One lakh individuals found ineligible so far under reverification of Sadaram disability certificates, says Minister Kolusu Parthasarathy

Andhra Pradesh Minister for I&PR and Housing Kolusu Parthasarathy said the ongoing reverification of Sadaram disability certificates was aimed solely at eliminating ineligible beneficiaries, who were fraudulently availing of pensions under the NTR Bharosa scheme.

Addressing the media at the Secretariat on Wednesday, Mr. Parthasarathy said that of the 7.86 lakh disabled pensioners in the State, notices were issued to 5.10 lakh beneficiaries for reverification. So far, 4.5 lakh certificates had been verified, and about one lakh individuals were found ineligible. Another 50,000 pensioners had not yet presented their certificates despite repeated notices. “Fresh notices will be issued, and if they still fail to comply, their pensions will be withheld,” the Minister said.

The reverification drive had already identified the highest number of bogus beneficiaries in Pulivendula (1,708 cases), Chandragiri (1,604) and Machilipatnam (1,539). The lowest numbers were found in Kakinada (19), Visakhapatnam South (39) and Tadikonda (55). The Minister  assured that those wrongly declared ineligible could appeal to the local authorities for reconsideration.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to transparency, he said, “The coalition 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, compared to the arbitrary cancellations under the previous regime.”

He strongly criticised the opposition parties for spreading “poisonous propaganda” that damaged the State’s image. On the Amaravati flooding issue, he said the problem stemmed from past neglect, and corrective measures like planned flood-drainage systems were now being taken.

Highlighting women’s welfare, the Minister noted that 47 lakh women availed of free bus travel in just four days under the ‘Stree Shakti’ scheme, saving nearly ₹19 crore. He urged all parties to support development efforts instead of obstructing progress.