Jagan releases YSRCP manifesto ‘Navaratnalu Plus’; continues most schemes; hikes allocations

TADEPALLI: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy launched the YSRCP's 2024 manifesto, 'Navaratnalu Plus,' at the party's headquarters in Tadepalli.

Promising to continue the existing welfare schemes, Jagan announced that the pension for elderly persons would increase from Rs 3,000 to Rs 3,500. The pension would rise by Rs 250 in January 2028 and another Rs 250 in January 2029, resulting in a total of Rs 3,500. The YSRCP government was already spending Rs 24,000 crore to provide pensions to 66 lakh people, whereas neighbouring Telangana spent only Rs 12,200 crore to provide pensions to 43 lakh people.

YS Jagan also said the amount in the 'Amma Vodi' scheme would increase from Rs 15,000 to Rs 17,000, while three lakh people would receive loans under the YSR zero-paisa interest scheme. He highlighted that the YSR Cheyutha scheme's total allocation would increase from Rs 75,000 to Rs 1.50 lakh in four phases.

For farmers, he announced that Rythu Bharosa, which previously provided Rs 67,500, would now give Rs 80,000, benefiting 53 lakh farmers. The Rythu Bima scheme for farmers would also continue. Jagan further revealed a new initiative in the manifesto to declare habitations with more than 500 Dalit populations as separate panchayats.

During the launch event, CM Jagan highlighted the party's achievements, asserting that his government fulfilled 99% of the promises made in the 2019 elections. He noted that his administration had been transparent and accountable, delivering welfare programs and schemes to citizens' doorsteps. CM Jagan criticised former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, claiming Naidu made fraudulent promises and failed to fulfill them.

CM Jagan outlined his government's financial efforts, stating that Rs. 2.68 lakh crore had been deposited directly into beneficiaries' accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), with an additional Rs. 1.78 lakh crore through non-DBT programs. Notable expenditures included Rs. 26,067 crores through the Amma Odi scheme, Rs. 4,275 crores through the Jagananna Dharam Devena Scheme, Rs. 12,609 crore through the Jagananna Vidya Deevena Scheme, and Rs. 34,378 crores on YSR Rythu Bharosa.

The manifesto for 2024 continues to focus on social justice, with 50 per cent reservation for nominated posts and 60 per cent of ministerial positions given to individuals from underprivileged backgrounds. Jagan also mentioned the creation of over 231,000 jobs in the last 58 months. The government established the village secretariat system, enabling village-level governance and eliminating brokers in crop purchases. He concluded by reiterating his administration's dedication to welfare and transparency, aiming to lead Andhra Pradesh into a brighter future.