh Kumar Prasad through the Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Department on June 13. The scheme is now called the 'NTR Bharosa Pension Scheme'.

As promised by Mr. Naidu, the government has ordered an increase in the pension amount to 4,000 per month from the existing 3,000 for categories such as Old Age People (OAP), widows, weavers, toddy-toppers, fishermen, single women, traditional cobblers, transgenders, ART (PLHIV), Dappu artistes and artists. The beneficiaries of these categories will receive their enhanced pension from April 1, 2024, which will be disbursed from July 1, 2024, along with three months’ arrears. They will receive an amount of 7,000 in July and thereafter 4,000 per month.

The enhanced pension for persons with disability will be 6,000 per month, while fully disabled persons will receive an enhanced pension of 15,000 per month from the existing 5,000. The government has also increased pension for chronic diseases such as Bilateral Elephantiasis-Grade 4, kidney, liver and cardiovascular diseases to 10,000 per month from the existing 3,000.

Here is the breakup of Andhra Pradesh's 'NTR Bharosa Pension Scheme' sees significant enhancements:

Regular beneficiaries: Now receive 4,000 monthly, with a one-time payment of 7,000 in July to include arrears. - Disabled individuals: Monthly pension upped to 6,000. - Severely disabled: Now get 15,000 monthly. - Chronic illness patients: Pension raised to 10,000 monthly.

This update honors a TDP electoral pledge and reinstates the scheme's name after its founder N.T. Rama Rao. The Chief Secretary has directed relevant departments to implement these changes starting July 2024.

This move by the government to increase social security pension for various categories of beneficiaries in Andhra Pradesh is a positive step towards fulfilling their promise and supporting those who need it the most.