AP govt highlights welfare, education and empowerment

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh Social Welfare, Welfare of Differently-Abled and Senior Citizens, and Swarna Gramam & Ward Minister Dr. Dola Sree Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy on Wednesday said the NDA government led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is implementing a comprehensive welfare agenda aimed at achieving social justice, equal opportunities and empowerment of disadvantaged communities.

Addressing the media at the Secretariat, the minister said the government is focusing on education, skill development, employment, healthcare and dignified living standards to bridge social and economic inequalities. He highlighted several initiatives being implemented through social welfare hostels, residential schools, scholarships, study circles and welfare programmes for persons with disabilities.

The minister said the government released Rs 1,543.17 crore towards fee reimbursement under Post-Matric Scholarships, benefiting 5.4 lakh SC students, while another ₹326.74 crore was provided to 2.51 lakh Pre-Matric students through the “Talliki Vandanam” program. Free coaching is also being offered for competitive examinations such as NEET, JEE, Civil Services, DSC and Group services.

Highlighting educational achievements, he said Social Welfare residential institutions recorded 89% pass percentage in Class X and 92% in Intermediate, reflecting significant improvements in academic standards. The government is also establishing four Centers of Excellence to help students compete in national-level entrance examinations.

To improve hostel infrastructure, the government spent ₹104.96 crore on repairs and modernization works in 774 hostels, besides installing AI-enabled CCTV cameras, RO drinking water systems and mechanized kitchens.

The minister said welfare measures for persons with disabilities have also been strengthened, including enhanced pensions of Rs 6,000 per month, distribution of assistive devices and recruitment drives to fill backlog vacancies.

He further noted that the government allocated Rs 26,044 crore under the SC Sub-Plan for 2024-25, describing it as a record commitment towards social justice. The government’s objective extends beyond welfare assistance to ensuring long-term empowerment through education, employment and economic self-reliance for every vulnerable family in the state.