1 Lakh Ineligible Cases Identified in Sadaram Disability Certificate Review: Minister

Swift Summary

• Andhra Pradesh Minister for I&PR and Housing Kolusu Parthasarathy stated that the reverification of Sadaram disability certificates is aimed at removing ineligible beneficiaries fraudulently receiving pensions under the NTR Bharosa scheme.
• Of 7.86 lakh disabled pensioners, notices were issued to 5.10 lakh for reverification; 4.5 lakh certificates have been verified, identifying one lakh as ineligible.
• Approximately 50,000 pensioners have yet to present their certificates despite repeated notices. Fresh notices will be issued, with pensions potentially withheld for non-compliance.
• District findings: highest bogus cases in Pulivendula (1,708), Chandragiri (1,604), and Machilipatnam (1,539), and lowest cases in Kakinada (19), Visakhapatnam South (39), and Tadikonda (55).
• Wrongly disqualified individuals can appeal to local authorities for reconsideration.
• Minister reiterated that Andhra Pradesh provides generous pensions – ₹6,000 for disabled persons, ₹15,000 for bedridden patients, and ₹10,000 for chronically ill patients – benefiting over 65 lakh people under NTR Bharosa compared favorably against policies of previous governments.
• Criticized opposition parties’ “poisonous propaganda,” asserting commitment to clarity while addressing issues like Amaravati flooding through planned infrastructure improvements.
• Highlighted women’s welfare initiative ‘Stree Shakti,’ enabling free bus travel for 47 lakh women within four days at an estimated savings of nearly ₹19 crore.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The ongoing reverification drive underscores the Andhra Pradesh government’s efforts toward ensuring transparency and equitable distribution of welfare resources under schemes like NTR Bharosa. The identification of a meaningful number of fraudulent beneficiaries highlights systemic loopholes but also raises concerns about potential misclassifications that could affect genuine recipients-a challenge partially mitigated by allowing appeals.

Centralizing focus on data-driven governance appears commendable given allegations against indiscriminate policy cancellations from prior administrations. Though, carefully managing interaction around these initiatives is critical amid accusations from opposition parties that suggest misinformation could harm public trust.

Infrastructure measures addressing Amaravati’s flooding issue signal responsiveness but reflect long-term unresolved challenges from earlier administrations requiring cohesive multiparty engagement moving forward.Furthermore, welfare initiatives such as ‘Stree Shakti’ demonstrate inclusivity with measurable impact-a promising framework other states may consider emulating.

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