Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Monday released the first instalment of fee reimbursement under Jagananna Vidya Deevena scheme amounting to nearly ₹672 crore. The money was directly transferred into the bank accounts of the mothers of 10.88 lakh students pursuing higher studies.
On the occasion, Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy said the scheme had been designed to make education accessible to the poor and that education was the real wealth which could be given to the future generations. Education alone could eradicate poverty and change their lives.
None of the previous governments had reimbursed the fee arrears on such a large scale, he said.
The government was committed to the education sector and had rolled out schemes such as Jagananna Goru Mudha, Amma Vodi and Vasati Deevena to ensure that no family runs into debts for pursing studies.
So far, a total of ₹4,879 crore has been spent under Jagananna Vidya Deevena benefiting 10.88 lakh students. Previously, the money was paid to college owners.
The beneficiaries could call toll-free number 1902 if they face any problem in availing themselves of the scheme.
The second instalment of fees will be released in July, the third in December and the last one for 2020-21 in February next year.
A sum of ₹4,208 crore was released towards fee reimbursement for 2019-20. Besides, dues for 2018-19 amounting to ₹1,880 crore were cleared.
Deputy Chief Minister Dharmana Krishnadas, Ministers Adimulapu Suresh and Ch. Venugopala Krishna, Principal Secretaries K. Satish Chandra (higher education), G. Anantharamu (BC welfare) and G. Jayalakshmi (IT) and AP State Council of Higher Education Chairman K. Hemachandra Reddy were present.
