CHITTOOR: Ushering in a new era in the education sector in Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy launched the Amma Vodi scheme here on Thursday with an objective to arrest the school dropout rate and at the same time to lend a helping hand to mothers hailing from poor families to send their children to school without facing any financial burden.
He released Rs 6,318 crore for implementation of the scheme, under which 42,12,186 mothers of the school-going children will get Rs 15,000 credited into their bank accounts. The scheme will benefit 81,72,224 school and college students. Enrolment for the scheme has been extended till February 9, so that eligible students who could not get their names registered, can avail of the benefit.
Addressing a large public gathering, the Chief Minister dedicated the scheme to the schoolchildren and their mothers and said it is the first step taken to reform the education system in the State. “Every child starts learning from the lap of the mother and the mother strives to provide them the best despite hurdles in the way and does not hesitate to make any sacrifice for their future. Every mother dreams of educating her children, but their economic status becomes a stumbling block for some. Amma Vodi is meant to remove that stumbling block,” he said, explaining the objective of the scheme. Citing Article 21A (Right to Education), Jagan said it could not be effectively implemented for three reasons - economic status of the people, conditions in schools and hungry stomachs.
“All these factors have to be taken care of to ensure the fundamental right of education to children and equip them to face future challenges with confidence. Amma Vodi is the first step in that direction. Though we promised the scheme for students up to Class 10 in our election manifesto, we have extended it to even Intermediate,” he said and assured the mothers that their accounts will be unencumbered and the amount credited will not be adjusted by bankers for old debts if any.
“To create trust among people, we have exempted 75 per cent attendance for the scheme this year, but from the next year it is mandatory to get the Amma Vodi benefit,” he clarified. He also appealed to people to become partners in the maintenance of schools and give Rs 1,000 of the total Rs 15,000 they get for the development of educational institutions.
Stating that introduction of English medium in government schools is another educational reform, Jagan asked the people if they want it or not. When there was a loud ‘yes’ from the public, he said let TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu and an actor questioning the move hear the public desire. The Chief Minister also announced a change in the mid-day meal menu describing it as another reform to keep the children attracted to school. He also announced hike in wages of midday meal ayahs to Rs 3,000 per month, which will put an additional burden of Rs 160 cr on the State exchequer.
“Mana Badi - Nadu-Nedu is another reform being introduced to develop government schools in the State,” he said.Expressing concern over the Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education in AP being at 23 per cent, Jagan observed that it was due to the inability of poor people to afford the costly education. “To change it, we are introducing Jagananna Vidya Deevena - total fee reimbursement to all SC, ST, BC, minority and economically backward students. Further, Rs 20,000 per year will be provided in two instalments to students under Jaganana Vasathi Deevena,” he elaborated.
Schoolgirl steals the show
Chittoor: Kalpavrukshini, a student of PCR Government High School in Chittoor, stole the show by speaking in English on educational reforms initiated by the State government at the launch of Amma Vodi scheme by Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday
