Chandrababu & Co want poor to stay poor forever: CM Jagan

In a remarkable stride towards enhancing access to quality higher education for economically disadvantaged students, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy today disbursed Rs 708 crore fee reimbursement amount under the Jagananna Vidya Deevena scheme into the joint bank accounts of 9,44,666 mothers and students for the quarter of October-December 2023 at Pamarru in Krishna district. 

With this recent release of Rs 708 crore, the total disbursement of financial aid under the Jagananna Vidya Deevena and Vasathi Deevena schemes has now reached an impressive Rs 18,000 crore. This substantial investment underscores the government's unwavering commitment to ensuring that every student has access to quality education and accommodation, regardless of their financial background.

Addressing a massive crowd of supporters and students at Pamarru village in Krishna District, CM Jagan said, "We launched this scheme to ensure no parent is burdened with debt due to their children's education. Upon taking office, the YSRCP government raised income limits, and today, we proudly support 93 percent of students with education and accommodation. Over the past 57 months, our government has allocated a staggering Rs 73,000 crores solely to education reforms, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to transforming lives through education."

Describing education as a 'legacy' for future generations, CM Jagan emphasised the YSRCP government's commitment to investing in education to empower children to excel globally. He stated, "Today, I am dedicated to revolutionising our education sector to prepare you for global competition tomorrow. Education is a legacy we bestow upon future generations. Our students deserve the very best. Through our government's reforms, we are striving to make our education system globally competitive and you will witness how this revolution will significantly shape our students' lives in the next 10-15 years."

CM Jagan slammed Chandrababu Naidu for his detrimental stance against the welfare and advancement of the children. He said, "If we don't bring revolutionary changes in education, the kids of labourers will end up as labourers forever. Chandrababu and Pawan Kalyan want their kids to learn English and have tabs in their hands, but they don't want poor kids to have the same opportunities. Look at their callous and rich mindset. Chandrababu & Co. are waging a war against us, who are trying to do good for our children."

He further took a dig at Naidu and asked whether he had done anything beneficial for our children. He stated, "During his three terms as CM, what has Chandrababu done for the poor students? Has he ever strived to improve the livelihood of underprivileged children? What significant contributions has he made for their betterment? Chandrababu's name is synonymous with many misdeeds. Did he ever show concern for government schools or initiate even a fraction of the reforms I've implemented? Chandrababu's vision only seems to align more with Narayana and Chaitanya educational institutes."

Additionally, through Jagananna Vidya Deevena, the State government is not just covering educational costs for students but also their boarding and lodging expenses. Students in degree, medicine, and engineering programs receive Rs 20,000, polytechnic students receive Rs 15,000, and ITI students receive Rs 10,000, given in two installments each academic year — one at the start (June to July) and the other at the end (April).

What's noteworthy is that this assistance is provided to all children in a family, regardless of their number, with the funds directly deposited into joint accounts held by mothers and students.