AP Govt resumes school kit distribution despite photo controversy

Visakhapatnam: Schools in Andhra Pradesh reopened on Thursday, marking the end of the summer vacation. The first day saw the distribution of school kits to students.

Despite the recent change in government, officials proceeded with distributing the kits, which were originally part of the Jagananna Vidya Kanuka scheme of the YSRC government.

Chief minister Chandrababu Naidu instructed officials to ensure timely distribution of the kits even if they featured the photo of Jagan Reddy. This decision was made so as to avoid wastage of the kits that were procured at a cost of ` 600 crore and also to prevent a delay that would adversely affect the students.

District Education Officers of Srikakulam and Visakhapatnam confirmed that the distribution of kits commenced after they received directives from the chief minister's office. DEO Chandrakala reported that kits were distributed across 11 mandals, to 77,567 students.

"We have distributed bags, belts and dictionaries as per the instructions received, albeit without any logos. Everything was packed in boxes and distributed without delay," stated DEO of Srikakulam district.

"The kits distributed do not bear any logo except the government emblem," clarified Visakhapatnam mandal education officer Rama Rao.

Items like milk sachets, chikki packets and eggs distributed through Anganwadi centers and schools will now feature only the state government emblem.