Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu on Saturday stated that the State government was borrowing money to help the poor become debt-free.
“The government’s aim is to make people happy, and happiness is possible only when they do not have debt burden. That is why we have implemented the farm loan waiver, doubled the social security pensions and extended financial support to the Self-Help Group members,” he said while addressing a public meeting here.
Along with Home Minister N. Chinarajappa, the Finance Minister distributed ₹75 crore towards pensions and ‘Pasupu Kumkuma,’ besides laying foundation stone and inaugurating developmental works costing ₹600 crore.
Addressing people who gathered from all the 11 Agency mandals, Mr. Ramakrishnudu said the TDP founder, N.T. Rama Rao, had a special place for tribal people in his heart, and that was why he made night stay at Maredumilli when he was the Chief Minister.
“NTR launched several welfare schemes for the benefit of the tribal people, and the present Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, is continuing the legacy,” he said.
WB funding
Recalling the launch of Velugu project with ₹3,500 crore World Bank funding when Mr. Naidu first took over as Chief Minister of the State, he said it was for the first time the World Bank extended money for the poverty alleviation programme.
“The TDP is thinking about the uplift of the poor ever since its inception, and it is the only party that is genuinely working for the poor to this day,” Mr. Ramakrishnudu said.
Referring to the increase in the social security pensions, Mr. Ramakrishnudu said the decision put an additional burden of ₹7,000 crore on the exchequer.
“But the government preferred to bear the burden, as its aim is to ensure a happy and secured living for the people. To bridge the gap on the financial front, we are borrowing money from different sources,” he said.
MLA Vantala Rajeswari, who presided, urged the government to sanction works costing ₹400 crore in the Agency area, for which the Ministers agreed in principle.
Earlier in the day, Mr. Ramakrishnudu participated in the pension distribution programme at Kota Nanduru and inaugurated a resort at Maredumilli.
Collector Kartikeya Misra and elected representatives were present.