Naidu Proposes Scrapping Rs 500 Notes to Eliminate Corruption, Supports Data-Driven Welfare and Caste Census
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has reignited the debate on currency reform by advocating the discontinuation of high-denomination notes, including the Rs 500 currency, to tackle corruption in the country.
In an exclusive interview with India Today TV’s Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai, Naidu asserted that abolishing all large currency notes is essential for combating corruption. “Only currency notes under Rs 100 and Rs 200 should be in circulation. Not even Rs 500 notes should remain,” Naidu emphasized.
This stance echoes the bold move taken during the 2016 demonetisation under the Modi government, which withdrew old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes to target black money and unaccounted wealth.
On the issue of government welfare, Naidu dismissed the term “freebie” and stressed the importance of targeted and meaningful support to the economically weaker sections. “Earlier there was hardly any welfare. NTR [former CM N.T. Rama Rao] introduced benefits that started the welfare culture. Now, even as wealth is being generated, inequality is growing. Welfare should be efficient and purposeful,” he noted.
Caste Census, Skills Census & Data Policy
Speaking on the ongoing debate about caste-based data collection, Naidu said he is in favour of a holistic data-driven approach. “You have to simultaneously conduct a caste census, skills census, and economic census for every citizen. Data is very powerful and can drive better public policy,” he stated.
While the central government recently gave the nod for a nationwide caste census, states like Bihar, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka have already begun conducting theirs.
Language Policy: No Imposition, Promote Fluency
Addressing the ongoing controversy around the imposition of Hindi in southern states, Naidu maintained a balanced view. He reiterated his support for Hindi as a national language while defending the primacy of regional languages. “Mother tongues like Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada should never be compromised. At the same time, learning Hindi helps connect nationally—there is nothing wrong with it,” he said.
Amaravati Vision: Not a Scam, But a Global City in the Making
Responding to criticism surrounding the Amaravati capital project, Naidu stood firm on his development vision. Dismissing allegations of a land scam, he said: “Visionaries think differently. I faced similar resistance during the Hyderabad development phase. Today, it’s a global tech hub. Amaravati will follow the same path.”
He further added, “Hyderabad and Amaravati will be the top two cities in India, soon joining the ranks of global cities.”
The Centre recently allocated ₹4,200 crore for the Amaravati Capital Development Project, following a $205 million funding release from the World Bank.
