Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh announced that 66,57,508 students have received support under the Thalliki Vandanam scheme in Andhra Pradesh. Speaking in the Legislative Council, the minister responded to questions from members Yellareddigari Shivaramireddy, Rajagolla Ramesh Yadav, and Bommi Israel.
Lokesh explained that the funds collected under the scheme are being used for school infrastructure, cleanliness, management, education, and environmental development. He made it clear that this program should not be confused with Amma Vodi, stating that it is entirely Thalliki Vandanam. He urged opposition members to verify the exact number of beneficiaries before making claims.
The minister said that students are given an Aadhar ID after joining the first class, and funds are released after proper verification when they reach intermediate first year. He assured that if there are any errors, they will be corrected and problems can be reported through WhatsApp.
Lokesh also clarified that the government is implementing the same eligibility rules introduced earlier by the YSRCP, such as the 300 units of power limit, AP government employees’ rule, and landholding limits. He said all eligible students have been covered under the scheme, and cash benefits for SC students will also include central funds after verification.
He pointed out that during the YSRCP rule, students received ₹13,000 per year, which was reduced by ₹500 in the last year, and the scheme was given only for four years. Lokesh assured that under the coalition government, all eligible students will receive support every year without fail.
He added that digital ration cards have been introduced, and if any eligible students remain, they too will be included in Thalliki Vandanam. The government is also considering extending the scheme to ASHA workers and Anganwadi workers, with the decision to be taken in the cabinet. Lokesh confirmed that sanitation workers have already been given exemptions.