Andhra Pradesh Government Announces Major Boost to Rural Poverty Eradication Efforts
In a significant move to combat rural poverty, the Andhra Pradesh government has demonstrated its strong commitment through substantial financial allocations for the upcoming fiscal year. Minister Kondapalli Srinivas, addressing the media on Sunday, revealed that the state has earmarked a total of Rs 1,876.23 crore specifically for implementing rural poverty eradication programs in the 2026–27 financial year.
Increased Budget Allocation Reflects Government Resolve
Minister Srinivas emphasized that this allocation represents a notable increase of Rs 143 crore compared to the previous financial year, clearly indicating the government's determination to empower women self-help groups (SHGs) and strengthen rural livelihoods across the state. "This enhanced budget allocation is a strong reflection of our government's resolve to alleviate rural poverty and create sustainable economic opportunities," stated Srinivas during the press briefing.
Detailed Breakdown of Financial Allocations
The minister provided a comprehensive breakdown of how these funds will be utilized:
- Rs 464.99 crore has been allocated for salaries and allowances of government staff working in rural poverty eradication missions, including SERP employees, outsourcing personnel, honorariums for village organization assistants, and maintenance of SERP and DRDA offices.
- Rs 818 crore has been designated under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY–NRLM), a flagship program aimed at enhancing rural livelihoods.
- Rs 72 crore has been set aside for the Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme to foster entrepreneurial spirit in rural areas.
- Rs 30 crore has been allocated for the Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana, focusing on women farmers' empowerment.
- Rs 15 crore has been earmarked for rural self-employment training institutes (RSETIs) to provide skill development opportunities.
Chief Minister's Directive Expands Overall Outlay
In a crucial development, Minister Srinivas disclosed that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to enhance the allocation under DAY–NRLM to Rs 1,200 crore based on the actual funds received for the state. This directive significantly boosts the total outlay for 2026-27, which is now expected to reach an impressive Rs 3,000 crore.
This expanded budget will focus on three key areas: livelihood enhancement, income growth, and the creation of sustainable employment opportunities for SHG members. The comprehensive approach aims to address multiple facets of rural economic development simultaneously.
"One Family – One Entrepreneur" Vision
As part of Chief Minister Naidu's ambitious "One Family – One Entrepreneur" vision, the government has set specific targets to transform the rural economy. The administration aims to develop nearly five lakh women as successful entrepreneurs while simultaneously strengthening farmer-producer organizations (FPOs). This dual strategy is designed to make the rural economy more resilient and self-reliant, reducing dependency on external support systems.
Gratitude and Future Commitments
Minister Srinivas expressed profound gratitude to Chief Minister Naidu for significantly enhancing budgetary support and expanding the overall outlay to Rs 3,000 crore under DAY–NRLM. He reiterated the government's unwavering determination to ensure comprehensive empowerment of SHG women, the expansion of sustainable livelihoods, and accelerated rural economic development across Andhra Pradesh.
"Our government is working with complete determination to transform rural Andhra Pradesh," affirmed Srinivas. "We are committed to creating an ecosystem where every rural family has access to economic opportunities and can achieve financial independence through sustainable means."
The minister's announcement underscores the state government's proactive approach to addressing rural poverty through substantial financial investments, strategic program implementation, and visionary leadership aimed at creating lasting economic transformation in Andhra Pradesh's rural communities.
