Naidu urges AP Chief Secretary to ensure smooth pension distribution

Hyderabad: Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Chief N Chandrababu Naidu has penned a letter to the Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary, highlighting concerns regarding the distribution of pensions to the elderly in the state.

Naidu emphasized the urgency of ensuring timely disbursement of pensions to the elderly population without any delays. He noted that while volunteers are currently restricted from handling distribution tasks, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has granted permission to engage other government employees for this purpose.

Drawing attention to the availability of village and ward-level employees within Gram and Ward Sachivalayams, as well as other field staff, Naidu suggested their immediate involvement in the distribution process to expedite the provision of cash benefits to pensioners.

Furthermore, Naidu referenced instructions issued by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP), directing Mandal Parishad Development Officers (MPDOs) and Municipal Commissioners to authorize select Sachivalaya staff to transport cash from banks to villages.

Expressing concern over reports indicating a lack of adequate budget allocation for pension distribution, Naidu urged the Chief Secretary to ensure sufficient funds are made available for this crucial task.