Poor cobbler gets new house on Ugadi as Collector Keerthi fulfils Andhra Pradesh CM's assurance

VIJAYAWADA: In a heartening example of how timely govt intervention can transform lives, the family of Sanamandra Posibabu in East Godavari district has emerged as a living testament to the impact of compassion and administrative support extended by chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu. Recalling the incident, Posibabu said that on July 1, 2025, when the chief minister visited Malakapalli village in Tallapudi mandal for distribution of the NTR Bharosa pension, officials called him to receive his pension. As he was away at a nearby shop, the chief minister personally stopped his convoy, summoned him, and ensured he was respectfully dropped at his home. “The chief minister treated a humble drum artist and cobbler like me with dignity.

I will never forget that moment in my life,” Posibabu said. Moved by the poor condition of his house, the chief minister immediately directed officials to rebuild it and also suggested providing a means of livelihood by setting up a footwear shop for him. Following CM's directions, officials from multiple departments including housing, DWMA, mines, and SC corporation coordinated to provide comprehensive support.

Kovvur MLA Muppidi Venkateswara Rao also extended guidance and support to the family. The family, belonging to a modest background, expressed immense joy as the assurances given by the chief minister were fulfilled, bringing new hope and stability into their lives. The assistance, which began during the tenure of then district collector Prasanthi, continued seamlessly, leading to a significant improvement in their living conditions. According to housing department project director Nathi Bujji, the incomplete house of the beneficiary was fully completed as per the assurance given by present district collector Keerthi Chekuri. The works included construction of compound walls, side walls for stairs, plastering, cupboards, tiling, painting, toilet construction, fencing, and land levelling. These works were carried out at an additional cost of about Rs 2.5 lakh beyond regular housing scheme bills.

Further, financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh was extended through the SC Corporation to support livelihood. Overall, works worth Rs 3.5 lakh were completed and handed over to the family on the occasion of Ugadi, marking a new beginning. “This feels like a new life for me. I am deeply grateful to the chief minister, district collectors Prasanthi and Keerthi Chekuri, and every official who supported us,” Posibabu said, expressing his happiness.