The Andhra Pradesh state government, headed by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, announced Schemes to initiate two new welfare schemes, 'Thalliki Vandanam' and 'Annadata Sukhibhava', a fulfillment of election promises.

Thalliki Vandanam Scheme to Be Launched by June

  • The 'Thalliki Vandanam' scheme will begin with the upcoming academic year in June.
  • Each child going to school in a family will be given Rs. 15,000 as an investment.
  • The scheme is in line with the government's education promotion and empowering families.

Annadata Sukhibhava Scheme for Farmers

  • Under 'Annadata Sukhibhava', farmers will be given Rs. 20,000 per year as investment.
  • This will be divided into two parts, Rs. 10,000 from the PM Kisan of the central government and Rs. 10,000 from the state government.
  • The money will be released in three installments as per the central government.
  • The cabinet added that this policy would be initiated in time; however, all this would rely on the sanction of the funds from the center.

More Relief to Fishermen

  • Fishermen assistance during the hunting season will double from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 20,000 effective April.
  • The government planned to release these funds in due time when hunting season begins

Reforms to Education and Scholarship Reimbursement

  • It will recruit by the next session of the mega DSC recruitment.
  • Education Minister Lokesh demanded a fund for reimbursement of fees and the cabinet released the first instalment to facilitate educational institutions.
  • CM Naidu asked district collectors to ensure no student is affected because of the pending reimbursement.

Enhanced Governance and Revenues Issue Settlements

  • Committee of Ministers is formed to deal with the revenue issues at an earliest possible time.
  • Revenue, Finance, Industries, and Municipal Administration Ministers are to be part of the committee.
  • It will scrutinize grievances and recommend policy reforms for quicker redressal.

Godavari-Banakacharla Linkage: A Dream Project

  • The Godavari-Banakacharla linkage project seeks to link water sources to benefit the backward regions of Rayalaseema, Uttarandhra, and Prakasam.
  • CM Naidu stated that this would be a game-changer and requested central aid to support the project.
  • The project will also meet irrigation requirements to ensure that water is utilized sustainably in the backward districts.

Financial Constraints and Outstanding Amounts

  • The state faces financial strain, with arrears amounting to Rs. 1.30 lakh crore.
  • Pending bills include Rs. 900 crore for medical purchases and substantial PF dues.
  • CM Naidu criticized the financial mismanagement of the previous government, which exacerbated the state’s liabilities.

Preparations for PM Modi’s Visit

  • The cabinet discussed arrangements for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Visakhapatnam on January 8.
  • A coordination committee was constituted to oversee the event, with the intention of presenting the progress under CM Naidu's leadership.

Progress Amid Challenges

  • CM Naidu enumerated the government's achievements, which include:
    • ​Opening 199 Anna Canteens within six months.
    • Three free LPG cylinders per year under the Deepam scheme.
    • Pension hiked to Rs. 4,000 for 64 lakh beneficiaries.