Jagan describes volunteers as brand ambassadors for welfare

Vijayawada Stating that the volunteer system introduced by him has ushered in revolution of sorts, AP Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy formally inaugurated the presentation of Seva Mitra, Seva Ratna and Seva Vajra awards to the best village and ward secretariat volunteers.

Government will distribute Rs. 243.34 crore as cash awards to 2.33 lakh volunteers as a token of appreciation for rendering yeoman service in extending the benefits of various welfare programmes to the people at their doorstep.

The felicitation programme will continue for 10 days across the State in festive atmosphere.

Under the programme implemented for the third consecutive year, a certificate, shawl and badge along with a cash prize of Rs.10,000, Rs. 20,000 and Rs. 30,000 are presented to the Seva Mitra, Seva Ratna and Seva Vajra volunteers while medals are also given to the best volunteers of the last two categories.

While 2.28 lakh volunteers are selected for the Seva Mitra awards, Seva Ratna and Seva Vajra awards would be presented to 4,220 and 875 volunteers respectively.

Addressing the gathering of volunteers here on Friday, the Chief Minister said the volunteers are extending the benefits of nearly 25 welfare programmes to lakhs of eligible beneficiaries selflessly with unflinching commitment.

“You are just like the Tulasi plant in the backyard,” he praised them.

Describing the volunteer system as the backbone of the welfare programmes, he said the entire country has been observing the functioning of the system in the State with inspiration and surprise. He called the 2.66 lakh-member volunteer force Jagan Army who are carrying out the welfare schemes with transparency.

“As my brand ambassadors, you are extending the benefits of welfare programmes at people’s doorstep fearlessly and passionately without minding the caste, creed and political affiliations of the beneficiaries,” he said, adding they have also a responsibility to thwart the vicious and malicious propaganda unleashed by the jealous TDP and its friendly media against the government.

TDP president N. Chandrababu Naidu and his friendly media have become so jealous of the our welfare programmes that their heart-burn has gone beyond pathological proportions.

The Chief Minister told the volunteers to be cautious of the evil designs of the TDP chief who threatened to restore the corrupt Janmabhoomi Committee system if returned to power.

Being synonym of Navaratnalu philosophy, the volunteers have to build bridges between the Government and the people carrying the message of the Government and the good done to them.

Special CS (Village & Ward Secretariats) Ajay Jain, NTR District Collector S. Dilli Rao, Deputy Chief Minister (PR & RD) B. Muthyala Naidu and MA & UD Minister A. Suresh also addressed on the occasion.