Brahmin body to extend loans to community students for PG studies abroad

Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh Brahmin Corporation has decided to extend financial assistance to poor Brahmin families, for performing ‘Upanayanams’ (thread marriage) of their sons.

An amount of Rs.15,000 will be given to those in 7-16 years age-group in a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country. This scheme will become operational on April 1, marking the commencement of the new financial year.

Incidentally, the TDP government established the Brahmin Corporation for the welfare of the community with former Chief Secretary IYR Krishna Rao as its first Chairperson. Following differences between him and the then Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, the former quit the post. He was succeeded by Vemuru Anand Surya under whom the Corporation experienced rough weather, following charges of misappropriation of funds.

Meanwhile, the Corporation has announced another scheme for students, whose family annual income is less than Rs. Six lakh. Under ‘Bharathi’ scheme, the Brahmin students, who wish to pursue Post Graduation abroad, will be extended financial assistance ranging between Rs. Five lakh and Rs.10 lakh. The applications from the eligible candidates are being accepted online.

For almost six months after YSRCP assumed charge, the top post of the Corporation remained vacant, It was subsequently been given to Vijayawada Central MLA Malladi Vishnu. In fact, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy gave Assembly tickets to four Brahmins, of which were elected as MLAs. Kona Raghupathi, elected from Bapatla, has since been made Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.