Date: February 28, 2025
Budget 2024: 9,407 Crore Allocated for Thalliki Vandanam Scheme
Budget 2024
The Andhra Pradesh Budget 2024-25 has set the stage for a series of major announcements, with Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav presenting the state budget. This marks the first full-fledged budget by the NDA government, and expectations were high regarding its focus areas.
As anticipated, education and welfare schemes have received significant allocations, reinforcing the government’s commitment to empowering families and promoting education. Among the most notable initiatives the Thalliki Vandanam scheme, which has been allocated a massive ₹9,407 crore.
What is the Thalliki Vandanam Scheme?
The Thalliki Vandanam scheme, a flagship initiative of CM Chandrababu Naidu, is designed to support mothers and families with school-going children. The program aims to:
- Provide ₹15,000 per student annually to mothers.
- Cover students from Class 1 to 12 across government and private schools.
- Ensure financial assistance to encourage school enrollment and attendance.
- Be fully implemented starting from the academic year 2025-26.
This direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme will enable mothers to use the funds for their children’s educational needs, including books, uniforms, and tuition fees.
Why is This Scheme Important?
The Thalliki Vandanam scheme has been introduced to address key challenges faced by families in Andhra Pradesh, particularly those in economically weaker sections.
1. Boosting School Enrollment and Attendance
Many children, especially in rural areas, drop out due to financial constraints. By providing direct cash assistance, the government aims to reduce dropout rates and encourage continuous education.
2. Women Empowerment Through Financial Support
This scheme directly benefits mothers, recognizing their crucial role in ensuring a child’s education. By transferring the amount directly to them, the government aims to empower women financially and promote responsible spending on education.
3. Economic Relief for Families
With rising educational expenses, families often struggle to provide quality education. This scheme lightens their financial burden, ensuring that every child receives basic educational support without hurdles.
Budget 2024 Allocation and Implementation Plan
Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav confirmed that the government has earmarked ₹9,407 crore for the Thalliki Vandanam scheme. The funds will disbursed annually, benefiting lakhs of families across Andhra Pradesh.
The implementation process will involve:
Identifying eligible families through government databases.
Setting up a streamlined digital platform for fund transfers.
Ensuring transparency in disbursal to prevent misuse.
Periodic review of the scheme’s impact on school enrollment and literacy rates.
Public Response and Political Significance
The announcement has received widespread attention, with educationists and policymakers appreciating the scheme’s long-term impact on literacy rates and economic stability.
However, political analysts see this as a strategic move by the NDA government to strengthen its public welfare agenda. With previous governments facing criticism for failing to curb school dropouts, this initiative expected to a game-changer in Andhra Pradesh’s education sector.
Conclusion: A Landmark Initiative for Andhra Pradesh
With ₹9,407 crore allocated for the Thalliki Vandanam scheme, the NDA government taking a strong step toward educational reforms. By empowering mothers, reducing dropout rates, and easing financial stress on families, this program aims to transform the education landscape in Andhra Pradesh.
As the implementation begins in 2025-26, all eyes will on the efficiency and impact of this ambitious welfare program. Will it successfully uplift educational standards and support underprivileged students? Only time will tell!