Andhra Pradesh Clinches 11 Skoch Awards for Social Justice Efforts

Andhra Pradesh has achieved a significant milestone by securing a total of 11 Skoch awards for its initiatives in social justice and urban poverty alleviation. The awards, which include nine platinum and one gold, were presented at an event held at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi on September 20, 2023.

Acknowledging Leadership and Commitment

During the award ceremony, S. Savita, the Minister for Backward Classes Welfare, expressed her gratitude upon receiving the prestigious Skoch Gold Award for Social Justice. She dedicated the recognition to N. Chandrababu Naidu, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, emphasizing his commitment to empowering unemployed youth from backward classes through free coaching for competitive examinations.

“This award will inspire me to work with even greater dedication,” Savita stated, revealing plans to establish a BC Study Circle on five acres of land in Amaravati, alongside new study centres in cities like Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry, Tirupati, and Anantapur. She highlighted the prioritization of welfare for weaker sections by both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Naidu.

MEPMA’s Impact on Urban Poverty Alleviation

The Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas (MEPMA) played a pivotal role in this achievement, receiving nine Skoch Platinum awards for its exemplary efforts in urban poverty alleviation. MEPMA submitted 14 projects for consideration, with nine awarded for their outstanding contributions to sustainable and inclusive urban development across the state.

Receiving the awards on behalf of MEPMA, N. Tej Bharath, the director, acknowledged the dedication of the Andhra Pradesh government, the MEPMA team, and urban self-help groups. He noted that the recognition reinforces MEPMA’s status as a model agency with successful projects that other states can replicate for urban empowerment.

In addition to MEPMA’s recognition, the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) received the Skoch Award for 2025 for its effective implementation of digital ticketing services, enhancing convenience and transparency for passengers. The award was presented to Y. Srinivasa Rao, chief engineer of IT, during the ceremony.

Executive Director G.V. Ravi Varma expressed pride in APSRTC’s achievement, while Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Dwaraka Tirumala Rao congratulated the staff for their contributions to this success.

Recognizing Key Projects and Initiatives

The awarded projects reflect MEPMA’s commitment to addressing various aspects of urban poverty and empowering communities. Notable initiatives include:

• Nivasam: Providing safe and secure shelter for the urban homeless.
• Livelihood Tracker: Utilizing technology to monitor and improve livelihoods.
• Bank Linkage Scheme: Enhancing financial inclusion through self-help group (SHG) and bank linkages.
• Empowering SHG Women via e-Commerce: Facilitating online market access for SHG women entrepreneurs.
• SHG Empowerment through Skill & Gig Economy Initiatives: Connecting SHGs with gig economy opportunities for skill development and employment.
• SHG-Led Enterprises and Urban Job Creation: Promoting entrepreneurship and job creation led by SHGs in urban areas.
• Prerana Sakhis: Recognizing outstanding SHG women as role models and community leaders.
• Street Vendors Management Programme: Supporting the livelihoods and welfare of street vendors.
• Vulnerable Occupational Groups Formation: Organizing and empowering workers in vulnerable sectors.

The recognition of these initiatives underscores Andhra Pradesh’s ongoing efforts to combat poverty and foster social justice through innovative and inclusive programs.