The progress review meeting of the Ponnampet Taluk Guarantee Schemes Implementation Committee was held recently at the Taluk Panchayat Samarthya Soudha in Ponnampet under the chairmanship of Taluk Guarantee Schemes Committee Chairman Prashanth.
During the meeting, it was decided that greater publicity should be given to the Yuva Nidhi Scheme. The committee discussed contacting graduates over the telephone to inform them about the benefits of the scheme and encourage them to avail themselves of it. Employment Exchange officials briefed the meeting on the eligibility criteria for the scheme.
Officials informed that students who graduated during the 2024–25 academic year are eligible for the scheme. Eligible degree holders receive an incentive of Rs. 3,000 per month, while diploma holders receive Rs. 1,500 per month. It was also stated that postgraduate degree holders are eligible for an incentive of Rs. 3,000.   The meeting observed that regular visits to colleges and collection of students’ information would help in the effective implementation of the scheme. Chairman Prashanth stated that awareness about the programme would be enhanced through radio, newspapers and visual media.
Reviewing the Anna Bhagya Scheme, officials informed that the process of linking the caste certificates of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe beneficiaries with their ration cards is currently underway at fair price shops across Ponnampet Taluk. They further stated that e-KYC is mandatory for all ration card holders.
Officials also warned that if subsidised ration rice is found being sold illegally in the black market, the ration cards of the concerned beneficiaries would be cancelled.
With regard to the Shakti Scheme, the meeting discussed the shortage of bus services for schoolchildren on Saturdays, when schools function for only half a day. Members requested that the issue be resolved to ensure adequate transport facilities for students.
The meeting also urged that KSRTC buses be permitted to park at the Gonikoppal Bus Stand. In response, KSRTC officials requested that private bus operators should not obstruct or prevent KSRTC buses from using the designated parking space.    Apart from reviewing the implementation of the five guarantee schemes, the committee also discussed several other public issues concerning the taluk.
Virajpet Taluk Executive Officer Rajesh, members of the Taluk Guarantee Schemes Committee, and officials from various government departments were present at the meeting.
