New Delhi (Agency): In a move aimed at supporting higher education, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy disbursed Rs 680 crore under the Jagananna Vidya Devena fee reimbursement scheme. The ceremony took place at Nagari in Chittoor district on Monday.
More than 8.4 lakh women, who are the mothers of the 9.3 lakh student beneficiaries, received the amount directly in their bank accounts. Speaking at a public meeting in Nagari, Reddy said, “The programme which is happening today will change the future of our children’s tomorrow. Parent’s poverty should not become a barrier for their children’s higher studies and future.”
Reddy also committed that the state government will cover the costs of higher education for eligible students. This latest financial support covers the fees from April to June 2023. The Chief Minister revealed that the scheme has already disbursed a total of Rs 11,317 crore in the past four years, benefiting a large number of students across the state.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to improving the lives of poor families, Reddy said, “Every poor family should lead a life that is better than yesterday and look forward to a better tomorrow than today.” He added that the YSRCP government has been rolling out multiple programs with this aim in mind.
In the same public meeting, Reddy also took a moment to criticize TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu. Reddy accused Naidu of participating in an event to unveil a Rs 100 coin in honor of former Chief Minister N T Rama Rao, despite having “backstabbed” Rao in the past. The Chief Minister also alleged that Naidu was responsible for adding fake votes to electoral rolls.
The Jagananna Vidya Devena scheme is seen as a major step in removing financial barriers to higher education and promoting social mobility. With this significant disbursement, the state government reinforces its commitment to education as a way to break the cycle of poverty and ensure a brighter future for its young citizens.