Social welfare in Andhra Pradesh has evolved significantly, with a strong focus on improving quality of life for marginalized populations and creating an inclusive society. The state government has introduced several schemes to address issues of poverty, unemployment, healthcare, education, and financial inclusion. These initiatives are particularly crucial in a post-bifurcation context, where Andhra Pradesh has aimed to build robust systems to support its residents, focusing on equitable development and social justice.
YSR Pension Kanuka
The YSR Pension Kanuka is a flagship welfare scheme that aims to provide social security for the elderly, disabled, and economically disadvantaged individuals. Under this scheme, beneficiaries receive monthly pensions ranging from INR 2,250 to INR 3,000, depending on the category. The program supports over 60 lakh beneficiaries across the state, with an allocation of around INR 21,000 crore in the state budget for 2023-24, making it one of the most extensive pension schemes in India. The program helps ensure a steady source of income for vulnerable sections, enhancing their livelihood security.
Amma Vodi (Mother’s Lap) Scheme
Amma Vodi is an educational assistance scheme aimed at promoting school enrollment and reducing dropout rates by providing financial incentives to mothers of school-going children. Through this program, the government provides INR 15,000 annually to mothers or guardians of students from grades 1 to 12 in government or private schools. This scheme primarily supports families from economically weaker sections, reaching approximately 43 lakh students as of the latest academic year. The state allocated nearly INR 6,500 crore in the 2023-24 budget for Amma Vodi, highlighting its commitment to promoting education.
YSR Rythu Bharosa – PM Kisan
YSR Rythu Bharosa is a financial assistance scheme for farmers, jointly funded by the central government’s PM-Kisan program and the state. Under this initiative, farmers receive an annual sum of INR 13,500, disbursed in three installments. Andhra Pradesh has around 54 lakh eligible farmers under this scheme, with each receiving INR 7,500 from the state and INR 6,000 from PM-Kisan. The total budget allocation for the scheme in 2023-24 was around INR 12,000 crore. The scheme’s focus on timely disbursements ensures that farmers have financial support during the agricultural cycle, improving their economic stability.
YSR Aarogyasri Health Care Scheme
YSR Aarogyasri is a comprehensive health coverage scheme aimed at providing free medical treatment to families with an annual income below INR 5 lakh. The scheme covers over 2,000 medical procedures, with a network of nearly 2,000 hospitals in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. With a budget allocation of INR 2,900 crore for 2023-24, Aarogyasri has helped over 1.4 crore families access free healthcare. This scheme’s reach extends to secondary and tertiary care, addressing severe health concerns like heart disease, cancer, and kidney ailments, thus alleviating financial burdens for impoverished families.
YSR Asara
The YSR Asara scheme is a debt relief initiative targeting self-help groups (SHGs) of women, particularly in rural areas. The scheme covers outstanding loans of women’s SHGs, with the government repaying up to INR 3 lakh per member, phased over four years. This scheme aims to reduce indebtedness among rural women, who often rely on informal credit sources with high-interest rates. In the 2023-24 budget, the scheme received INR 6,700 crore, benefiting around 90 lakh women across the state. YSR Asara has empowered women to improve their economic independence and contributes to household stability.
YSR Cheyutha
YSR Cheyutha supports women from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other backward classes, aged between 45 and 60. The scheme provides an annual grant of INR 18,750 to each eligible woman, totaling INR 75,000 over four years. This grant aims to enhance the entrepreneurial abilities of women, allowing them to invest in small businesses or other income-generating activities. With a budget allocation of INR 4,700 crore for 2023-24, the scheme benefits around 23 lakh women, aiding in social and economic mobility among disadvantaged communities.
Vidya Kanuka Kits
Vidya Kanuka Kits is an educational aid program that supplies school kits to students from government and aided schools from grades 1 to 10. Each kit includes essentials like uniforms, shoes, bags, and books, reducing the financial burden on parents and ensuring students have necessary resources. In 2023-24, the scheme covered around 45 lakh students, with a budget of approximately INR 650 crore. The Vidya Kanuka Kits program has effectively enhanced attendance rates and academic performance by ensuring that all students have access to basic educational materials.
Jagananna Gorumudda (Midday Meal Scheme)
The Jagananna Gorumudda scheme is an upgraded version of the existing midday meal program, providing nutritious meals to students from kindergarten to grade 10 in government and aided schools. With an enhanced menu that includes milk and eggs, the scheme aims to address malnutrition among students. Over 45 lakh children benefit from this scheme, with an allocation of INR 1,500 crore in 2023-24. This program contributes to improved health, learning outcomes, and school attendance by ensuring that children have access to adequate nutrition.
Pedalandariki Illu (Housing for All Poor)
The Pedalandariki Illu scheme aims to provide affordable housing to economically weaker sections. Under this program, the government provides free plots and houses for eligible beneficiaries, with each house costing around INR 1.80 lakh. In the first phase, 15 lakh houses are being constructed, with an estimated budget of INR 28,000 crore. This scheme addresses housing challenges in rural and urban areas, creating a sense of ownership among beneficiaries and promoting social welfare.
Nadu-Nedu (Infrastructure Development in Schools)
The Nadu-Nedu program is a comprehensive infrastructure improvement initiative for government schools in Andhra Pradesh. The scheme includes upgrading classrooms, providing drinking water, installing digital equipment, and improving sanitation facilities. In the initial phase, 15,700 schools received upgrades, and over INR 3,000 crore has been allocated in the 2023-24 budget for expansion to more schools. By enhancing infrastructure, Nadu-Nedu aims to make public education more appealing and effective, contributing to the long-term development of human capital in Andhra Pradesh.
YSR Matsyakara Bharosa
YSR Matsyakara Bharosa targets the welfare of fisherfolk by providing an annual subsidy of INR 10,000 per fisherman family during the fishing ban period. Additionally, fuel subsidies are provided to help reduce operational costs. Approximately 1.4 lakh families benefit from this scheme, with a budget of INR 300 crore in 2023-24. This scheme supports the livelihood of the fishing community, contributing to their economic stability and enhancing their living standards.
YSR Kapu Nestham
YSR Kapu Nestham is a financial assistance scheme for women belonging to the Kapu community. The scheme provides an annual grant of INR 15,000 to eligible women between the ages of 45 and 60. The program covers around 3.5 lakh women, with an allocation of INR 500 crore for 2023-24. YSR Kapu Nestham aims to empower women from the Kapu community, supporting their entrepreneurial ventures and economic independence.
Jagananna Vasathi Deevena and Jagananna Vidya Deevena
These are scholarship schemes for students from low-income families pursuing higher education. Jagananna Vasathi Deevena provides a stipend for hostel expenses, while Jagananna Vidya Deevena offers full fee reimbursement for eligible students. Together, these schemes cover nearly 10 lakh students, with a combined allocation of INR 4,000 crore in 2023-24. These programs ensure that financial constraints do not hinder students’ access to higher education, supporting the state’s vision for a skilled and educated workforce.
Jagananna Smart Townships (MIG Housing Scheme)
The Jagananna Smart Townships program is a middle-income group housing initiative aimed at providing affordable housing options. The scheme offers plots to middle-income groups at subsidized rates, with eligibility criteria based on income levels. Each plot costs around INR 5-10 lakh, and the government has planned projects in multiple districts. This scheme addresses housing demands in urban areas, supporting middle-income families in securing affordable property.
YSR Netanna Nestham
YSR Netanna Nestham is a welfare scheme for weavers, providing financial assistance of INR 24,000 annually to each handloom weaver family. The scheme aims to promote the handloom industry and support families dependent on weaving. In 2023-24, the scheme covers approximately 85,000 weavers, with a budget of INR 200 crore. YSR Netanna Nestham strengthens the handloom sector and ensures financial stability for artisan families, preserving traditional crafts.
EBC Nestham
EBC Nestham, or Economically Backward Class Nestham, is a social welfare scheme for economically weaker sections outside the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and OBC categories. The scheme provides INR 15,000 per year to eligible women aged 45-60. With a budget allocation of INR 750 crore, the scheme supports around 5 lakh women, ensuring income support and contributing to economic equality among economically disadvantaged groups.
Ongoing Impact and Future Goals
Andhra Pradesh’s social welfare initiatives have had a profound impact on various sectors, from education and healthcare to housing and livelihoods. The cumulative investment in these programs not only addresses immediate social challenges but also aims to build a more equitable society in the long term. The government’s focus on inclusivity and welfare-based governance, as evidenced by budget allocations and scheme reach, underscores its commitment to uplift marginalized sections.
In summary, Andhra Pradesh’s social welfare programs represent a concerted effort to address poverty, provide financial and educational assistance, and support the livelihood of vulnerable groups. By continuing to invest in these areas and expanding the scope of these programs, the state is fostering sustainable development and promoting social welfare across diverse communities.
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