The Andhra Pradesh government successfully implemented the NTR Bharosa social security pension disbursal programme on Wednesday, a day ahead of the New Year, disbursing thousands of crores to lakhs of beneficiaries across the State.
According to the Pensions Disbursement Report for December 2025, the State released pensions to 63.12 lakh beneficiaries, of which 58.81 lakh pensions were given pension amount, achieving an overall physical coverage of 93.18% and financial utilisation of 92.62%.
A total amount of ₹2,541.43 crore was disbursed during December, reflecting steady progress in last-mile delivery.
Several districts recorded particularly high performance. Anantapur district led the State with 94.65% coverage, disbursing pensions to 2.63 lakh beneficiaries. Annamayya, Tirupati, Vizianagaram, Kurnool and Nandyal districts also posted physical coverage above 94%. Financial utilisation closely mirrored physical progress, with districts efficiently deploying the funds released.
Importantly, even geographically challenging districts such as Alluri Sitharama Raju, Parvatipuram-Manyam and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema achieved disbursement levels exceeding 91%, highlighting the effectiveness of doorstep delivery through the village and ward secretariat system. Among pension categories, the ART (PLHIV) pension scheme recorded near-total success, achieving 99.92% physical coverage.
In view of the New Year holiday on January 1, the State government advanced the pension distribution schedule by a day. Accordingly, on December 31, the government released ₹2,743 crore to ensure beneficiaries received financial support before the holiday. Pension amounts were delivered directly to beneficiaries’ homes by the secretariat staff, with provisions made to cover missed beneficiaries on January 2.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu congratulated officials, secretariat staff and grassroots-level employees for the smooth execution of the programme. He said the decision to release pensions in advance was intended to bring cheer to poor households during the New Year, and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to provide financial security to senior citizens, widows, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable sections.
Beneficiaries across the State welcomed the early disbursement, terming it timely relief that reinforced trust in the government’s welfare-driven governance approach.
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