Financial aid: AP Issues Orders for Start of Jagananna Civil Services Prothsahakam

Vijayawada: The AP government issued orders on Thursday for implementation of the first-of-its-kind Jagananna Civil Services Prothsahakam that involves a cash incentive to those from socially, educationally and economically weaker/backward sections that qualified in the UPSC’s Civil Services examinations.

The CM had announced the new scheme at a recent Cabinet meeting to encourage civil services aspirants. On Thursday, chief secretary Dr K.S. Jawahar Reddy, issued GOMS 58 for Jagananna Civil Services Prothsahakam.

The government order mentioned that every year, around 40 aspirants from AP get selection in the Civil Services examinations. To have more selections from AP, the government is committed to support those from socially, educationally and economically weaker/backward sections, the order said.

It said a cash incentive would be provided to those qualified in the Preliminary and Mains -- Rs1 lakh and Rs 50,000 respectively, for the number of attempts permitted by the UPSC. The idea is also to increase AP’s representation in Civil Services.

The financial support can be used for coaching, study material, interview guidance and other expenses related to the preparations.

Applicants must be a permanent resident/native of AP from socially, educationally and economically weaker/ backward sections. They must have qualified for the examinations. Submission of proof is mandatory.

The cash incentive under the scheme can be availed by the aspirants irrespective of the number of attempts they make for clearing the Preliminary and Mains.

The annual family income of the applicant shall not exceed Rs 8 lakh. The cash incentive would be credited to the Aadhaar-linked bank account of the candidate in a single installment.

Social welfare minister Merugu Nagarjuna said the Jagananna Civil Services Prothsahakam was the first-of-its-kind.