Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar along with Prathipadu MLA B. Ramanjaneyulu, inaugurated a series of development works across several villages in Vatticherukuru mandal on Saturday (November 29). Addressing local residents, the Minister praised the “sweetness in the village’s name” and the “agricultural spirit” of the people, extending heartfelt greetings to farmers and villagers.
Dr. Pemmasani expressed happiness over a community-developed irrigation tank, calling it an inspiring model for other villages. He criticised the previous YSRCP government for failing to utilise ₹14,000 crore allocated to Andhra Pradesh under the Jal Jeevan Mission between 2019 and 2024, resulting in the funds being returned unused. He said the current government revived the scheme to ensure benefits reach the State.
The Minister noted that despite limited revenue, Andhra Pradesh spends ₹35,000 crore annually on pensions and over ₹65,000 crore on welfare schemes such as Thalliki Vandanam, free bus travel, and Annadata Sukhibhava. He emphasised the need for major industries and investment to boost State income while assuring that the government remains committed to welfare and development under Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
He also promised that the long-pending Guntur Channel project, benefiting over 11 mandals, would begin soon. MLA Ramanjaneyulu said the mandal is steadily receiving essential infrastructure, including CC roads, drains and culverts. The leaders later distributed CMRF cheques to eligible beneficiaries.
Published – November 29, 2025 05:12 pm IST
