Testing times for Andhra Pradesh study circle

Vijayawada: All is not well with the AP Study Circle here. The institution, launched to provide free coaching to SC, ST and BC candidates for competitive examinations, is now in a state of neglect, primarily due to lack for funds.

The study circle had gained name and fame for successfully coaching several Group II officers in the past. Shockingly, it has remained idle for the past several years due to lack of infrastructure and funds.

The study circle was inaugurated at the Dr Ambedkar and Babu Jagjivan Ram Bhavan on the banks of Ryves canal in 2005.

Initially, state government officials were enth0usiastic and coach-ed unemployed youth. The study centre has the capacity to accommodate 100 students.

Several candidates, including women were selected as ACTOs and were recruited in other government departments.

That was in the past. Now, the study circle needs at least Rs 20 lakh to start coaching candidates appearing for Group I examinations. The study circle provides three months training, including facilities like boarding and lodging for the benefit of students of rural areas too.

At present, a look at the dormitory is evidence of the institution’s neglect. While broken cots lie in the dormitory, the libra-ry is filled with broken chairs.

Ravi Kumar, an engineering graduate, said that the study circle sho-uld be renovated and ma-de fully functional again to provide coaching to you-th appearing for the Group I and II exams.

Minister for social welfare Ravela Kishore Babu inspected the study circle on Saturday and expressed concern over the poor infrastructure at the centre.

With the election code in place, Mr Kishore Babu could not make any promise.