Jana Mana, an interaction of district in-charge Minister Eshwar Khandre with beneficiaries of various government schemes, had a poignant moment in Bidar on Thursday.
Sharada Veershetty, a diploma student, broke down while explaining how the government’s Vidya Siri scholarship scheme had helped her continue her studies.
The girl from a poor family in Aurad taluk had got good grades in the 10th standard and wanted to pursue pre-university course in the science stream. But her parents could not afford her education and asked her to drop out.
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“I did not submit applications for PU. But a few days later, I heard of Vidya Siri and applied for it online. When I was sure I would get it, I sought admission in the Jawaharlal Nehru Diploma College in Thana Kushnoor. Now, at least I can do this,” she said.
The monthly cash incentive of ₹ 1,500 helps her pay rent for her room in Thana Kushnoor village and pay her canteen bills. She said that she was so happy to be back in college that she was planning to join an engineering college after earning her diploma.
While most beneficiaries thanked the government, there were some who complained. Some farmers complained that in some Tahsildar offices, staff members were demanding bribe to issue copies of land records. Some said that even after months of veterinary department officers collecting their details, they were yet to get cows and buffaloes under the Pashu Bhagya, the subsidised cattle distribution scheme.
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Some children complained of teacher vacancies. Mr. Khandre noted down the points and promised action.
Bidar Urban Development Authority president Sanjay Jahagirdar, zilla panchayat president Bharatbai Mallinath, Deputy Commissioner H.R Mahadev, zilla panchayat Chief Executive Officer R. Selva Mani and other officers were present.