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Naidu Reaffirms Christian Welfare, Sets Dec. 24 Credit for Rs 51 Crore Pastors’ Honorarium

The pledge highlighted targeted aid within his stated economic recovery agenda.

Overview

  • At a government Semi-Christmas event in Vijayawada, the Chief Minister praised Christian institutions and vowed to protect the community’s security and dignity.
  • The state is paying Rs 5,000 a month to 8,427 pastors, with Rs 30 crore released between May and November 2024 and Rs 51 crore for Dec 2024–Nov 2025 to be credited by December 24, 2025.
  • Naidu said Rs 22 crore has been spent on Christian welfare schemes benefiting 44,812 people, alongside support such as financial assistance for Jerusalem pilgrimages this year.
  • The government revived livelihood schemes with Rs 20 crore in 2025–26 to aid 2,000 beneficiaries and is modernising the Christian Economic Development Mission while clearing Rs 6 crore in dues.
  • Free coaching is being provided for key competitive exams, with over 6,000 trained at DSC centres and more than 500 securing selection, and funds have supported church works and a community building in Guntur.