Telugu Desam govt initiated more schemes for BCs welfare than Cong: Minister Atchennaidu

Vijayawada: Minister for BC Welfare K Atchennaidu challenged Opposition leader YS Jaganmohan Reddy to prove, who gave highest priority for Backward Classes, whether it was the Telugu Desam or Congress.

Addressing the students at NTR Videshi Vidyadharana scheme selections meeting held here on Thursday, he said that the Telugu Desam spent Rs 17,000 crore during the last four years for BCs welfare, but the Congress allocated only Rs 7,500 crore in its previous 10 years’ rule. 

YSR Congress president should accept the challenge and must come to debate on BCs welfare in front of the media and people's organisations, he reiterated. BCs have been extending support to Telugu Desam since its establishment. Now YS Jaganmohan Reddy suddenly chanting BCs mantra, the minister said.  

He said that all the eligible among applied candidates would be selected for NTR Videshi Vidyadharana scheme. The government wants to select 2,500 students for foreign education, he said and added that no Chief Minister did introduce such scheme in the country.  The Chief Minister’s aim is to eradicate poverty, he said and added that several welfare schemes were introduced for their upliftment. 

Kapu Corporation chairman Kottapalli Subbarayudu said the Telugu Desam was committed to development of poorer sections. No government in the past did introduce welfare schemes for Kapus, he said and urged the public to debate on the welfare schemes and government’s sincerity.

BC Welfare department Principal Secretary B Udaya Lakshmi asked the students to utilise the scheme for their development. They should utilise the government support and again return their services to motherland, she added. 

Kapu Corporation Managing Director Siva Sankar, BC Corporation official Anjaneyulu and other officials were present. The officials verified the documents of students, who applied for financial aid under foreign education scheme. The students were informed that the selected candidates list would be announced in the next 20 days.