From the announcement of the ‘Talliki Vandanam’ scheme to its implementation, everything is a deception.
- TDP campaigned that every mother would receive Rs. 15,000 annually for each child under this scheme.
- Even the Government Order (GO) boasted about giving Rs. 15,000.
- Newspaper advertisements also claimed Rs. 15,000 per student.
- Nowhere did Chandrababu or Lokesh announce that only Rs. 13,000 would be given.
- Back then, Lokesh aggressively tweeted against the YSRCP government for deducting Rs. 2,000 for school maintenance.
- Now, Lokesh is doing the same and threatens legal action against YSRCP for questioning him.
- According to UDISE data, there are 87,41,885 students in the state, but the Babu government is providing benefits to only 54 lakh students.
- Over 30 lakh mothers have been cheated under the guise of ‘Talliki Vandanam.’
‘Talliki Vandanam’ has turned into a betrayal. The claim that every child would benefit has been proven false. The Chandrababu government has deceived over 30 lakh mothers by not extending the scheme to them. While promising Rs. 15,000 per child, they deducted Rs. 2,000 and are giving only Rs. 13,000 to a limited number of beneficiaries. Babu’s assurance has left no guarantee for the future. From announcement to execution, the scheme is riddled with deceit. This is nothing but a betrayal of mothers.
Why such deception, Lokesh?
Before the elections, as part of the ‘Super Six’ promises, Chandrababu and Lokesh repeatedly said in public rallies that every child attending school would receive Rs. 15,000 annually under the ‘Talliki Vandanam’ scheme. Lokesh even challenged people to hold him accountable if the promises weren’t fulfilled. However, in the first year, they failed to deliver, cheating all mothers. Even now, they aren’t providing it to everyone. Newspaper ads and GOs claimed Rs. 15,000 for every child, but Lokesh’s tweets never clarified the amount or the number of beneficiaries. They kept the actual amount credited to beneficiaries’ accounts a secret until the money was deposited.
Only 54 lakh out of 87 lakh students get Talliki Vandanam?
According to the UDISE+ (Unified District Information System for Education Plus) report for 2023–24, there are 87,41,885 students from Class 1 to Intermediate in the state. At Rs. 15,000 per student, the government should disburse Rs. 13,112.82 crore annually. However, they defaulted on this in the first year. Even now, only 54 lakh students are receiving the benefit, and that too after deducting Rs. 2,000, giving just Rs. 13,000 per student.
A blow to the education system
Lokesh’s ignorance is laughable, as he speaks without knowing how many schools exist or how many students are enrolled. He claimed that UDISE+ includes Anganwadi children, exposing his lack of knowledge. UDISE+ is a central government-managed website that records data on students from Class 1 to Intermediate and teachers, updated annually. Education experts say the data is verified by district collectors before being uploaded. The information is cross-checked multiple times for accuracy. UDISE+ reports clearly state that only students from Class 1 to Intermediate are included, not Anganwadi children. Despite this, Lokesh’s uninformed remarks have made him a laughingstock.
Lokesh’s mockery of the then-minister
Lokesh arrogantly claimed that the then-education minister, Botsa Satyanarayana, lacked basic knowledge and didn’t even know how many students were studying, as per UDISE data. In response, YSRCP countered Lokesh’s X posts with evidence, questioning who truly lacks basic knowledge. Netizens criticized Lokesh, stating that it’s inappropriate for a minister to speak recklessly and that his incompetence is well-known. They pointed out that UDISE data is approved by collectors and cannot be manipulated. Former minister Botsa Satyanarayana also lashed out, saying the real issue is not Lokesh but Chandrababu for appointing him as education minister.
Will you take action if your mistakes are questioned?
It’s a well-known fact that former CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy transformed government schools. When YSRCP deducted Rs. 2,000 from the Rs. 15,000 given under the Amma Vodi scheme for school maintenance and toilet upkeep, Lokesh criticized it, asking if the deducted amount was pocketed as a “J-tax.” Now, when YSRCP questions Lokesh for deducting Rs. 2,000 from the Rs. 15,000 under Talliki Vandanam, he resorts to threats and warns of legal action against their X posts. Why such agitation, Lokesh, when you’re being held accountable for your election promises? During YSRCP’s tenure, you and your party’s propaganda machinery, along with Eenadu, spread lies about toilet maintenance funds. Have you forgotten your own posts citing Eenadu’s fabricated stories? Who should face action? Your party’s social media team? Eenadu, which never speaks the truth? Or both?
