Coalition working for AP’s all-round development: Kollu Ravindra
State Minister for Mines, Geology and Excise Kollu Ravindra on Monday said the coalition government is working to ensure the all-round development of Andhra Pradesh.
The Minister laid the foundation stone for cement concrete (CC) roads and drains at Kinthada village in K. Kotapadu mandal, under the Madugula Assembly segment of Anakapalli district. These works will cost Rs 20 lakh and come under the MGNREGA scheme. He also inaugurated road construction between Gondupolem and Rangalinaidupalem, estimated at Rs 1.68 crore.
At a public meeting later, Mr. Ravindra recalled welfare programmes introduced by former Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao (NTR). He said NTR launched several initiatives aimed at supporting poor families.
Mr. Ravindra alleged that the State saw a decline in development over the past five years. He claimed party workers and opposition supporters faced harassment through false cases. He said the coalition inherited financial constraints but continues to implement welfare and development measures.
Speaking on welfare schemes, Mr. Ravindra said the government credits pensions on the first of every month. He added that pension beneficiaries receive Rs 4,000 as promised. According to him, persons with disabilities get Rs 6,000, while bedridden individuals receive Rs 15,000. He said the government spent Rs 50,000 crore on pensions over the last 18 months.
The Minister also cited schemes such as free LPG cylinders, Talliki Vandanam, Annadata Sukhibhava, and free bus travel. On employment, he said the government filled 16,000 DSC posts to expand job opportunities for youth.
On the investment front, he said the State attracted proposals during an investors’ summit held in Visakhapatnam. He added that the government continues to pursue more investments and promote entrepreneurship across Andhra Pradesh.
Highlighting key infrastructure works, Mr. Ravindra referred to the Polavaram project, steps to protect the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, and the Bhogapuram airport. He said the airport is expected to be completed by June. He also said the government is giving priority to roads and household tap connections.
Criticising the YSR Congress Party, Mr. Ravindra accused it of opposing several initiatives. He specifically referred to criticism over the proposed PPP model for completing medical colleges at a faster pace.
The programme was attended by Anakapalli district president Batthula Tatayya Babu, MLA Bandaru Satyanarayana, Corporation chairman P.V.G. Kumar, and other leaders and party workers.