PNS|Vijayawada
Dr. Lakshmisha, Director of Village and Ward Secretariats, has announced that an astounding 5.50 crore people have experienced the benefits of various welfare schemes implemented through the Village and Ward Secretariats. Notably, an impressive 94 per cent of public grievances have been successfully addressed. The establishment of Village and Ward Secretariats in Andhra Pradesh has introduced an innovative administrative system, ensuring the resolution of issues right at the doorsteps of the beneficiaries.
During a virtual awareness programme held on Saturday, Dr. Lakshmisha elaborated on the extensive range of services offered by the Village and Ward Secretariats. He emphasised Chief Minister Jagan’s vision that no eligible beneficiary should be left without availing welfare schemes. To facilitate the effective implementation of these schemes, 2.66 lakh volunteers have been appointed, with one dedicated to every 50 families.
Dr. Lakshmisha highlighted that previously, employees from land survey, welfare, agriculture, and horticulture departments were primarily based at the mandal level. However, with the Village and Ward secretariats system in place, departmental employees are now assigned to the village and ward level. Furthermore, to ensure accessibility and convenience, a designated time slot from 3 to 5 pm has been allocated every day for individuals to submit grievances at the village and ward secretariats.
Remarkably, the number of beneficiaries has exceeded the State’s population, with 5.50 crore people benefitting from various welfare programs through this system — an outcome attributed to multiple schemes being made available to each eligible person.
Yet, the government is not content with this success alone and has launched the “Jagananna Suraksha” scheme to extend government welfare schemes to eligible individuals. Volunteers will actively visit households, identifying needs and assisting eligible candidates in submitting applications, subsequently registering them at the secretariats. A special camp day is scheduled for July 1 to expedite the processing of these applications. Furthermore, special camps will be organized biannually in June and December, providing additional opportunities for people to access the benefits of these schemes.
In addition to the Village and Ward Secretariats, 10,641 “Raitu Bharosa Kendras” have been established to cater to the diverse needs of farmers, offering services ranging from the provision of seeds to the sale of harvested products. Additionally, digital kiosks have been set up, enabling farmers to conveniently book agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, tractors, harvesters, and weeding machines.
Dr. Lakshmisha also highlighted the establishment of 10,032 YSR Health Clinics alongside the Village and Ward Secretariats. This ensures that essential medical services are readily available within the villages themselves. In a move hailed as revolutionary, 10,961 digital libraries have been set up in villages, promoting access to knowledge and fostering educational development.
Under the Beneficiary Outreach Programme, a dedicated effort has been made to educate beneficiaries about the cash deposits made into their accounts under various schemes. On the last Friday and Saturday of each month, detailed explanations are provided regarding the specific schemes and any technical reasons behind the non-deposit of funds. To date, more than 16,000 beneficiary outreach programs have been conducted, successfully disseminating crucial information.
The Village and Ward Secretariats have emerged as a powerful mechanism for social upliftment, bringing tangible benefits to millions of people across Andhra Pradesh. Through these initiatives, the government remains committed to ensuring the welfare and prosperity of its citizens, reinforcing the transformative potential of grassroots administrative systems.
