The Andhra Pradesh government on Wednesday, a day before the New Year, successfully rolled out the NTR Bharosa Social Security Pension Disbursement Scheme and disbursed thousands of crores to millions of beneficiaries across the state.
According to the pension disbursement report for December 2025, the state released pensions to 63.12 million beneficiaries, of which 58.81 million pensioners were given the pension amount, achieving a total physical coverage of 93.18% and financial utilization of 92.62%.
A total of ₹ 2,541.43 crore was disbursed during December, reflecting steady progress in last-mile delivery.
Some districts recorded particularly high performance. Anantapur district led the state with 94.65% coverage and disbursed pensions to 2.63 lakh beneficiaries. Annamayya, Tirupati, Vizianagaram, Kurnool and Nandyal districts also reported physical coverage above 94%. Financial utilization closely mirrored physical progress, with districts effectively deploying the funds released.
Importantly, even geographically challenging districts like Alluri Sitharama Raju, Parvatipuram-Manyam and Dr. BR Ambedkar Konaseema, have achieved a disbursement level of over 91%, underscoring the effectiveness of door-to-door delivery through the village and ward secretariat system. Among the pension categories, the ART (PLHIV) pension scheme achieved almost complete success, achieving a physical coverage of 99.92%.
In view of the New Year holiday on January 1, the state government has shifted the pension distribution schedule by one day. Accordingly, the government released ₹2,743 crore on December 31 to ensure that the beneficiaries receive financial support before the holiday. Secretariat staff delivered pension amounts directly to beneficiaries’ homes, with arrangements made on 2 January to cover missed beneficiaries.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu congratulated the officials, secretariat staff and grassroots staff for the smooth execution of the programme. He said the decision to release pensions early was intended to encourage poor households during the New Year and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to provide financial security to the elderly, widows, disabled and other vulnerable groups.
Beneficiaries across the state welcomed the early payout, calling it a timely relief that boosted confidence in the government’s welfare-based governance approach.
Published – 31 Dec 2025 21:12 IST
