Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy distributed the enhanced YSR Pension Kanuka, providing a monthly allowance of Rs 3,000 to eligible individuals. The development follows the recent approval by the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet to elevate the social security pension under the YSR Pension Kanuka scheme from Rs 2,750 to Rs 3,000 per month.
The YSR Pension Kanuka initiative is designed to support various vulnerable groups, including senior citizens, widows, single women, individuals living with HIV, and others.
Addressing a public gathering at the Rangaraya Medical College ground in Kakinada, Chief Minister Reddy emphasized the government’s commitment to improving the lives of those who face difficulties in sustaining themselves, particularly the elderly relying on pensions. Reddy stated, “Our government is increasing the pension to Rs 3,000 per month, aiming to bring relief to those unable to meet their basic needs due to old age.”
The Chief Minister highlighted that the enhanced pension would benefit more than 66 lakh people across the state, signifying a substantial step towards bolstering social security.
According to Reddy, the southern state is allocating a monthly budget of Rs 2,000 crore to pensions. He urged the public to reflect on the state of affairs during the previous TDP government led by N Chandrababu Naidu, where the welfare pension stood at a mere Rs 1,000 per month until just two months before the 2019 polls.
Taking a swipe at Janasena founder Pawan Kalyan, Chief Minister Reddy criticized Kalyan and Naidu for failing to fulfill their promise of providing three cents of land to all poor people during the 2014 polls. Instead, Kalyan is accused of writing letters to the Centre alleging corruption, despite providing 31 lakh housing sites and constructing 22 lakh homes for the underprivileged.
The elevation of the YSR Pension Kanuka to Rs 3,000 per month signifies a substantial stride towards enhancing social security.