Kanti Velugu aimed to test vision of 5 cr people in State: Minister

Kurnool: Minister for Labour Gummanur Jayaram stated that Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy introduced YSR Kanti Velugu scheme with the aim of eradicating blindness in a phased manner. This will bring cheers to the people, he said.

The minister, accompanied by District Collector G Veera Pandiyan, inaugurated the YSR Kanti Velugu programme at Nehru Memorial High School here on Thursday. Addressing a meeting on the occasion, the Minister said that "Sarvendriyanaam Nayanam Pradhanam" (of all organs, eyes are very important). The novel programme is launched on the occasion of "World Sight Day," said Gummanur Jayram.

He further said that the programme is aimed to test the vision of 5 crore people across the state to which the government has allocated Rs.560 crores. In the first phase 70 lakh students pursuing education in government and private schools will be tested. The programme will continue up to 16th October. Kurnool district has been allocated Rs.46 crores, the Minister said.

Collector, G Veera Pandiyan said in the first phase we have identified 4,e449 schools both private and government wherein 6.96 lakh students in the age group of 5 to 15 years will be tested their eye sight. Around 4,000 staff have been deployed to carry on the task. He asked the students to preserve eyesight health cards.

He further said that a medical board is likely to set up at every constituency under Dr YSR Kanti Velugu scheme. After completion of primary testing at the medical board, if necessary, the government will provide glasses and other tests free of cost.

MP Sanjeev Kumar, MLAs Katasani Ram Bhupal Reddy and Dr Sudhakar also addressed the meeting. Later eye testing was conducted to the students at the school premises. The Minister along with others gave Dr YSR Kati Velugu health card to a student.

Joint collectors Patanshetty Ravi Subash, Khaza Mohiuddin, Dr Jaya Chandra Reddy, Commissioner Ravindra Babu, DMHO, Dr Narashimhulu, HoD of Regional Eye Hospital Dr Narendranath Reddy, Dr Anjaneyulu, DEO Tehara Sultana, PO SSA, Tilak Vidya Sagar and others participated.