In a strategic move, the TDP coalition government in Andhra Pradesh has initiated the renaming of several welfare schemes previously dedicated to YS Rajasekhara Reddy and YS Jaganmohan Reddy. This overhaul includes renaming social pensions to `NTR Bharosa’ and transforming the Spandana program into the Public Grievances System.
Social Welfare Minister Dola Bala Veeranjaneyaswamy has issued directives to rename six government schemes, with one honoring Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, another paying tribute to NTR, one dedicated to Ambedkar, and the remaining three receiving more generic names.
Among the notable changes, the Jagananna Vidya Deevena’ scheme for students is now known as Post Matric Scholarships (RTF), while the Jagananna Vasathi Deevena’ scheme has been rebranded as Post Matric Scholarships (MTF). Additionally, the Jagananna Videshi Vidya Deevena’ Scheme has been transformed into the “Ambedkar Overseas Education Fund”, offering support to SC community students pursuing education abroad. The YSR Kalyanamastu scheme, providing financial aid to young women for marriage, has been renamed as Chandranna Pellikanuka’.
Furthermore, the YSR Vidyonnati’ Scheme has been rechristened as NTR Vidyonnati’, and the Jagananna Civil Services protsahakam’ is now called Incentives for Civil Services Examination’.
The decision to revert to the original names of schemes introduced during the TDP’s previous tenure comes in response to the YCP’s alterations post the 2019 elections. This strategic move aims to maintain consistency and recognition for these welfare programs, ensuring a sense of continuity for beneficiaries.