Is AP Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy trying to water down his prestigious flagship welfare programmes slowly but surely? Is he beginning to impose restrictions on the welfare schemes in view of the dire economic situation in the state? Keen watchers of AP politics say that the state government is left with no option but to cut down on the welfare schemes.
The State Government has now realized that every rupee earned from the taxes, registrations and other sources is being spent on implementing the Navaratnalu. The Government knows that the schemes are vote catchers and restricting them could lead to disastrous electoral results. But, the Jagan government seems to have not many options.
For the Ammavodi scheme, the government has imposed eligibility restrictions such as less than Rs 10000 per month income, absence of a four-wheeler in the family, active bank account with regular transactions etc.
The attendance details of the students are also taken into consideration. Those with less than 75 per cent attendance cannot avail the Amma Vodi benefit. Similarly, the monthly power consumption should not exceed 300 units
Latest to join the restrictions is the help extended to the fisherfolk community. The State Governmenthas imposed several restrictions to limit the number of beneficiaries. Financial experts say that more schemes could come under similar restrictions.
Dire financial position could lead to the imposition of more regulations on the schemes, say experts. But, what will be the effect of these new restrictions on the voter perception of the YSRCP Government? Let’s wait and see?