Chandrababu Naidu announces revival of Ambedkar overseas Vidya Nidhi scheme

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, on the occasion of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s 134th birth anniversary, announced the revival of the ‘Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Overseas Vidya Nidhi’ scheme, aimed at supporting meritorious students from marginalized communities in pursuing higher education abroad.

Speaking at a commemorative event in Amaravati, Naidu emphasized his government’s commitment to restoring and enhancing welfare schemes honoring Ambedkar’s legacy.

The scheme, previously renamed and altered under the former YSRCP regime, will now be reinstated with its original title and expanded scope, Naidu stated.

“Dr. Ambedkar’s vision of education as a tool for empowerment is our guiding light. The Ambedkar Overseas Vidya Nidhi will provide financial assistance to deserving SC, ST, and other backward class students to study at top global universities, ensuring they bring back knowledge to uplift their communities,” he said.

About scheme

Naidu highlighted that the revived scheme will cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs for students admitted to the world’s top 200 universities, with an increased budget allocation to benefit more applicants. He also assured streamlined processes to ensure transparency and accessibility, addressing past criticisms of delays and mismanagement.

Paying tributes to Ambedkar, Naidu reiterated his government’s focus on social justice, citing initiatives like teacher recruitments and economic revival as steps toward inclusive growth.

“Reviving this scheme is not just policy—it’s our duty to honor Babasaheb’s dream of equality,” he added.

The announcement has been welcomed by student organizations and community leaders, who see it as a step toward empowering underprivileged youth. The state government is expected to release detailed guidelines for the scheme in the coming weeks.