People-first governance takes centre stage in 2025, says AP State Cabinet

Amaravati: The AP State Cabinet, which met on Monday in Amaravati, undertook a comprehensive review of the Coalition Government’s performance in 2025.

It announced that the year marked a clear shift towards people-centric, responsive and result-oriented governance.

The Cabinet observed that welfare delivery, economic growth, infrastructure creation and administrative reforms progressed in parallel, reflecting the government’s focus on inclusive development and efficient execution.

1. Transformational welfare and social security

The Cabinet noted that the ‘Super Six’ welfare initiatives emerged as a defining feature of governance in 2025, providing direct and timely support to crores of citizens.

This includes:

- Under Thalliki Vandanam, financial assistance amounting to Rs 10,090 crore was extended to 67.27 lakh students, significantly strengthening access to education.

- The Stree Shakti free bus travel scheme for women, launched on August 15, enabled safe and affordable mobility and recorded more than 3.25 crore journeys, with an expenditure of Rs 1,144 crore so far.

- Free bus travel facilities for persons with disabilities and the portability of pension benefits across locations further enhanced dignity and inclusion for vulnerable sections.

Reviewing rural and agricultural initiatives, the Cabinet stated that farmers remained at the core of policy interventions throughout the year. The schemes initiated by the government include:

- Through Annadata Sukhibhava, Rs 6,310 crore was directly credited into the accounts of 46 lakh farmers, ensuring income support and financial stability.

- The Deepam–2 scheme provided three free LPG cylinders per household annually, with nearly two crore cylinders distributed at a cost of Rs 2,684 crore.

Pension support under NTR Bharosa crossed Rs 50,000 crore in cumulative outlay, with annual disbursements of Rs 33,000 crore, offering dependable social security.

- Dedicated schemes for fishermen, auto drivers and the urban poor further strengthened livelihood assurance across sectors.

3. Social justice and minority welfare

The Cabinet highlighted that social justice and inclusive growth remained guiding principles of governance in 2025. The initiatives aimed at social upliftment include:

- An allocation of Rs 3,670 crore was made towards minority welfare during the year.

- Honorariums and financial assistance for priests, imams, muezzins, pastors, traditional service communities and junior lawyers were enhanced, reflecting the government’s commitment to social equity.

- Reforms in welfare delivery mechanisms ensured that benefits reached eligible citizens without discrimination, reinforcing social harmony and trust.

4. Education, health and employment generation

Education and healthcare saw renewed focus through structural reforms and targeted investments. Many students and those in need of healthcare benefited from:

- The Cabinet recalled that the approval of the Mega DSC, taken up as the Chief Minister’s first official decision, enabled the recruitment of 15,941 teachers, addressing long-pending vacancies.

- The completion of recruitment for 5,757 police constables strengthened public safety, with stipends increased substantially.

- Health and nutrition programmes covered nearly 75 lakh students from Class 1 to Intermediate through regular health check-ups and preventive care.

- Additional medical seats created under public-private partnership models expanded access to professional education for students from economically weaker backgrounds.

5. Investment momentum and economic growth

Reviewing economic performance, the Cabinet recorded that 2025 witnessed unprecedented investor confidence. Investments were seen in various sectors, which include:

- The CII Summit alone resulted in 610 agreements with proposed investments of Rs 13.25 lakh crore and employment potential of over 16 lakh jobs.

- Approvals through the State Investment Promotion Board added further momentum, while MSME parks across all constituencies promoted grassroots entrepreneurship under the ‘One Family, One Entrepreneur’ initiative.

- Backed by higher capital expenditure and policy stability, the state economy achieved double-digit growth of 11.28 per cent during the year, the government said.

6. Infrastructure, water security and rural development

Infrastructure expansion across urban and rural areas was identified as a major achievement of 2025. This included:

- Large-scale road repairs and new road construction improved connectivity, while scientific waste management and sanitation drives enhanced urban living conditions.

- Significant progress was recorded in irrigation projects, groundwater recharge initiatives and the Amarajeevi Jaladhara programme, aimed at providing tap water to every household and benefiting over 1.21 crore people.

- Rural development received a boost through the construction of thousands of kilometres of village roads, improved digital connectivity in tribal areas and the strengthening of Panchayati Raj institutions.

7. Governance reforms and Centre-State coordination

The Cabinet also reviewed governance reforms that prioritised speed, transparency and data-driven decision-making. This collaboration has resulted in various initiatives, which include:

- Real-time monitoring systems, disaster preparedness initiatives and close coordination with the Union Government led to the revival of nearly 90 Central schemes.

- Substantial Central assistance was secured for advanced manufacturing, semiconductor ecosystems, national highways and railway projects, positioning the state as a key growth engine within the national development frameworks.

Laying the foundation for the future

Concluding the deliberations, the State Cabinet expressed satisfaction that the achievements of 2025 have laid a strong and sustainable foundation for long-term growth, social justice and global competitiveness.

The Cabinet reaffirmed its collective commitment to build on this momentum in the coming years, ensuring that development remains inclusive, welfare-driven and firmly aligned with the aspirations of the people of Andhra Pradesh.