Thalliki Vandanam is a bold and inclusive welfare initiative that has the potential to reshape educational access in Andhra Pradesh.
Published Jun 22, 2025 | 9:00 AM ⚊ Updated Jun 22, 2025 | 9:00 AM
The Thalliki Vandanam Scheme, a flagship initiative under the Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government’s “Super Six” election promises, has emerged as a shining example of meticulous planning and execution.
Synopsis: A flagship promise under Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s “Super Six” agenda, Thalliki Vandanam offers ₹15,000 annually to mothers or guardians for every school-going child from Class I to intermediate.
The launch of the “Thalliki Vandanam” scheme by the Andhra Pradesh government in June 2025 is a noteworthy step in the state’s ongoing efforts to promote education and empower mothers.
This initiative, a flagship promise under Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s “Super Six” agenda, offers ₹15,000 annually to mothers or guardians for every school-going child from Class I to intermediate. People’s Pulse Research Organisation conducted an in-depth study of this scheme to understand its impact and challenges on the ground.
At first glance, the scheme’s expansive reach and generous financial assistance suggest a transformative potential for educational access, especially among economically vulnerable families. Yet, a closer examination reveals a complex interplay of promise and practical challenges that merit careful consideration.
Unlike its predecessor, the “Amma Vodi” scheme, which limited assistance to one child per mother, “Thalliki Vandanam” embraces a more inclusive approach by supporting all eligible children within a household. This shift is significant in a state where large families often face difficult decisions about which child’s education to prioritise due to financial constraints.
By extending benefits to over 67 lakh students and approximately 43 lakh mothers, the scheme aims to alleviate these burdens and foster educational equity. The eligibility criteria, ranging from income thresholds and landholding limits to ownership of vehicles and electricity consumption, reflect a concerted effort to target assistance to the truly needy, reinforcing the government’s commitment to social justice.
Financially, the scheme is structured to deposit ₹15,000 directly into mothers’ or guardians’ bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer, ensuring transparency and reducing intermediaries. However, a deduction of ₹2,000 per beneficiary is earmarked for improving school infrastructure, hygiene, and sanitation.
This dual focus on immediate financial relief and enhancing the educational environment is commendable in policy design, but has elicited mixed reactions among beneficiaries. While many mothers express relief and gratitude, appreciating the newfound ability to afford books, uniforms, and daily expenses for multiple children, some voice concerns about the deduction.
For instance, Radika from Karnool questions the transparency of the ₹2,000 fund usage, feeling it diminishes the promised support. Such sentiments underscore the importance of clear communication and visible improvements in schools to sustain trust and engagement.
Comparing “Thalliki Vandanam” with “Amma Vodi” highlights both continuity and evolution in Andhra Pradesh’s educational welfare landscape. The earlier scheme, implemented by the previous YSR Congress government, provided ₹15,000 annually to one child per mother, benefiting around 42.6 lakh students.
The new scheme’s broader coverage—adding approximately 24.6 lakh beneficiaries—reflects a deliberate move towards inclusivity and equity. Yet, this expansion comes with a substantial fiscal commitment, with an initial budget allocation of ₹8,745 crore for the academic year 2025–26. While this demonstrates political will, it also raises questions about the scheme’s long-term sustainability amid competing developmental priorities.
Beyond financial assistance, “Thalliki Vandanam” symbolises a recognition of mothers’ central role in children’s education and family welfare. Empowering women financially has been globally linked to improved educational outcomes, and this scheme aligns with such evidence by placing funds directly in mothers’ hands. Its inclusivity across social categories—including Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, minorities, and Economically Weaker Sections—further reinforces its commitment to social equity.
However, the scheme’s success hinges on more than monetary transfers. The government’s decision to allocate part of the funds for school improvements is a step in the right direction, acknowledging that increased enrolment must be matched by quality education, adequate infrastructure, and trained teachers. Yet, the effectiveness of this approach depends heavily on transparent and accountable implementation, which remains a challenge in many welfare programmes.
Administrative hurdles also loom large. The government’s introduction of a “Six-Step Validation” process—covering household mapping, attendance verification, mother’s eKYC, bank account linking, NPCI integration, and eligibility checks—is designed to ensure accurate beneficiary identification and timely disbursal. While this is a positive development, its success will depend on the robustness of administrative machinery and the ability to address grievances promptly.
Voices from the beneficiaries provide a nuanced picture. Sujatha, a mother of two from Vijayawada, shares how the scheme has eased her financial strain, allowing her to support both children’s education without difficult trade-offs. Kavitha, a single mother in rural Anantapur, feels acknowledged and supported by the government’s gesture. Yet, the concerns raised by others about fund deductions and the visibility of school improvements remind policymakers that the scheme’s promise must be matched by transparent action.
In short, “Thalliki Vandanam” is a bold and inclusive welfare initiative that has the potential to reshape educational access in Andhra Pradesh. Its expansive coverage and direct financial support reflect a progressive policy mindset that values women’s empowerment as a driver of educational progress.
Nevertheless, the scheme’s ultimate impact will depend on meticulous implementation, transparent governance, and integration with broader educational reforms. Addressing beneficiary concerns and ensuring tangible improvements in school infrastructure are crucial to sustaining public trust and realising the scheme’s transformative promise.
As Andhra Pradesh embarks on this ambitious journey, “Thalliki Vandanam” may well set a precedent for mother-centric welfare schemes, reinforcing the vital link between women’s empowerment and children’s education in India’s development narrative.
(The author is a Researcher at the People’s Pulse Research Organisation. Views are personal. Edited by Majnu Babu).
