Jagan Government Plans to Double Cash Awards for Volunteers, Opposition Fumes

In a strategic move ahead of the elections, the Jagan government has unveiled a plan to entice more volunteers to work for the party. The scheme involves doubling the monetary awards provided to volunteers under various categories. Chief Minister Jagan and party leaders openly tout all volunteers as Vaikapa, emphasizing their significance in party operations.

Discussions are underway to ramp up the annual budget for awards from Rs. 250 crores to Rs. 500 crores, with proposals slated for government approval shortly. Preparations are already underway for the award ceremonies, indicating government directives to expedite arrangements.

Under the proposed changes, the Seva Vajra Award cash prize will escalate from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 60,000, Sevaratna from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 40,000, and Sevamitra from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 20,000. Despite criticism of volunteer performance, opposition parties are incensed by the government's unilateral decision to double cash incentives, accusing them of misusing public funds to bolster party support ahead of elections.

The move has sparked outrage, particularly as 875 individuals are selected for the Seva Vajra Award, while 4,220 recipients are chosen for the Seva Ratna Award, further intensifying opposition scrutiny over the government's alleged attempt to curry favor with volunteers at the expense of taxpayers' money.