Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu launches ‘Zero Poverty - P4’ initiative to eradicate poverty by 2029

Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu launches 'Zero Poverty - P4' initiative to eradicate poverty by 2029 through public-private partnership.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu launched the ‘Zero Poverty - P4’ initiative under Swarnadra 2047 vision with an aim to ensure poverty-free Andhra Pradesh by 2029, on Sunday, marking the Telugu New Year, Ugadi. The ambitious programme seeks to bridge the socio-economic divide by encouraging the wealthiest 10% of the population to support the bottom 20% of the poorest families, fostering inclusive growth.

The ‘P4’ initiative stands for Public-Private-People Partnership, wherein affluent individuals willing to contribute are designated as ‘Margadarsies’ (mentors), while the underprivileged beneficiaries are identified as ‘Bangaru Kutumbams’ (golden families). The government will act as a facilitator, ensuring real-time tracking of progress through digital dashboards.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Naidu expressed confidence that this initiative would be a game-changer in eradicating poverty and serve as a model for the world. “Until now, charitable efforts have been individual, and the government has introduced Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). But this initiative is unique as it provides an institutionalised platform for direct interaction between Margadarsies and Bangaru Kutumbams,” he said.

The initiative aims to encourage Margadarsies to offer financial support, career guidance, mentorship and holistic development assistance to the Bangaru Kutumbams. “So far, no plan of mine has failed. From tomorrow, I will be able to track the progress of each Bangaru Kutumbam through my dashboard. By next Ugadi, we will assess the progress, and by 2029, Margadarsies should uplift all Bangaru Kutumbams out of poverty,” he added.

Highlighting global precedents, Mr. Naidu referred to prominent philanthropists such as Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, who turned to social service after amassing wealth. He also cited examples from Indian history, including Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, receiving support from Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad of Baroda, former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam being mentored by mathematician Shiv Subramaniam Iyer, and Swami Vivekananda drawing inspiration from Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. “Society should give back to those in need. Those who have risen through societal support must now uplift others,” he asserted.

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan also addressed the event, emphasising the transformative nature of P4. “The previous government sought stakes in businesses, while this government seeks to give stakes to the underprivileged in their own growth. This initiative is not just about financial aid but about creating self-sustaining families that can one day become Margadarsies themselves. A true leader does not think just about the next election but about future generations. That is why we stand with Mr. Chandrababu Naidu,” he said.

Initially, the government has selected two Bangaru Kutumbams and introduced them to the three Margadarsies including, P.V. Krishna Reddy, Anil Kumar Ch., and Sajjan Kumar Goyanka, the leading industrialists, who wished to help the poor families in the State. The Bangaru Kutumbams explained their inability in providing basic educational needs to their children and also mentioned about their problems due to poverty. Reacting to that, Mr. Reddy said that he already undertook a survey at a mandal in Krishna district and was prepared to adopt the entire mandal.