Andhra Chief Minister Jagan signs first file on stage, increases old-age pension

Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, who took oath as the Chief Minister on Andhra Pradesh on Thursday, said that the YSRCP government would fulfil every single promise made by the party in its election manifesto.  

Cheered on by thousands of supporters, Jagan said, "I accept the people's judgement and take charge as the Chief Minister."  Governor E S L Narasimhan administered him the oath of office and secrecy at a public ceremony held at the Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium in Vijayawada.

In his first speech as the Chief Minister, Jagan focused on two main aspects; making the government corruption-free and providing jobs to the unemployed youth in the state. His focus was also on the Navaratnalu (Nine Gems) welfare schemes that he had promised during his campaign.

Signing his first document as Chief Minister, Jagan said that he was increasing the monthly old age pension up to Rs 2,250, which will take effect from June. "Soon, we will increase it to 2,500 and then to 2,750 and then to Rs 3,000 per head, just like we promised," he said.

Jagan took a leaf out of his father's book, as YSR had also signed his first file on stage during his swearing-in ceremony, giving free power supply to farmers.

"Every person in the state should get every benefit of the schemes, irrespective of caste, religion, politics or party. This would mean big changes in the government. By August 15, I promise you that 4 lakh jobs will be created," Jagan said, roared on by the crowd. 

Speaking about corruption in the state and promising transparency, he said, "We will join hands with educated youth in villages who want to serve the state, and make them volunteers to develop the state. We will pay them Rs 5,000 as an unemployment allowance till they get jobs. This will help in making the state free of corruption and rid it of the practice of taking and giving bribes."

Promising the creation of another one lakh jobs by October 2, Jagan said, "We will start a toll-free number which will connect you directly to the Chief Minister's office. If any of the government's schemes have not reached you or if anyone demands a bribe, you can call us directly."

Jagan also spoke about his Praja Sankalpa Yatra, his 3,648 km-long ‘padayatra’ or walkathon, which is widely believed to have played a major role in his landslide victory.

"Travelling across the state, I heard and saw everyone's troubles. I am promising everyone that I am there for you," he said.

Alleging massive discrepancies in the contracts awarded by his predecessor for construction projects in the state, Jagan said, "We will request the Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court to form a judicial commission with a sitting HC judge to look into tenders and only then will we award contracts."

Jagan Reddy, who led the YSRCP to a landslide victory in Assembly elections, took oath in Telugu at the ceremony, which was also attended by Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, DMK leader M.K. Stalin and thousands of party workers.