COVID Control, Welfare Schemes Mark AP Governance in April

AMARAVATI: The month of April was marked as a month of welfare by successfully implementing schemes like Vidya Deevena, Vasati Deevena, Sunna Vaddi for both farmers and women besides facing new challenges like vaccination, controlling COVID-19 and Tirupati by-poll.

Boosting up confidence in the times of second wave of pandemic, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy started the month by taking the first dose of Covid Vaccination and launching the massive vaccination drive in village and ward secretariats. Further, he directed the officials to ensure that at least six lakh people get vaccinated everyday in the State during 'Vaccination Utsav' between April 11-14 by arranging enough vaccine supplies. The State government has decided to provide a free vaccine for all those who are in the age group of 18-45 years.

Due to the spike in COVID-19 cases, the State government ordered the closure of all schools including the hostels and coaching centres from classes 1 to 9 from April 20 across the State. However, keeping the students' future in view, the government decided to conduct examinations for Class 10 and Intermediate as scheduled, strictly following the COVID-19 protocol.

As the pandemic is looming all over again, the State government has put the medical staff on alert to tackle any emergency, strengthened 104 call centre, and imposed a night curfew from 10 pm to 5 am. On multiple occasions, the Chief Minister reiterated that vaccination is the only permanent solution for COVID-19, so thus the government is trying to get more doses to the state. The Chief Minister had directed the officials to place orders for vaccines accordingly.

The Chief Minister had written letters to the families of Tirupati parliamentary constituency explaining the welfare schemes of the government and sought people's support for YSRCP candidate in Tirupati bypoll. He has mentioned various welfare schemes and the benefits received by families through government activities in last 22- month governance.  The election was held on April 17 and results would be out on May 2. 

Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy had felicitated village and ward volunteers saluting for their exemplary service, asserting that the volunteer system has redefined governance. About 30,000 volunteers were given Awards in three levels with a cash incentive totalling to Rs 241 crores. 

Also, the Chief Minister launched AP Amul Project in Guntur district, after starting AP Amul Palavelluva  Project in 400 villages in Chittoor, YSR Kadapa and Prakasam districts in 2020. 

As far as welfare schemes are concerned, the State government released the first installment of Jagananna Vidya Deevena of Rs 671.45 Crore directly crediting into the mother’s accounts of 10.88 lakh students pursuing their higher studies, first tranche of Jagananna Vasati Deevena crediting Rs 1049 crore into the accounts of mothers of 10,89,302 students for the academic year 2020-21, YSR Zero-Interest Crop Loan by crediting Rs 128.47 crore directly into the accounts of 6,27,906 farmers for 2019-20 Rabi season benefiting those who availed loans up to Rs one lakh and repaid them in the stipulated time.

Also, for the second consecutive year, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has credited Rs 1109 crore directly into the accounts of 1.02 crore women belonging to ‘Self-help groups’ as interest reimbursement under ‘YSR Sunna Vaddi’ scheme.

Besides these, the government had decided to launch CLAP (Clean Andhra Pradesh) Jagananna Swachha Sankalpam programme ensuring proper sanitation in rural areas on July 8 marking the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister YS Rajashekar Reddy.

During the month, addressing an orientation programme for the newly elected Mayors, Deputy Mayors, Chairpersons, and Vice-Chairpersons the Chief Minister has told the newly elected civic chiefs to work with transparency and focus on developing their respective municipalities and corporations.

The Chief Minister also presented the National Panchayat Awards 2021, conferred by Union Panchayat Raj Ministry to Panchayats, Mandals and Districts in the state on the occasion of National Panchayat Raj day.

The State government has announced Rs 30 lakh each to the families of martyred soldiers Routhu Jagadeesh and Shakamuri Murali Krishna who laid down their lives in Bijapur encounter at Chattisgarh.

Korean Consul General Kwon Young- Seup has called on Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and discussed issues relating to Korean cooperation in State development.

Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed grief over the demise of former Major General C Venugopal, a war veteran, who passed away at the age of 95. Earlier this year, the Chief Minister had met and honoured Venugopal on the occasion of Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Armed Forces.

Also Read: CM YS Jagan Reviews AP COVID Vaccination Plan