Newlyweds to get Rupees 25K in cash

Visakhapatnam: The Andhra Pradesh government will soon launch Chandranna Pelli Kanuka, a scheme to benefit poor brides and grooms in the state. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has already approved the scheme and a GO will be issued soon for its implementation in the ensuing marriage season.

BC Welfare Secretary B Udayalaxmi, while addressing a press conference here on Monday, said 40,000 couples would be benefited under the scheme in the in first spell. They can apply online with a copy of marriage ‘muhurtham’. Soon after the receipt of the application, an official would visit the homes of the bride and groom and hand over the money.

“We are expecting good response from the people under this scheme from the people. This money would be a good help to the families performing marriage of their children,’’ the secretary said and added that the scheme would help eradicate child marriages and domestic violence.

Marriage registrations will also become easy under this scheme. The secretary said the government is planning to strengthen BC Study Circles across the state. “We have issued orders to the BC Welfare officials to spend a night in the hostels at least once in a week for getting first-hand knowledge about the problems the students,’’ she said.

Udayalaxmi, who reviewed works with the north costal BC Welfare officials and the staff, said the government had appointed a special wing named ‘most backward castes’ (MBC) federation to encourage nomads and beggars to earn their livelihood in a more dignified manner.

MBC Federation MD B Nagabhusanam, state Rajak Federation Chairman Rajamandri Narayana, Deputy Director Nageswar Rao, Welfare Officer Prakash Rao, SC Welfare ED Mahalaxmi and others were present.