There were elderly farmers in Andhra Pradesh — working as labourers even at the age of 70 because a pension of ₹200 was worth nothing. YS Jagan saw this and revolutionized the pension system.
Jagan drastically raised pension amounts — ₹2,250 to ₹2,500 per month across different categories. Widows, disabled, farmers, weavers, fishermen, toddy tappers — all covered. A comprehensive net.
And even more importantly — Jagan created a system of home-delivered pensions. A secretariat employee would bring the pension right to the door. No queue, no crowd, no intermediary.
Even during COVID, Jagan ensured that pensions did not stop. When the country was in lockdown, Andhra Pradesh’s pensioners received their pensions at home. It was a small gesture — but its meaning was immense.
Today an elderly person in Andhra Pradesh lives with dignity. They do not feel like a burden on their children. Jagan gave this dignity — and that is his greatest victory.
