Andhra Pradesh Government Sanctions ₹7.9 Crore for Volunteer 4G SIM Payments | G.O.Rt.No.1 (2020) Explained

The Government of Andhra Pradesh has issued G.O.Rt.No.1 dated 23 July 2020, approving an administrative sanction of ₹7,90,66,422 for clearing pending payments towards 4G SIM cards supplied to Gram/Ward Volunteers. This move ensures uninterrupted digital connectivity for volunteers who play a crucial role in the state's doorstep service delivery system.

📌 What Is This Government Order About?

In the official communication submitted by the Commissioner & Director of GV/WV & VS/WS, it was stated that:

• A budget of ₹46.45 crore was sanctioned for the financial year 2020–21.

• Out of this, ₹8 crore was earmarked for office expenses (Head of Account 130–139).

• Payments for 4G SIMs used by volunteers from February to May 2020 were pending.

• To clear dues to telecom companies, a request for ₹7.9 crore was placed before the government.

The Andhra Pradesh Government approved this request after review.

💰 Total Sanctioned Amount: ₹7,90,66,422

The order confirms that an amount of:

₹7.90 crore (Seven Crore Ninety Lakh Sixty-Six Thousand Four Hundred and Twenty-Two Rupees)

has been sanctioned from the 2020–21 budget for clearing SIM card charges incurred during February–May 2020.

This ensures transparency, accountability, and smooth functioning of volunteer-based public service systems.

📡 Telecom Companies Receiving the Payments

The sanctioned amount was distributed to the following telecom service providers:

Telecom Company	Amount (₹)
Bharti Airtel Limited	4,77,10,970
Vodafone Idea Ltd.	1,90,64,925
BSNL	1,22,90,527
Total	7,90,66,422

This payment helps ensure consistent mobile data services for thousands of village and ward volunteers across Andhra Pradesh.

🏛 Financial Details: Head of Account & Budget Release

The amount was drawn from the following Head of Account:

3451–00–090–00–47–130–139

This belongs to the Office Expenses category.
Key financial details include:

• Budget Provision 2020–21: ₹8 crore

• Amount Authorized Earlier: 0

• Amount Authorized Now: ₹7.91 crore

• Balance Remaining: ₹9 lakh

The Deputy Secretary to Government (GV/WV & VS/WS) acted as the Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO).

👥 Why Volunteers Need 4G SIM Connectivity

AP Volunteers use mobile devices daily for:

• Updating welfare delivery data

• Real-time reporting to village/ward secretariats

• Receiving service requests from citizens

• Coordinating with government departments

Uninterrupted 4G connectivity is essential for:

✔ Doorstep delivery of welfare schemes
✔ Tracking household-level data
✔ Transparent governance
✔ Efficient monitoring and reporting

Thus, clearing SIM dues is a critical administrative requirement.

📄 Who Issued the Government Order?

The GO was issued by the order of the Governor of Andhra Pradesh and signed by:

Ajay Jain, IAS

Principal Secretary to Government (FAC)

Copies of the order were circulated to the Finance Department, Pay & Accounts Offices, and the Commissioner & Director of GV/WV & VS/WS for necessary action.

📝 Summary: Why This GO Matters

The sanction of ₹7.9 crore reinforces the Andhra Pradesh Government’s commitment to strengthening grassroots governance.
By ensuring seamless digital connectivity for volunteers, the state ensures:

• Better service delivery

• Faster data communication

• Transparency in welfare programs

• Stronger village/ward secretariat operations

This GO is another step towards empowering the volunteer system — a backbone of Andhra Pradesh’s governance model.

📚 References

1. Government of Andhra Pradesh. (2020). G.O.Rt.No.1 – Department of Gram Volunteers/Ward Volunteers & Village Secretariats/Ward Secretariats.
   Dated: 23 July 2020.
   Source: User-uploaded document 2020GWS_RT1.PDF.

2. Commissioner & Director of GV/WV & VS/WS (2020).
   e-file No. GVS01-COOR/33/2020-MLO1, dated 14 July 2020;
   Proceedings No. 124/GSWS/2020, dated 18 July 2020.

3. Finance (FMU-PR&RD) Department, Govt. of AP.
   Budget Release Order – G.O.Rt.No.1938.
   Dated: 21 July 2020.