Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday launched the Grama and Ward Volunteer system — his brainchild — aimed at ensuring corruption-free governance and last-mile delivery of welfare schemes and services to every household and citizen in the State.
Addressing the gathering of newly appointed ward and village volunteers here, Mr. Jagan reiterated that their most important responsibilities are identification of beneficiaries, door delivery of services and hand-holding of households without resorting to corruption and showing no discrimination based on caste, religion and political affiliations.
“Everyone, including those who didn’t vote for us, should be served equally to an extent that they change their opinion. My voice and assurances should reach every person in the State through you,” he said.
The CM said the government would fulfil 80% of the election promises in the first year and it needs the volunteer system. “Many schemes that are progressing slowly have been awaiting your [volunteers] appointment since it is only possible through you to reach the saturation level in any scheme,” he said.
“If eligible beneficiaries are unaware of the schemes, you should reach out to them and deliver the service at the doorstep,” he said.
“ People only expect this kind of service from a leader, be it you or Jagan,” he said.
‘Have patience’
“One day you all will be treated with respect and dignity as a doctor is treated today,” he said.
Mr. Jagan also stressed how important it is to have patience and smile while dealing with people. He asked them to follow his speeches and stay updated with government activities so that they would be able to answer questions raised by the public. “Every family without a house would get land or house by Ugadi,” he said. Schemes such as Amma Vodi, Rythu Bharosa, housing for the poor and others would be delivered as announced through the volunteers. He said distribution of quality rice would be started in Srikakulam district on September 1. Mr. Jagan said a toll-free number to receive feedback on volunteers would be set up. He gave away identity cards to a few volunteers. Panchayat Raj Minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy, his Cabinet colleagues Vellampalli Srinivas and Kodali Sri Venkateswara Rao were among those present.
