Inaugurating an SC/ST empowerment programme in the city Wednesday, the minister reiterated that the Andhra Pradesh government was giving top priority to the welfare of the SC/ST community by investing huge money because of which the state topped the country in implementation of SC/ST welfare programmes.
The government launched Dr. BR Ambedkar Overseas Vidya Nidhi programme under which it was spending Rs 10 lakh on each SC/ST student who wishes to study abroad. It launched NTR Vidyonnathi scheme to impart free training to SC/ST students from highly reputed institutions for All India Service examinations, apart from providing free accommodation and transportation. The government also initiated the Credit Guarantee scheme, Venture Capital scheme, Margin Money scheme and Contractors Development Programme for the welfare of the SC/STs, the minister pointed out.
Panchayat Raj minister Ch Ayyannapatrudu said that there were 1.06 crore SC/STs in the state and the Panchayat Raj ministry allotted Rs 250 crore to lay black-top roads in SC/ST colonies. The government also granted loans to the tune of Rs 55 crore to the SC/STs, he said.
Later, the ministers distributed assets worth Rs 12 crore to 1,700 beneficiaries.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Express News Service / February 26th, 2015