Vijayawada: Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has released Rs 41.59 crore towards the Videshi Vidya Deevena that would benefit 390 students pursuing overseas education. He also released Rs 100.50 lakh towards the Jagananna Civil Services Protsahakam (incentive), for 106 civil service aspirants pursuing UPSC examinations.
The amounts were directly credited into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries.
Releasing the amount in online mode from the CM camp office here on Wednesday, Jagan Mohan Reddy said the government wants to prevent parents of overseas education aspirants from falling into a debt trap.
He said, “The Civil Services incentive is being released for the first time. Both these governmental support give an assurance to parents that the government would support their children in fulfilling their dreams.”
The chief minister said the government is also reimbursing Rs 9.5 crore towards the fees for 51 students, who got admissions in USA universities and colleges this spring.
The AP government has so far spent Rs 107 crore for 408 students pursuing overseas education. It has been extending financial help to all SC, ST, BC, minority and EBC students whose annual income doesn’t exceed Rs 8 lakh.
“By implementing the scheme in saturation mode, or to maximum levels, the government hopes that these beneficiaries would inspire others and be of help to the state in future. You all would reach high positions in life and keep your families happy,” the chief minister said.
He said, “The Telugu Desam government had dumped 3,326 students by not clearing the payment arrears of Rs 318 crore for 2016-17. Our government has been implementing the scheme with sincerity and in full transparency.”
Jagan Reddy explained, “Under these schemes, the government is committed to reimbursing total fees up to Rs 1.25crore each to SC, ST, BC and minority students and up to Rs 1crore each to EBC students who pursue higher education in 21 diverse faculties across 350 educational institutions affiliated to 50 universities abroad. These universities are listed in the QS World University and Times Higher Education rankings.”
“As for those pursuing UPSC’s Civil Service examinations, the state government is paying an incentive of Rs 1 lakh each to SC, ST, BC, EBC and Minority students after they cleared the preliminary examination; and Rs 50,000 is paid to each who pass the main examination, by way of reimbursement of their coaching and preparation expenses,” the chief minister noted.
Some of the beneficiaries participated in the programme by video-call mode from their locations, narrating their experiences and thanking the government for supporting them.
Chandra Sai Krishna, who belongs to Ramapuram Nagari mandal in Chittoor district, wished chief minister Jagan Mohan Reddy ahead of his birthday tomorrow, and told the CM, "I can't ask you for a treat because Jagananna Videshi Vidya Deevena is indeed a great treat for me and for all the students, Sir."
Sai Krishna added, "My father is a farmer, and my mother is a homemaker. Studying abroad was a dream for me." Informing the CM of an interaction he had with him in August this year, the student said, "Sir, I attended a public meeting conducted by you in Nagari, and you were talking about the Videshi Vidya Deevena. I was inspired by your speech, after which I started applying to foreign universities. Finally, I got admitted to Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. I am doing my Masters in Data Sciences."
He continued, "The state government helped me in securing admission abroad by paying my full tuition fee, which is Rs 55 lakh. I am very thankful to you and the government of AP, Sir."
