Cabinet decided to extend the benefit to degree-holders alone

The much-awaited unemployment allowance/stipend programme is likely to be implemented from June. The policy guidelines will be ready by the end of this month. The government is contemplating extending the benefit to 10 lakh unemployed youth.

The Cabinet Sub Committee on Unemployment Allowance, which met on Thursday, decided to extend the benefit to degree-holders alone. Those pursuing post-graduate courses were ineligible

Election promise

The committee also decided to provide skill development training to those who completed courses such as polytechnic and ITI.Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu said the unemployment allowance was a promise made in the run-up to the elections in 2014. The government was committed to implementing its electoral promise. A provision of ?1,000 crore was made in the budget. The government was willing to release any amount to help the unemployed youth, he said.

The government would appoint district-wise nodal officers to receive and dispose of the applications. Plans were being chalked out to generate employment by providing loans through various corporations if the number of applicants was more.Candidates working on outsourcing and contract basis and private employees would also be ineligible. Only one person in the family would be eligible for the allowance, he said.

BC Welfare Minister K. Atchannaidu; Sports and Youth Minister Kollu Ravindra; and Special Chief Secretary L.V. Subrahmanyam were present.