Gehlot meets Naidu, assures full assistance to AP

Hyderabad, June 14 : Union Minister Social Justice Thaawar Chand Gehlot met Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu here on Saturday.

During the meeting, Naidu sought certain sops from Gehlot’s ministry for Andhra Pradesh. He demanded 100% Central Assistance, on par with the North Eastern States, for the Post Matric Scholarship Scheme for SCs. “The Government of Andhra Pradesh is extending the Scheme of Merit Up-gradation to cover 3,238 students, whereas the Government of India is providing support to 176 students only. Hence, the coverage under the scheme, by the Government of India, may be enhanced,” he asked.

Further, Naidu said that the Government of Andhra Pradesh has stopped taking soft loans from NSFDC, NSKFDC and NBCFDC from the year 2008-09. However, he said that the Andhra Pradesh Government proposes to approach NSFDC & NSKFDC once again for restoration of the loan facility and which may be considered.

Naidu said that the Government of Andhra Pradesh extends the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for BCs to 6.28 lakh students. However, the Centre provides coverage for 1.18 lakh students only. Therefore, he said that the Centre should extend coverage under the scheme to all eligible BC & EBC students. He also sought Rs 153 crore towards construction of 11 Residential School Buildings. He said government was providing education to BCs in 31 residential schools.

“The Centrally sponsored schemes for the Disabled & the Senior Citizens are limited both in number & scope. The budgetary allocations have also been meagre and have stagnated during the last five years. The flow of funds needs to be enhanced as the disabled and the senior citizens represent the most vulnerable section of society. Further, the funds need to be channelized to the NGOs through the State Government for better accountability,” Naidu demanded.

The Union Minister has assured that the Centre would consider the requests made by Naidu and would extend all possible help to Andhra Pradesh.

Andhra Pradesh Social Welfare Minister Ravela Kishore Babu was also present.  INN