Why is the YSRCP Demanding the Immediate Release of Fee Reimbursement Dues?
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Synopsis
In a heated session at the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council, the YSR Congress Party has raised concerns over unpaid fee reimbursement dues. Tensions escalated between opposition leaders and the Education Minister, with implications for thousands of students at stake. Dive into the details of this pressing issue affecting education funding.
Key Takeaways
- YSR Congress Party raises concerns over unpaid fee reimbursement dues.
- Tensions escalate in the Legislative Council between opposition and government.
- Education Minister claims previous government left significant dues unpaid.
- Government assures resolution within three months.
- Plans for new libraries and educational funding initiatives announced.
Amaravati, Sep 23 (NationPress) The YSR Congress Party, the opposition in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council, addressed the pressing matter of fee reimbursement dues on Tuesday, urging the TDP-led coalition government to disburse the funds without delay.
Members of the YSRCP moved for an adjournment motion to discuss this critical issue, but Chairman K. Moshenu Raju dismissed their request.
The session was marked by a heated exchange between Education Minister Nara Lokesh and Leader of Opposition Botsa Satyanarayana.
The YSRCP leader objected to certain remarks made by Lokesh, demanding a debate on the matter. Lokesh countered, claiming that the YSRCP government had left Rs 4,000 crore in dues unpaid.
Lokesh pointed out that these dues have been pending since the onset of Covid, questioning the absurdity of the YSRCP raising an adjournment motion after allowing such a significant amount to remain outstanding.
He reminded Botsa Satyanarayana that the dues had accumulated during his tenure as education minister.
Lokesh stated that Rs 1,200 crore was released after the coalition took office, assuring that the remaining dues would be settled within three months.
Despite the rejection of the adjournment motion, Lokesh continued to provide details regarding the dues from the YSRCP administration.
The minister expressed the government's willingness to discuss the matter, provided it is brought up appropriately.
Lokesh questioned why the YSRCP did not raise this issue during the Business Advisory Committee meeting to include it in the current session's agenda, insinuating that the YSRCP's failure to address these dues was a deliberate choice to avoid discussion.
Botsa Satyanarayana dismissed Lokesh's claim of Rs 4,000 crore during the YSRCP's governance as “far from the truth.” He highlighted the detrimental impact of unpaid dues on the education of countless students.
During the question hour, Lokesh informed the Council about the ‘Talli ki vandanam’ scheme, which provides every mother with Rs 15,000 annually for each child's education, regardless of the number of children.
YSRCP members attempted to challenge the government regarding the number of beneficiaries under the scheme, alleging that many were not receiving assistance.
However, Lokesh contended that the previous YSRCP government failed to implement the ‘Amma Vodi’ scheme effectively, whereas the current coalition government ensures that all beneficiaries are included in ‘Talli ki vandanam’.
YSRCP MLCs accused the coalition government of mimicking their ‘Amma Vodi’ scheme, pointing out that only 54 lakh students are covered, despite a promise to reach 67 lakh.
Lokesh also addressed initiatives to enhance the library ecosystem statewide, announcing plans for a world-class State Library in Amaravati at a cost of Rs 150 crore, set for completion in 24 months.
He added that the Mangalagiri Model Library is nearing completion and will be inaugurated in October, with similar libraries planned for all 175 Assembly constituencies. Additionally, the government is accelerating new book acquisitions, community reading initiatives for students, and digital library projects to cultivate a rich reading culture.
Point of View
I view the ongoing debate in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council as a critical moment for educational funding. The YSR Congress Party's insistence on addressing fee reimbursement dues highlights the importance of timely financial support for students. It is essential for the government to prioritize the education sector and ensure that no child is left behind due to bureaucratic delays.
NationPress
23/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the fee reimbursement dues in Andhra Pradesh?
The fee reimbursement dues refer to the financial support owed to students by the government for educational expenses, which have reportedly accumulated to a significant amount.
Why is the YSRCP demanding the immediate release of these dues?
The YSRCP argues that the non-release of these dues is adversely affecting the education of thousands of students, necessitating urgent government action.
What was the response of the Education Minister?
Education Minister Nara Lokesh claimed that the previous YSRCP government had left Rs 4,000 crore in dues unpaid and assured that the current coalition government would clear the remaining dues within three months.
