Thu Aug 21 00:26:47 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Andhra Pradesh Minister Kolusu Parthasarathy announced that the ongoing reverification of disability certificates under the NTR Bharosa scheme aims to remove ineligible beneficiaries fraudulently receiving pensions. Out of 7.86 lakh disabled pensioners, 5.10 lakh were issued notices for reverification. Around 1 lakh were found ineligible, and 50,000 haven’t complied despite notices. The government will withhold pensions for those who don’t comply. He highlighted the government’s commitment to generous pension schemes, free bus travel for women, and criticized the opposition for spreading misinformation. He also addressed the Amaravati flooding issue and called for collaborative development.

**News Article:**

**Andhra Pradesh Cracks Down on Disability Pension Fraud, Minister Claims Transparency**

**VIJAYAWADA, August 21, 2025** – The Andhra Pradesh government is intensifying efforts to eliminate fraudulent beneficiaries from its NTR Bharosa disability pension scheme, according to I&PR and Housing Minister Kolusu Parthasarathy. Speaking to the press yesterday, the Minister revealed that a significant reverification drive is underway, targeting those who are allegedly ineligible for the pension.

Out of the 7.86 lakh disabled pensioners in the state, 5.10 lakh were issued notices for reverification. “So far, 4.5 lakh certificates have been verified, and approximately one lakh individuals have been found to be ineligible to receive payments.” Parthasarathy stated. “Another 50,000 pensioners have yet to present their certificates despite repeated notifications. Fresh notices will be issued and their pensions will be withheld if they still fail to comply.”

The Minister identified Pulivendula, Chandragiri, and Machilipatnam as the areas with the highest number of bogus beneficiaries identified so far. He assured those wrongly declared ineligible that they have the right to appeal.

The Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency and generous social welfare programs. “This government is delivering pensions more generously than any other State in the country – ₹6,000 for the disabled, ₹15,000 for the bedridden, and ₹10,000 for chronically ill patients. Nearly 65 lakh beneficiaries are receiving support today,” he said, contrasting the current administration with previous governments.

Parthasarathy also addressed criticisms of the government and pushed back against “poisonous propaganda” from opposition parties. He addressed the Amaravati flooding issue, attributing it to past neglect, and highlighted the successful implementation of the ‘Stree Shakti’ scheme, which provided free bus travel to 47 lakh women in just four days.

He urged all parties to support the state’s development efforts.

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