ONGOLE: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has announced that the NDA government will soon enact an Act to better safeguard the interests of Backward Classes (BCs) as it is committed to their welfare and empowerment. The draft BC Protection Bill has already been prepared.
Participating in the 12th National Handloom Day celebrations at Kothapeta village in Chirala constituency of Bapatla district on Friday, the Chief Minister launched the Netanna Sevalo scheme, and released Rs 179 crore as financial assistance to 71,536 eligible handloom weaver families, providing Rs 25,000 to each beneficiary.
Later addressing a gathering, Naidu made it clear that there will be no compromise on welfare or development despite the State’s financial stringency.
He cautioned people against conspiracies aimed at obstructing Andhra Pradesh’s economic growth, and warned that the government will deal firmly with those attempting to derail development.
The Chief Minister said the National Handloom Day commemorates the spirit of the Swadeshi movement and that the launch of the Netanna Sevalo scheme would make the occasion memorable.
“Handloom is not merely an occupation; it is a symbol of India’s cultural heritage. Andhra Pradesh is home to several world-renowned handloom traditions, including Chirala, Venkatagiri, Dharmavaram, Uppada, Mangalagiri, Ponduru, Pedana, Srikalahasti and Narasapuram,” he said.
Naidu announces universal health insurance
Naidu highlighted the government’s support for the handloom sector, including free electricity up to 200 units per month for handloom weaver families, and 500 units for powerloom units, benefiting 62,541 handloom families and 10,032 powerloom units in the State.
The government has been implementing several initiatives for various BC communities. During the fishing ban period, it provided Rs 505 crore over two years to 1.34 lakh fishing families at Rs 20,000 each. Mining leases have been allotted to Vaddera community, excise shops to toddy tappers, and an additional Rs 20,000 subsidy is being provided for 3 KW rooftop solar installations for BC beneficiaries, he highlighted.
Naidu also announced that the government is introducing the Universal Health Insurance of Rs 2.5 lakh for every citizen.
Criticising the previous regime, he said Andhra Pradesh had been left without a capital city, damaging the State’s reputation. “We are building Amaravati as a world-class capital. The previous rulers played politics with the capital, and divided the State’s future. Every State proudly showcases its capital city. We have restarted Amaravati works after assuming office. The Seed Access Road, the capital’s main arterial road, will be inaugurated on August 13,” he said.
Naidu said the coalition government has also restored Andhra Pradesh’s image by attracting investments and industries.
The Chief Minister said Chirala’s handloom products enjoy nationwide recognition and that the town was once known as “Mini-Mumbai” because of its thriving textile industry. “We will restore Chirala to its former glory. The Suryalanka-Bapatla-Chirala coastal belt is being developed into a major tourism destination. A tourism corridor from Suryalanka to Chirala is being developed with Rs 97 crore under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, he said.
The CM reviewed the performance of district officials Naidu also visited exhibition stalls, unveiled a micro-art portrait of himself created using 40 pencils by young artist Mahathi, released the Bay of Bapatla website and a handbook showcasing beaches in the district, launched the Bapatla LEAPS youth skill development programme and witnessed the signing of agreements with four organisations, including Fabindia.