AP govt releases funds for DBT schemes as per poll panel’s orders

in compliance with directives from the Election Commission of India, the State government has initiated the release of funds for DBT schemes to beneficiaries affected during the election period due to MCC.
In a statement released on Saturday, AP Finance Department officials reiterated their commitment to adhering strictly to the Model Code of Conduct guidelines and directives issued by the Election Commission of India, ensuring transparency in all financial activities, including bill clearances.
Addressing misconceptions, officials clarified that accusations of preferential treatment towards unnamed contractors at the expense of welfare schemes are unfounded. Providing a breakdown of disbursements from May 14 to 18, the Finance Department reported a total release of Rs 7,546.34 crore, with Rs 5,868.26 crore allocated to DBT funds. This allocation encompassed funds for Centrally Sponsored Schemes (Rs 600.44 crore), Samagra Siksha (Rs 338.36 crore), NHM (Rs 124.02 crore), PM POSHAN (Rs 71.06 crore), other CSS (Rs 67.00 crore), Loan Servicing (Rs 458.84 crore), Salaries and Pensions (Rs 289.23 crore), Administrative Expenses (Rs 161.82 crore), Power Subsidy (Rs 100.00 crore), Diet Charges (Rs 26.27 crore), Materials and Supplies, Drugs & Medicines (Rs 12.73 crore), Local Bodies (Rs 14.11 crore), Victim Compensation (Rs 7.31 crore), Works Expenditure (Rs 7.01 crore), and other expenditures (Rs 0.32 crore).
Furthermore, officials confirmed the completion of payments for schemes such as YSR Aasara, input subsidy scheme, ECB Nestham scheme, and Jagananna Deevena by crediting the respective amounts directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts. Notably, the majority of disbursements were allocated to Cheyutha beneficiaries, with the remaining payments soon to follow.
Rejecting claims of favouritism towards contractors, officials clarified that allegations of Rs. 4,000 crore payments to select unnamed contractors were baseless. In reality, a nominal sum of Rs 7.01 crore was disbursed for works related to Courts and others.