Andhra spent over Rs 50,000 cr on social welfare pensions in 18 months: Minister
Machilipatnam (AP) (PTI): Andhra Pradesh is leading the way in social welfare spending, with a significant focus on pensions, state Minister Kollu Ravindra has said.
The state has spent Rs 50,763 crore on pensions in the last 18 months, he added.
"Andhra Pradesh is the only state in India that provides a large number of pensions," the minister holding the mines and geology and excise portfolios said.
Speaking to the media on Monday, Ravindra said the state government has allocated a substantial budget of Rs 34,000 crore for the NTR Bharosa pension scheme, benefiting 63,25,999 people, as per December figures.
He added that Rs 2,739 crore was distributed in pensions on December 1, while 1,08,000 spouse pensions were sanctioned after the coalition government came to power.
Not a single spouse pension was given during the previous YSRCP government, he claimed.
"Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu personally distributes pensions to the beneficiaries," Ravindra said.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
US–Iran first round direct talks conclude in Islamabad: Report
_vb_48.jpeg)
The first round of direct talks between the United States and Iran, held in Islamabad, has concluded, Al Jazeera reported citing sources close to the development.
According to the report, following the discussions, delegations from both sides agreed to exchange written documents, a move aimed at ensuring clarity and consensus on the understandings reached during the meeting.
Both the Iranian and US delegations arrived in Islamabad on Saturday, April 11, amid high security for the peace talks.
_vb_17.jpeg)
