On October 10, 2019, The Chief Minister (CM) of Andhra Pradesh YS Jagan Mohan Reddy of Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) launched YSR Kanti Velugu Scheme 2019 at Government Junior College for Boys in Anantapur district on the occasion of World Sight Day. Under this scheme, the natives of Andhra Pradesh can screen their eyes free of cost and spectacles will also be provided. It is a part of the Fit India Movement. A task force headed by the Collector would monitor the programme in each district.
Key Points:
i. The cashless comprehensive primary, secondary and tertiary quality eye care services are provided to the people of the state and the estimated cost is about Rs 560.88 crore.
ii. Under the first phase (till October 16, 2019), over 70 lakh students will receive primary basic screening by Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA), teachers, Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) and other staff members.
iii. The second phase will be launched on November 1, 2019, and it will be for 2 months. In this children having vision defects would be provided advanced treatment.
iv. From the third (from February 1, 2020) to sixth phase, the state government will provide primary mass of eye services to 1 crore people of the state of Andhra Pradesh.
v. On October 4, the government had also launched ‘YSR Vahan Mitra’ scheme in which the auto-rickshaw and cab owners are provided Rs 10,000 per annum as financial assistance.
About Andhra Pradesh:
♦ Capital: Amaravati
♦ National Parks: Sri Venkateswara National Park, Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Papikonda National Park
♦ Wildlife Sanctuaries: Coringa WLS, Gundla Brahmeswaram WLS, Kambalakonda WLS, Kolleru WLS, Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam WLS, Rollapadu WLS etc