When a new government takes over, it’s common practice to rename existing schemes, government buildings, airports, and universities. This tradition was also followed by the YSRCP in Andhra Pradesh when they came into power in 2019. They renamed NTR Health University to YSR Health University and introduced several schemes bearing the name of then CM Jagan.
Now, the latest government has swiftly renamed these existing schemes and removed the ‘Jagananna’ name from them. Interestingly, they did not rename them after Chandrababu or NTR. For instance, ‘Jagananna Vidya Deevena’ and ‘Jagananna Vasathi Deevena’ are now known as Post Matric Scholarships. ‘Jagananna Videshi Vidya Deevena’ has been changed to Ambedkar Overseas Vidya Nidhi.
Other changes include renaming ‘YSR Kalyana Masthu’ to ‘Chandranna Pelli Kanuka’, which was originally a TDP scheme during 2014-19. ‘YSR Vidyonnathi’ is now ‘NTR Vidyonnathi’, and ‘Jagananna Civil Services Protasakam’ is rebranded as Incentives for Civil Services exams.
Under the direction of Social Welfare Minister Dola Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy, the government issued a GO (Government Order) for these name changes with immediate effect. The GO stated that this is to ensure effective public access and indicated that further reviews and modifications to the schemes will follow.
Additionally, reports indicate that the government has halted the distribution of passbooks and beneficiary cards featuring party symbols, colors, and images of Jagan.
The new administration in Andhra Pradesh is clearly proactive after Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu announced the cabinet portfolios. Ministers are assuming their responsibilities and assessing their departments under Naidu’s directive to work diligently and not rest on the laurels of their electoral victory.