Andhra Pradesh: Jagan releases third instalment of YSR Aasara funds

Eluru: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy disbursed the third tranche of Rs. 6,419.89 crores under YSR Aasara Scheme at Denduluru in Eluru district on Saturday. Through the YSR Aasara Scheme, 78,94,169 women beneficiaries from 7,98,395 self-help groups across the state will benefit.

The state government has so far distributed Rs. 19,178 crores, including the third tranche, under the YSR Aasara scheme.

“There will be no bribes, no discrimination. I leave it up to you on how to spend the amount,” said Jagan on Saturday, adding, “More than 9 lakh sisters and brothers of mine are doing various businesses due to Aasara schemes.”

Jagan asserted that the previous government had pushed SHGs into debt after going back on its promise to write off their loans and discontinuing the Zero-Interest loan scheme in October 2016. But the current government had introduced YSR Aasara and YSR Sunna Vaddi, which helped the SHGs to become active with 99.55% recoveries. Also, NPAs have reduced to 0.45% from 18.36%, Jagan added.

“We have brought back the zero-interest loan scheme, which was stopped in October 2016, and paid Rs. 3,600 crores. During these 45 months, the government has taken steps and spent Rs. 2,25,330.76 crores under various women’s welfare schemes. This government is fighting against women discrimination,” he said.