Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu launched the Mukyamantri Yuva Nestam scheme on Tuesday, in which as many as 2.08 lakh unemployed youth will get Rs 1,000 as monthly allowance.
The scheme is one of the electoral promises of the TDP government. While around 6 lakh people applied for it using their mobile phones, the government has selected 2.08 lakh unemployed youth.
Though the scheme barred candidates from the land-owning families earlier, the government has now given an exemption. Any unemployed youth with 'White Ration Card' can apply online and get benefits from the scheme.
Chandrababu Naidu gave certificates to eligible unemployed youths. He also interacted with several youths, students and discussed employment prospects and careers.
Several officials from private companies having potential for providing employment to the youth of the state, along with IT Minister Nara Lokesh and other ministers, MLAs participated in the programme.
Interacting with the students, CM Naidu said that the scheme was launched to give support to the youth of the state, in achieving their goals.
When a student asked Chandrababu if he had ever thought of becoming an CM, he said that he initially thought of becoming an IAS officer but opted to contest for elections in 1972.
He said, ”I thought it's better to contest for MLA position, then I can become a minister, so that we can control the IAS officers.”
He advised the youth to use the opportunities that come their way at every step and stressed that only "struggle" and “effort" can give success.