metro india news  I amaravati 

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to ensure accountability and transparency in government spending for the welfare of Backward Class (BC) students. Chairing a review meeting on the BC Welfare Department at the Secretariat on Friday, the CM emphasized that the measures taken must result in visible improvements.

The Chief Minister instructed officials to complete pending renovation works in 660 government hostels worth Rs.13.10 crore within the next six weeks. He also noted that the previous government had failed to provide trunks, plates, glasses, and kitchen items to students. Steps have now been taken to distribute these essentials at a cost of Rs. 18 crore, with the entire process set to be completed by the third week of March.

During the meeting, officials informed CM Naidu about pending honorarium payments for tutors in 485 hostels. The previous government had left Rs.2.02 crore unpaid until March 2024, and an additional Rs.2.33 crore was due for February, bringing the total to Rs.4.35 crore. The Chief Minister immediately approved the release of funds to settle these dues.

Additionally, the government has approved Rs.110.52 crore out of Rs.185.27 crore in pending diet charges for students. CM Naidu also sanctioned Rs.29 crore for cosmetic bills and directed the immediate clearance of pending electricity bills for hostels.

In a significant move, CM Naidu has approved the upgradation of BC Welfare Girls’ Schools in Nasanakota and Atmakur (Sathya Sai District) into residential colleges. He also gave the green signal for a new BC Girls’ Residential School in Kuppam.

CM Naidu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring 34% reservations for BCs in local bodies, as promised in the election manifesto. He stated that if required, the government would fight a legal battle to ensure these reservations.

The Chief Minister further directed that funds be allocated to BC corporations based on a structured financial model. He reiterated his commitment to removing GST on handloom products, an electoral promise for which policy frameworks have already been developed.

Focusing on the welfare of Rajaka (washermen) communities, CM Naidu instructed officials to renovate dhobi ghats built between 2014 and 2019 and construct new ones where necessary. He also emphasized the need to complete BC welfare buildings using funds from the upcoming state budget.

CM Naidu strongly criticized the alleged violence against BCs during the previous YSRCP rule, stating that swift legal action must be taken against the perpetrators. He announced plans to expedite investigations into past murders of BC individuals and ensure strict punishment for the accused. The Chief Minister also mentioned that if required, the government would set up a special commission to probe these incidents. He assured that the BC Protection Law would be implemented as soon as the sub-committee report is finalized.

CM Naidu also reviewed the status of Kapu welfare projects initiated during the 2014–2019 TDP government. He noted that 13 Kapu community buildings were approved in district headquarters, with construction started on five of them. However, these projects were halted by the previous government. The current administration has now released funds to resume construction, and the buildings will soon be operational. Additionally, he ordered the speedy completion of 42 Kapu community halls that are currently under construction.