YSR Congress party president and Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Friday described the village and ward volunteers as a strong force of Jagan Army, acting as a bridge between the people and his government.
“You are the brand ambassadors of my government, spreading a strong message about the implementation of about 25 welfare schemes,” Jagan said, while addressing a function to honour volunteers for their services for the third consecutive year on Friday.
He said that 2.66 lakh strong army of volunteers served the society, handing over monthly pension to as many as 64 lakh the beneficiaries on the first day of every month before daybreak at their doorstep.
Jagan honoured volunteers who rendered meritorious services with Seva Mitra, Seva Ratna and Seva Vajra awards on the occasion.
He distributed Rs 243.34 crore as cash awards to 2,33, 719 volunteers as a token of appreciation for rendering yeoman service in extending the benefits of various welfare programmes to the people at their doorstep. The felicitation programme will continue for 10 days across the State in festive atmosphere.
Under the programme implemented for the third consecutive year, a certificate, shawl and badge along with a cash prize of Rs.10,000, Rs. 20,000 and Rs. 30,000 are presented to the Seva Mitra, Seva Ratna and Seva Vajra volunteers while medals are also given to the best volunteers of the last two categories.
While 2, 28, 624 volunteers are selected for the Seva Mitra awards, Seva Ratna and Seva Vajra awards would be presented to 4,220 and 875 volunteers respectively.
Describing the volunteer system as the backbone of the welfare programmes, he said the entire country has been observing the functioning of the system in the State with inspiration and surprise.
He called the 2,66,000-member volunteer force is “Jagan Army” who are carrying out the welfare schemes with transparency.
“As my brand ambassadors, you are extending the benefits of welfare programmes at people’s doorstep fearlessly and passionately without minding the caste, creed and political affiliations of the beneficiaries,” he said, adding they have also a responsibility to thwart the vicious and malicious propaganda unleashed by the jealous TDP and its friendly media against the Government.
Jagan asked the volunteers to be cautious of the evil designs of the TDP chief who threatened to restore the corrupt Janmabhoomi Committee system if returned to power.
Besides working as the Jagan army and brand ambassadors, the volunteers should also motivate the people about the positive aspects of the welfare benefits they are receiving, he said, observing that the Government has so far spent Rs. 2, 10,000crore through DBT and Rs. 90,000cores through non-DBT schemes for the welfare of the people.