Sun Feb 15 13:52:51 UTC 2026: ### Andhra Pradesh Boosts Rural Poverty Alleviation with Increased Funding

The Story:

The Andhra Pradesh government, under Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, has significantly increased its investment in rural poverty alleviation programs. Minister Kondapalli Srinivas announced a budget of ₹1,877 crore for the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) for the financial year 2026-2027, a ₹143 crore increase from the previous year. This allocation underscores the government’s focus on empowering women through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and strengthening rural livelihoods across the state. A potential future increase of ₹1,200 crore is being considered based on the state’s success securing funds under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission.

Key Points:

  • ₹1,877 crore allocated to SERP for rural poverty alleviation in 2026-2027.
  • Budget increased by ₹143 crore compared to the previous year.
  • ₹465 crore earmarked for salaries, honorariums, and office maintenance.
  • ₹818 crore allocated to the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana National Rural Livelihoods Mission.
  • Potential additional allocation of up to ₹1,200 crore contingent on national funding.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Andhra Pradesh government is prioritizing rural development and poverty alleviation.
  • Increased funding suggests an intensified effort to empower women through SHGs.
  • The SERP plays a critical role in implementing these poverty reduction programs.
  • The state government’s commitment is partially contingent on securing funds from the central government’s National Rural Livelihoods Mission.
  • A significant portion of the allocated budget is dedicated to the administrative costs of the SERP organization itself.

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