Volunteers brand ambassadors of AP govt’s welfare schemes: CM

Vijayawada: Calling the launching of village and ward secretariats as a revolutionary step to ensure governance at the doorsteps of the common man, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Friday launched the 10-day long presentation of Seva Mitra, Seva Ratna and Seva Vajra awards to the meritorious village and ward secretariat volunteers.

Describing them as brand ambassadors for various welfare schemes launched by the YSRCP Government, he said the government will distribute the 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.

Besides working as the Jagan Army and brand ambassadors, the volunteers should also motivate the people about the positive aspects of the welfare benefits they are receiving, he said, observing that the government has so far spent Rs 2.10 lakh crore through DBT and Rs 90,000 crore through non-DBT schemes for the welfare of the people.

The felicitation programme will continue for 10 days across the State amid fanfare. 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 is being presented to the volunteers selected for Seva Mitra, Seva Ratna and Seva Vajra awards. 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 are presented to 4,220 and 875 volunteers respectively.

Speaking on the occasion here, Reddy 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 told 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 since it was launched on October 2, 2019. He called the 2.66 lakh-member volunteer force as ‘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, he said.

The Chief Minister alleged that TDP national president N Chandrababu Naidu and his ‘friendly-media’ have become so jealous of the 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.

The volunteers are bringing smiles on the faces of 64 lakh pensioners by handing over the pension at the dawn of pension day, he said, adding that YSRCP people’s representatives are able to explain the good done to the people thanks to the selfless service rendered by the volunteers.

Assuring the volunteers that their service would not hamper their general well-being and progress in life, he said and asked them to continue their service with more dedication and bring good name to the Government.

Some of the volunteers who received the awards from the Chief Minister also spoke narrating their experiences as volunteers. Special Chief Secretary (Village & Ward Secretariats) Ajay Jain, NTR District Collector S Dilli Rao, Deputy Chief Minister (PR & RD) B Muthyala Naidu and Municipal Administration Minister A Suresh were present.