In a significant announcement, Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu declared that women across Andhra Pradesh will be allowed to travel for free in Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) buses starting August 15, India’s Independence Day. He made this announcement during the “Swarna Andhra – Swachhanda Andhra” event held in the Panyam constituency of Kurnool district.
Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu expressed confidence that this initiative would promote women’s empowerment and contribute to their financial independence. “Our government stands firmly in support of women. As per the promise made during the elections, from August 15, all women in the state can travel free of cost in RTC buses. This is a gift from us to them. The guidelines for implementation of this scheme will be finalized soon,” Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu stated in his public address, which was met with loud applause from the audience.
Reiterating his government’s commitment to public welfare, Chandrababu Naidu said, “We are committed to delivering welfare benefits to all eligible citizens while simultaneously attracting large-scale investments to the state.” He added that 76 projects are set to bring in investments worth ₹4.96 lakh crore, which are expected to create employment opportunities for 4.51 lakh individuals.
Highlighting ongoing welfare measures, Chandrababu Naidu said that unprecedented pension amounts ranging from ₹4,000 to ₹15,000 are being provided and that the government is addressing hunger among the poor through “Anna Canteens”.
The Chief Minister also made several additional promises. Under the “Deepam-2” scheme, three LPG cylinders will be distributed free of cost. Teacher vacancies will be filled through DSC recruitment before the reopening of schools. A financial benefit of ₹15,000 will be deposited under the “Talli Ki Vandanam” initiative. Assurances were made to ensure Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers and to make agriculture a profitable venture.
Chandrababu Naidu also emphasized strengthening the Rythu Bazaar system, which he introduced in 1998, aiming to ensure fair prices for farmers and affordable, quality vegetables for consumers. He announced plans to increase the number of Rythu Bazaars from the current 125 and allocate ₹6 crore for the modernization of the Rythu Bazaar in Kurnool.
He laid the foundation stone for horticulture development works worth ₹50 lakh in the Panyam constituency and announced ₹50 crore for road development in the region. Furthermore, he assured the provision of safe drinking water to every household in Kurnool district.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu concluded by stating that his government’s ultimate goal is to transform Andhra Pradesh into a poverty-free state by the year 2029.
