Amaravati: On the occasion of Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s birth anniversary, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced the relaunch of the Ambedkar Videsi Vidya Deevena scheme, aiming to support SC and ST students aspiring to pursue higher education abroad. Addressing a large gathering at Ponnekallu in the Tadikonda Assembly segment, the CM paid rich tributes to Ambedkar, calling him a “warrior for Dalit empowerment” and a guiding force for Indian democracy.
Naidu declared that under the scheme, financial aid of Rs. 15 lakh will be extended to SC/ST students and Rs. 10 lakh to BC, EBC, Kapu, and Minority students. Between 2014–2019, Rs. 467 crore was spent to assist 7,000 students under the earlier phase of the programme.
He also announced additional welfare measures:
- More residential schools for SC students,
- Free 200 units of electricity to 21 lakh SC/ST families,
- Rs. 50,000 assistance for SC/ST house construction,
- Encouragement to install rooftop solar panels to generate extra income.
Lamenting the previous government’s “deliberate destruction” of Amaravati, Naidu promised to rebuild the capital city into a global educational hub, citing institutions like SRM and VIT already present. He stressed that education, welfare, and good governance are the cornerstones of the NDA’s mission.
Reaffirming TDP’s historic commitment to Dalit welfare, he cited examples like appointing GMC Balayogi as Lok Sabha Speaker and Pratibha Bharathi as Assembly Speaker. He concluded by expressing confidence that Andhra Pradesh will become India’s top state by 2047.
