Date: September 03, 2024

Jagan Govt Fails to Clear Basic Bills: Unpaid Dues of 87.9 Crores

Unpaid Basic Bills

The Nadu Nedu program, introduced under the leadership of former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, was heralded as a transformative initiative to enhance the infrastructure of government schools across Andhra Pradesh. The program aimed to revamp educational facilities, improving the learning environment for students. However, recent revelations suggest that while the program focused on aesthetic improvements, it overlooked fundamental operational needs, leaving essential bills unpaid.

Unpaid Bills and Basic Operational Failures

One of the critical areas of concern is the government’s failure to clear basic operational expenses. IT Minister Nara Lokesh has recently brought to light that despite the tall claims made about the success of the Nadu Nedu program, the government has failed to settle dues for essential services. The most glaring examples include unpaid salaries for nannies and watchmen, along with overdue payments for toilet cleaning materials.

Lokesh disclosed that ₹64.38 crores were due for the salaries of nannies and watchmen, while an additional ₹23.52 crores were owed for toilet cleaning materials, bringing the total unpaid amount to a staggering ₹87.9 crores.

YCP’s Lofty Claims vs. Ground Realities

The ruling party, YSRCP, had heavily promoted Nadu Nedu as a flagship program, positioning it as a game-changer for the state’s education system. However, the unpaid bills indicate that the program’s execution may have been flawed at a fundamental level. Lokesh criticized the YCP leaders for what he described as “priding themselves on Nadu Nedu like the end of the world” while neglecting critical payments that affect the day-to-day functioning of schools.

Immediate Action Taken by Lokesh

During a recent review of the school education system, officials informed Lokesh about the outstanding dues. Responding promptly, Lokesh issued orders for the immediate release of the relevant funds to clear these long-overdue payments. This action underscores the importance of addressing basic operational needs to ensure that the improvements promised under Nadu Nedu translate into tangible benefits for students and staff alike.

Conclusion

The unpaid dues for essential services in government schools raise serious questions about the effectiveness of the Nadu Nedu program. While the initiative may have succeeded in enhancing the physical infrastructure of schools, the neglect of basic operational needs reflects poorly on the program’s overall implementation. The prompt action taken by Nara Lokesh to address these issues is a step in the right direction, but it also highlights the need for more comprehensive oversight and accountability in government initiatives.