Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu interacting with beneficiaries after distributing NTR Bharosa pensions at Punnapuvaripalem village in Chillakuru mandal, Nellore district, on Wednesday.

| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Nellore district would become one of India’s foremost districts in development and wealth creation, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has said.As part of the ‘Pedala Sevalo Prabhutvam’ programme, Mr. Naidu distributed NTR Bharosa pensions to beneficiaries at Punnapuvaripalem in Chillakuru mandal of Nellore district on Wednesday (July 2, 2026).“The NDA government is committed to the welfare of the poor. Balanced regional development remains a key objective of the government, with Visakhapatnam, Amaravati and Tirupati serving as the three regional growth centres,” he said.Referring to Nellore, Mr. Naidu said that major infrastructure projects, including Ramayapatnam Port, Krishnapatnam Port and Dugarajapatnam Port & Shipbuilding Project, will transform the region.The BPCL is investing nearly ₹1 lakh crore in a refinery at Ramayapatnam, while large-scale industries are expected at IFFCO Kisan SEZ, he said.“Gudur has attracted 27 major industries. A Mega Furniture Park has also been planned. Sri City stands as a model industrial ecosystem for the country. Investors who had earlier moved away due to policy uncertainty are now returning with renewed confidence. Highway corridors, railway expansion and port connectivity will establish the region as a major logistics hub,” Mr. Naidu said.The Chief Minister recalled that the government had fulfilled its promise of restoring Gudur to Nellore district after what he described as an unscientific district reorganisation by the previous government. Saidapuram and Kalavayipuram mandals were also merged with Nellore district.“As a matter of social responsibility, we provide pensions on the 1st of every month to the beneficiaries across 28 categories, including the elderly, widows and persons with disabilities. So far, we have distributed ₹68,598 crore in pensions. We are disbursing ₹2,712 crore in pensions to 62.20 lakh people every month,” he said.Andhra Pradesh’s DWCRA women continue to be national role models in the savings movement, which has also strengthened the confidence of banks in extending credit to women’s self-help groups. The Mr. Naidu said that irrigation development is receiving the highest priority. A calendar has been released for completing 36 priority irrigation projects, with Rs 24,000 crore spent so far. Published - July 02, 2026 12:22 pm IST