Sun Nov 24 14:56:34 UTC 2024: ## Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Accused of Neglecting Education, Leaving Students in Debt

**VIJAYAWADA, Andhra Pradesh – November 24, 2024** – Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, president of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), has launched a scathing attack on the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in Andhra Pradesh, accusing it of failing to provide fee reimbursement benefits to students, thereby forcing many to drop out of school and take up manual labor.

In a social media post, Mr. Reddy highlighted the plight of students, citing the example of a student from Ongole district who was forced into labor due to unpaid fees. He stated that the non-payment of fee reimbursement benefits for the past three quarters is a crisis, impacting approximately 11 lakh students. He criticized the discontinuation of several educational initiatives launched during the YSRCP’s tenure, including Amma Vodi, English medium in schools, and the Nadu-Nedu scheme.

Mr. Reddy asserted that the NDA government’s failure to release ₹3,900 crore in pending funds for fee reimbursement (Vidya Deevena) and other student welfare schemes (Vasathi Deevena) is causing significant hardship. He noted that the delay is not due to bureaucratic reasons, but rather the government’s inaction despite the funds being due. He further alleged that students are being denied certificates until their fees are cleared, forcing parents into debt or to sell property.

The former Chief Minister also accused the NDA government of widespread corruption in sectors like sand and liquor, while neglecting the vital area of education. He demanded the immediate release of all pending funds for student welfare schemes.

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