AMARAVATI / SRI SATHYA SAI, September 19, 2026: Andhra Pradesh Handlooms and Textiles Minister S. Savitha has ordered action against two officials accused of allegedly collecting money from weavers during the verification of applications for the new NTR Bharosa pensions.
The action comes as the coalition government steps up efforts to extend pension benefits to eligible weavers aged 50 and above, with the stated aim of ensuring that all eligible beneficiaries receive financial assistance without irregularities or corruption.
During a video conference with officials of the Handlooms and Textiles Department from all districts on Saturday, Savitha sought details of applications received for the new pensions and reviewed the verification process.
According to Special Chief Secretary R.P. Sisodia, the department had received 16,521 applications across the state. Officials were conducting door-to-door verification to identify eligible beneficiaries. More than 84,000 weavers are currently receiving pensions in the state, he said.
‘No eligible weaver should be left out’
Savitha said the government was committed to providing pensions to every eligible weaver and warned applicants against paying money to anyone in connection with the verification process.
The minister said she had received complaints of alleged illegal collections from applicants in Sri Sathya Sai, Anantapur and other districts.
She said the pension initiative had been launched with the objective of providing greater financial security to the weaving community and that no eligible beneficiary should be denied assistance because of corruption or irregularities.
“Eligible weavers do not need to pay anyone even a rupee. If they meet the eligibility criteria, the government will provide the pension,” Savitha said.
She also appealed to weavers not to be misled by rumours or intermediaries during the application and verification process.
Two officials face suspension
The minister said complaints had been received against DO Ramana Reddy and ADO Sheena Naik in Sri Sathya Sai district, alleging that they had collected money from weavers during the verification of applications.
According to the complaints cited by the minister, the officials allegedly told applicants that pensions would be sanctioned only with their approval.
Savitha directed Special Chief Secretary R.P. Sisodia to suspend the two officials immediately and warned that illegal collections from weavers would not be tolerated.
Following the minister's directions, Commissioner Rekha Rani issued orders removing the two officials from service, according to the department.
Savitha also instructed senior state-level officials to visit the districts and personally participate in the verification process to ensure transparency in identifying eligible beneficiaries.
The minister said the government would continue to monitor the implementation of the pension programme and take action wherever irregularities were found.
Officials from the Handlooms and Textiles Department of all districts participated in the video conference.
