Each couple needs to have 3 children, says N Chandrababu Naidu

Nelapadu/ Kadapa / Visakhapatnam: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has set a record by addressing lakhs of women coming under Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas (DWCRA), under Pasupu Kumkuma programme, at three places, including at Nelapadu in Guntur district, Kadapa and Visakha-patnam on Friday. He announced several sops to the DWCRA women, a strong force in the state.

The Chief Minister distributed cheques for Rs 10,000 each to the DWCRA women under Pasupu Kumkuma programme and announced 30 per cent hike in the salaries of SERP (Velugu) staff.

Addressing the DWCRA women at Nelapadu village, the Chief Minister said that the state government distributed Rs 21,116 crore to DWCRA groups during the past five years, while Rs 267 crore was disbursed during YSR’s regime.

The Chief Minister distributed  the cheques to DWCRA groups on Friday under which each DWCRA woman will get Rs 2,500 on February 2, Rs 3,500 on March 8 and Rs 4,000 on April 5. The Chief Minister promised the construction of 27 lakh houses to the DWCRA women.

Describing the DWCRA groups as a strong force behind the successful running of welfare programmes, the Chief Minister said that 1.4 crores of smartphones will be distributed to DWCRA women to empower them as entrepreneurs and to help market their produce globally, using an app.

He said the DWCRA products would be branded to provide global marketing opportunities. He said the DWCRA women should turn into digital experts using smartphones. Mr Naidu said priority would be given to DWCRA groups in MSMEs to be set up in each mandal.

The Chief Minister said that the State Government has been taking care of women right from their birth. He said there was 2 child limit for contesting in panchayat election in the past. Now there is a need to increase population and the young people should be encouraged to have three or four children, he said. At present, China and Japan are facing problem with drastic fall in population growth, he added.

The Chief Minister announced 30 per cent increase in salaries of SERP (Velugu) employees  as they play a key role in guiding DWCRA groups. He said NTR Health Care, Chandranna Beema and 10 days medical leaves will be provided to the Velugu staff.

Stating that the State Government have been spending more than Rs 21,000 crore for DWCRA women and Rs 1,124 crore towards 54,41,000 old age pensioners in the state, the Chief Minister said that it is a historical necessity for continuing the same government  for continuing the welfare schemes and the responsibility stands on DWCRA groups.

He said the TD would continue its struggle against the Centre to protect the State’s rights. Mr Naidu said the Modi Government failed to fulfil the state bifurcation assurances, including Special Category Status.