As the Telugu Desam Party-led coalition government in Andhra Pradesh is struggling to implement its pre-election promises under Super Six guarantees one after the other, a comment made by agriculture minister K Atchennaidu has kicked up controversy.
Speaking at a public meeting, Atchennaidu said most promises have already been fulfilled except one — providing Rs 1,500 monthly financial support to women under Adabidda Nidhi scheme.
He added that to implement that particular scheme, “we would have to sell Andhra itself,” shocking many attendees, who later burst into laughter.
Even before the minister’s comment triggered an outrage among the people, the state government made a quick announcement stating that the Adabidda Nidhi scheme would be rolled out very shortly.
Under the scheme, which aims to provide financial independence to women, every woman aged between 18 and 59 will receive Rs 1,500 per month directly into their bank accounts.
State endowments minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy confirmed that the scheme would be launched soon, and assured that the coalition government would support women until they find employment or get married.
However, he has not given any clarity as from when the scheme will come into implementation. But sources said the scheme may be declared in September or Dasara festival.
