CM to deposit Rs 680.44 cr nto bank accounts of 8,44,336 mothers of 9,32,235 students today
The dropout rate in higher education has reduced significantly to 6.62% in 2022-23, compared to the national average of 27%. The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) for 2018-19 was 32.4%, and steps are being taken to increase the GER to 80%. Encouragingly, the percentage of girls enrolling in colleges has risen from 81% in 2018-19 to 94% in 2020-21, reflecting the government’s proactive efforts to promote higher education among girls.
C Pradeep Kumar
Vijayawada
In a dedicated effort to ensure that no student is denied access to higher education due to financial constraints, the YSRCP government, led by Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, has introduced groundbreaking schemes known as ‘Jagananna Vidya Deevena’ and ‘Jagananna Vasathi Deevena.’ These initiatives provide comprehensive fee reimbursement, as well as covering boarding and lodging expenses, as part of the ‘Navaratnalu’ flagship programme. ‘Jagananna Vidya Deevena’ and ‘Jagananna Vasathi Deevena’ have proven to be lifelines for economically disadvantaged students who aspire to pursue higher education and build brighter futures.
Previously, after completing their Intermediate education, a significant number of students faced the daunting challenge of continuing their higher studies due to financial constraints and other obstacles. However, under the leadership of Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, the YSRCP government’s flagship programmes have successfully reintegrated economically disadvantaged students into the education system, enabling them to pursue degrees in fields such as engineering and medicine. The dropout rate after Intermediate education has significantly decreased over the past four years compared to the previous government’s tenure.
‘Jagananna Vidya Deevena’
The Jagan Mohan Reddy government is committed to reimbursing total fees on a quarterly basis, directly into the accounts of the mothers of students pursuing various courses, including ITI, Polytechnic, Degree, Engineering, Medicine, and others. Importantly, there is no limit on the number of eligible children in a family.
‘Jagananna Vasathi Deevena’
The Jagan government not only supports students with their educational expenses but also covers their boarding and lodging costs. Students pursuing Degree, Engineering, and Medical courses receive financial assistance of Rs 20,000, while Polytechnic students receive Rs 15,000, and ITI students receive Rs 10,000 annually in two installments. This assistance is extended to all children in a family, regardless of their number.
Since the introduction of these flagship programmes, the number of students unable to enroll after completing their Intermediate education has dropped significantly from 81,813 in 2018-19 to 22,387 in 2022-23, thanks to the effective implementation of ‘Jagananna Vidya Deevena’ and ‘Jagananna Vasathi Deevena.’ Furthermore, the dropout rate in higher education has reduced significantly to 6.62% in 2022-23, compared to the national average of 27%.
The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) for 2018-19 was 32.4%, and steps are being taken to increase the GER to 80%. Encouragingly, the percentage of girls enrolling in colleges has risen from 81% in 2018-19 to 94% in 2020-21, reflecting the government’s proactive efforts to promote higher education among girls. Additionally, campus placements have seen a remarkable increase, rising from 37,000 in 2018-19 to over one lakh in 2022-23.
Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy will electronically deposit Rs 680.44 crore directly into the bank accounts of 8,44,336 mothers of 9,32,235 students for the quarter of April – June 2023. This significant disbursement, scheduled for Monday, August 28, in Nagari, Chittoor District, brings the total benefits provided under “Jagananna Vidya Deevena” and “Jagananna Vasathi Deevena” to Rs 15,592.87 crore.
The Jagan Mohan Reddy government has invested a total of Rs 69,289 crores in various educational reforms over the past four years.
G Sekhar Babu, father of a B Arch engineering student, expressed gratitude to CM Jagan Mohan Reddy for the government’s support. He noted that the previous government provided only Rs 35,000 as fee reimbursement, while the Jagan Mohan Reddy government offers full fee reimbursement without any deductions, setting a groundbreaking precedent. Thanks to this support, students can pursue their education without placing a financial burden on their parents.
O Mahesh, Principal of Andhra Loyola Institute of Engineering and Technology (ALIET), emphasised the transformative impact of ‘Jagananna Vidya Deevena’ and ‘Jagananna Vasathi Deevena’ on students who would otherwise struggle to afford higher education. He noted that the previous government allocated only Rs 35,000 per student directly to the college, leaving parents responsible for the remaining costs. However, the current YSRCP government provides complete fee reimbursement without placing any financial burden on parents.
Mahesh suggested that an alternative method of disbursing funds directly to the colleges might further streamline the process.
