📢 CM Chandrababu Naidu Launches ‘Thalliki Vandanam’: ₹15,000 Annual Aid to Mothers of Schoolchildren
Guntur, June 12, 2025 — In a major welfare push, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu today launched the much-anticipated ‘Thalliki Vandanam’ scheme, offering an annual financial assistance of ₹15,000 per school-going child directly to mothers across the state.
Addressing the media at his official residence in Undavalli, Naidu hailed the initiative as a “tribute to the mother’s role in shaping a child’s future” and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to educational and social empowerment.
₹8,745 Crore Released in First Phase
As part of the scheme’s inaugural rollout, the state government disbursed ₹8,745 crore to the bank accounts of mothers, covering an estimated 67.27 lakh students from Class 1 to Intermediate 1st Year. The funds were transferred via the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
“This is not charity — this is an investment in education and the dignity of motherhood,” Naidu declared.
The Thalliki Vandanam scheme replaces the earlier ‘Amma Vodi’ program with broader coverage and increased financial support. While Amma Vodi reached around 42.6 lakh students with ₹6,392 crore, Thalliki Vandanam expands the reach by 24 lakh more students and enhances the per-student support by nearly 150%.
Inclusive and Universal Coverage
A key highlight of the scheme is universal inclusion — every child in a household is covered, unlike previous schemes which limited support to one child per family. “Whether a mother has one child or three, she will receive ₹15,000 for each,” Naidu said.
Additionally, ₹1,346 crore has been earmarked for school infrastructure, including toilet maintenance and basic facilities, with ₹1,000 allocated per student for this purpose.
Streamlined Implementation with Accountability
In preparation for the rollout, the Chief Minister conducted a high-level review meeting with officials, including Ministers Nara Lokesh and Payyavula Keshav. Officials were instructed to ensure that no eligible student or mother is left out due to technical errors.
New enrollees — especially Class 1 and Intermediate first-year students for the 2025–26 academic year — will be included after Aadhaar-based verification and KYC completion.
“Even if a mother is left out today due to data mismatch, she will not lose her right. We are keeping windows open for verification and delayed benefit transfers,” Naidu assured.
Transparency and Digital Governance
To minimize leakages, the government has mandated e-KYC verification, Aadhaar linkage, and NPCI mapping for all transactions. In case of any exclusion due to incomplete documentation, mothers can approach local educational authorities for resolution.
“We want to ensure every rupee reaches the right beneficiary. Technology will help us achieve that,” the CM emphasized.
Part of the ‘Super Six’ Promise
Thalliki Vandanam is the first major initiative rolled out under the TDP-led government’s ‘Super Six’ welfare guarantee. Other programs scheduled for rollout include:
- Janmabhoomi Pensions: ₹1,500 monthly support for women aged 19–59
- Annadata Sukhibhava: ₹20,000 annual support for farmers
- Free Bus Travel for women (from August 15)
- Youth Unemployment Allowance of ₹3,000
- Mega DSC Recruitment Drive for teachers
“These are not election promises. These are our moral duties,” Naidu said, underlining his government’s welfare-driven governance model.
Beneficiaries Express Relief and Hope
Across the state, mothers welcomed the move with gratitude and hope. “This money will help us buy books, uniforms, and even food for our children,” said Lakshmi, a domestic worker from Prakasam district.
Educators too have praised the scheme, noting its potential to improve enrollment and reduce dropouts. “When the financial burden is reduced, parents are more willing to send children to school regularly,” said a headmaster from Anantapur.
Opposition Reacts
While the ruling alliance has lauded the program as historic, opposition leaders from the YSRCP have claimed the scheme is a rebranded version of Amma Vodi. Responding to the criticism, Naidu said, “We are not just changing names. We are changing lives — with more funds, more coverage, and more accountability.”
Looking Ahead
The government plans to release a second round of funding later this academic year, targeting newly enrolled students after verification. Officials will also monitor how infrastructure funds are being used to improve basic amenities in government schools.
As Andhra Pradesh embarks on this large-scale welfare journey, CM Naidu concluded with a powerful message: “We salute the mothers of Andhra Pradesh. Their dreams are now our responsibility.”
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