Tadepalli:
YSR Congress Party SC Cell President and former MLA TJR Sudhakar Babu strongly criticized the coalition government led by TDP for its alleged vindictive approach toward pension beneficiaries. Speaking at the YSRCP central office, Sudhakar Babu revealed that the new government has already removed 3.5 lakh pensions under the guise of re-verification.
He accused the TDP of targeting vulnerable groups such as the differently-abled and the elderly, who depend on pensions for survival. Sudhakar Babu warned that the YSRCP would approach the High Court or even the Human Rights Commission if this unjust treatment continues.
Key Points from Sudhakar Babu’s Press Meet:
A Vindictive Approach Toward Beneficiaries:
- Sudhakar Babu claimed that instead of supporting pensioners, the TDP government is harassing them under the pretext of re-verification.
- The new system involves medical teams visiting homes to reassess beneficiaries, causing undue stress.
From 39 Lakhs to 66 Lakhs: A Comparison:
- The YSRCP government increased pension beneficiaries from 39 lakhs in 2019 to 66 lakhs by 2024.
- While the YSRCP prioritized expanding eligibility and easing rules, the current government has slashed 3.5 lakh pensions within six months.
Jagan’s Reforms vs. TDP’s Neglect:
- Sudhakar Babu highlighted several reforms introduced during Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s tenure, including lowering the eligibility age to 60 years, raising income limits, and simplifying application processes.
- In contrast, the TDP’s actions appear regressive, with political motives driving the removal of pensions.
Medical Teams to Cut Pensions:
- The TDP government is deploying medical teams to verify beneficiaries, a move Sudhakar Babu criticized as unnecessary and politically motivated.
- He questioned the accountability of these teams and raised concerns about the indirect pressure on doctors involved in the verification process.
