NAIDU'S POVERTY PANACEA

Ugadi, the Telugu New Year, is regarded as an auspicious time for new beginnings.

- By Amarnath K. Menon

And that's the day Andhra Pradesh chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu chose to unveil an ambitious plan—part of his Swarna Andhra 2047 vision—which he claims could redefine poverty alleviation. The Zero Poverty-P4 initiative, launched on March 30, is a bold experiment in inclusive growth, enlisting the wealthiest 10 per cent of the population to support the bottom 20 per cent. The goal is sweeping: a poverty-free Andhra Pradesh by 2029.

At the heart of P4—short for Public-Private-People Partnership—is a structured mentorship programme. Affluent individuals, called 'Margadarsis' (mentors), will be encouraged to “adopt” underprivileged families, designated as 'Bangaru Kutumbams' (golden families). These partnerships, facilitated by the government, go beyond financial aid. Margadarsis—expected to be from among the high-net worth individuals at home and the Telugu diaspora—can offer career guidance, help with financial decision-making, provide access to professional networks or even chip in with tuition fees or working capital. Those with limited time can help by contributing funds for education, healthcare or infrastructure for beneficiaries at the individual, family or village level. “So far, charitable efforts have been individual driven, while the government has introduced Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). But this initiative is unique as it provides an institutionalised platform for direct interaction between Margadarsis and Bangaru Kutumbams,” says Naidu.