Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu (CBN) has announced a landmark welfare scheme allowing free RTC bus travel for women starting August 15, coinciding with India’s Independence Day. The announcement was made during the “Swarna Andhra – Swachhanda Andhra” public event held in the Panyam constituency of Kurnool district.
CBN stated that this scheme, part of his government’s welfare agenda, would support women empowerment and contribute to their economic independence. “Our government is committed to the upliftment of women. As promised during the election campaign, from August 15, all women across Andhra Pradesh can travel free of cost in APSRTC buses. This is a gift from our government to the daughters of the state,” said Chandrababu Naidu. He also added that detailed implementation guidelines for the scheme will be finalized soon.
CBN reiterated that public welfare is the top priority of his administration. He revealed that ₹4.96 lakh crore worth of investments are expected through 76 major projects, potentially creating 4.51 lakh employment opportunities in the state. “We are bringing in large-scale investments while delivering all eligible welfare benefits,” he emphasized.
The Chief Minister highlighted other ongoing welfare programs, stating that monthly pensions ranging from ₹4,000 to ₹15,000 are being distributed. The Anna Canteens initiative is helping to combat hunger by providing food to the poor at subsidized rates.
As part of the Deepam-2 scheme, CBN announced that three free LPG cylinders would be provided to each eligible family. He also assured that teacher recruitment under DSC would be completed before schools reopen. Under the Talli Ki Vandanam program, ₹15,000 will be credited directly to eligible mothers.
To boost agriculture, Chandrababu Naidu promised to ensure minimum support prices (MSP) for farmers and to make agriculture a profitable sector. He also committed to strengthening the Rythu Bazaar system, originally introduced in 1998 to link farmers with consumers directly. He announced that the current network of 125 Rythu Bazaars will be expanded and that ₹6 crore has been sanctioned for the modernization of the Kurnool Rythu Bazaar.
In the Panyam constituency, CBN laid the foundation stone for horticulture development works worth ₹50 lakh and announced ₹50 crore for road development. He further assured that every household in Kurnool district would receive access to safe drinking water.
Chandrababu Naidu concluded his address by affirming that his government aims to make Andhra Pradesh a poverty-free state by 2029.
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