Talliki Vandanam is a transformative scheme aimed at empowering mothers to support their children’s education while fostering financial independence.
Published Jun 12, 2025 | 3:24 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 12, 2025 | 3:24 PM
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu addressing the media on Thursday, 12 June. IT Minister Nara Lokesh is also seen.
Synopsis: Under Talliki Vandanam, mothers will receive ₹13,000 annually per child, regardless of the number of children, with an additional ₹2,000 allocated for school development.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has announced the official rollout of Talliki Vandanam, one of the flagship promises under the Telugu Desam Party’s (TDP) “Super Six” programme on the occasion of the first anniversary of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in Andhra Pradesh.
Speaking to media persons alongside IT and Human Resources Minister Nara Lokesh on Thursday, 12 June, Naidu said that despite severe financial constraints inherited by the state, the government was steadfastly fulfilling its election promises, both within and beyond the Super Six package, one after another.
He said that another key promise, Anna Data Sukheebhava, would be launched on 20 June. Under this scheme, the government pays ₹20,000 to each farmer per year, including the ₹6,000 the Centre contributes.
The state government has already rolled out the Deepam 2 scheme, under which three gas cylinders are supplied in a year free of cost. The free bus ride for women, Naidu said, would commence on Independence Day, while Adabidda Nidhi was being linked to the P4 Scheme (poverty eradication programme), and finally, Yuvashakthi to be aligned with the skill development programme.
Naidu elaborated on the significance of Talliki Vandanam, describing it as a transformative scheme aimed at empowering mothers to support their children’s education while fostering financial independence.
“This scheme is not just about financial aid; it’s about empowering families and ensuring that mothers no longer need to rely on external support,” he said.
Under Talliki Vandanam, mothers will receive ₹13,000 annually per child, regardless of the number of children, with an additional ₹2,000 allocated for school development. Naidu noted that ₹10,091 crore has been sanctioned for the scheme, of which ₹1,346 crore is dedicated to improving educational infrastructure, benefiting 67 lakh mothers across the state.
The chief minister also underlined the state’s demographic challenges, pointing out that the total fertility rate (TFR) in Andhra Pradesh has come down to 1.5 from 2.1. At the national level, it has come down to 1.9. A TFR of 2.1 is considered the replacement level, the rate at which a population sustains itself without growth or decline, assuming no migration and stable mortality rates.
The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is a demographic measure that estimates the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years (typically ages 15–49).
Naidu said: “In Japan, nine million houses are vacant due to a drastic fall in population replacement. An aging population can cripple economies worldwide,” he cautioned. To address this, Naidu recalled repealing a law that barred individuals with more than two children from contesting local body elections and jokingly suggested that perhaps those with fewer than two children should face similar restrictions now.
Reflecting on the NDA’s first year in office, Naidu described it as “one step toward good governance.” He recounted the daunting challenges faced when he assumed office, with many experts questioning whether the state could recover from its deep economic crisis.
“The destruction was widespread, but I had no option but to face it head-on,” he said. Under his leadership, the state secured investment commitments worth ₹9.5 lakh crore in just one year, marking a remarkable growth trajectory. The NDA’s partnership with the central government facilitated a rejuvenation package for a steel plant, the creation of a railway zone, and the fast-tracking of the Bhogapuram airport near Visakhapatnam. Naidu also said the state had a target of creating 8.5 lakh jobs, a testament to the state’s economic revival efforts.
Naidu took a swipe at opposition leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, criticising his irresponsible actions, such as organising a rally with 15,000 people in Prakasam district under the guise of supporting tobacco farmers while the state addressed their genuine concerns.
He further accused Reddy of associating with anti-social elements, citing his visits to families linked to ganja smuggling in Tenali.
“What kind of people’s representative backs such activities?” Naidu questioned.
He condemned inflammatory comments made on the YSRCP’s Sakshi channel targeting the women of Amaravati, warning that his government would not tolerate those who disturb peace or tarnish the state’s reputation.
“I have stamped out rowdyism, factionalism, extremism, and communal clashes in the past, and I will not hesitate to act again,” he said, vowing to ensure the safety of Andhra Pradesh’s citizens.
The chief minister reaffirmed the NDA’s dual focus on development and welfare, calling them “the two eyes of the government.”
He expressed confidence in steering Andhra Pradesh toward prosperity, undeterred by the challenges inherited from the previous administration. “I had promised to create wealth, which I am doing. Already, revenue is increasing, which I am investing in welfare and development,” he said.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
