Date:13/09/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/09/13/stories/2007091353350400.htm

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Andhra Pradesh

‘No limit on extending welfare schemes’

Staff Reporter

Government will not mind for which party the beneficiary voted, says Chief Minister

YSR takes part in ‘Intinta Indiramma’ programme
Loans to SHGs aimed at economic empowerment of rural women

-Photo: M. Murali

Down to earth: Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy lending his ear to an elderly woman at Station Ghanpur in Warangal on Wednesday.

STATION GHANPUR (WARANGAL): The welfare schemes would reach all the eligible poor irrespective of their political affiliation. The State Government would not mind for which party the beneficiary voted – Congress, TRS or TDP, said the Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy.

The Chief Minister, who took part in ‘Intinta Indiramma’ programme here on Wednesday, said there is no limit for extending welfare schemes. “Houses will be given to all the eligible. The programme will go on till the last poor man gets his due. So also the old age pensions and other welfare measures,” he said.

Unlike in the TDP regime where the new applicant for old-age pension waited till someone beneficiary died, the State Government has decided to give as many pensions as demanded by the needy. “In the past, 179 persons were getting pensions at Rs 75 per month. Now, we are giving old-age pensions to 653, the actual demand in Station Ghanpur village alone is at Rs. 200 per month. This is how the benefits of all the welfare schemes reach all the eligible. We are not bothered whether you voted for Congress or other party,” Dr. Reddy said.

Bank loans at lesser interest rate to the members of SHGs is aimed at economic empowerment of rural poor women, distribution of cattle and sheep with a view to lift the downtrodden from poverty. With the series of welfare programmes launched by the State Government, it set a trend in the country. Now, the Governments in other States were looking at Andhra Pradesh and trying to replicate the same, the Chief Minister said.

Mr Rajasekhara Reddy exhorted the women to obtain bank loans and make proper use of them. Women were asked to start their own enterprise and make a beginning.

“All the rich people in the society once got the help from these banks. You too can do it and my Government will help to the extent needed,” he said amidst applause from thousands who gathered at the meeting.

The Chief Minister laid foundation station for a road-under-bridge and inaugurated a series of development programmes and took part in community lunch.