YSRCP leader accuses A.P. government of neglecting Ambedklar statue in Vijayawada

Attempts are being made to lease the area to private entities and the move is disrespectful, says Merugu Nagarjuna

Name Vijayawada West Bypass Road after Vangaveeti Mohana Ranga, demands APCC leader

The Congress is not against the governments decision to name important projects Andhra Pradesh after prominent persons, says Kolanukonda Shivaji

Naidus usual attire in bone-chilling temperatures at Davos goes viral

VIJAYAWADA : Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidus participation in the Davos Investment Summit in his usual attire despite the chill there turned viral on Tuesday. Naidus pictures showed him without a sweater or jerkin, arousing the curiosity of those browsing the social media. Notably, while Naidus companions donned warm sweaters that helped them withstand sub-zero temperatures, the CM opted for lighter attire without even a scarf. Davos in Switzerland is hosting the World Economic Forum, which saw the attendance of leaders from various states and nations hoping to attract investments from entrepreneurs and great businesses. Naidu, who styles himself as state CEO, headed the AP team to the WEF. The 74-year-old Naidu was seen in his usual yellow shirt and pants. Telangana CM Revanth Reddy, Union aviation minister Rammohan Naidu, Telangana minister Sridhar Babu, as also TG Venkatesh and Nara Lokesh were all wearing coats/sweaters. Chandrababu Naidu has been to Davos nine times. YS Jagan Mohan Reddy went to the summit only once -- in 2022. Revanth Reddy has also gone there only once. Former Telangana chief minister had avoided the summit during his 10-year tenure.

Lokesh invites ZF Foxconn to set up automobile unit in AP

VIJAYAWADA : Terming Andhra Pradesh as a strategic region for supply chain operations, IT and Electronics Minister Nara Lokesh, has invited the ZF Foxconn company to set up its unit in the state. The minister addressed various sessions at the World Economic Forum Summit in Davos on its second day on Tuesday. He held a meeting at Belvedere hotel with the CEO of ZF Foxconn chassis modules company, Eike Dorff. Lokesh informed Dorff that APs automobile sector was developing rapidly. Popular car companies like Kia and Isuzu have their units in the state, he explained. These apart, bus manufacturing companies like Ashok Leyland, Veera and Azad Mobility are also planning to expand their Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEMs) units in AP as the state has a positive ecosystem for investments. Cities like Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and Anantapur are the most ideal for setting up the automobile manufacturing and supply chain, Lokesh said and invited the CEO to establish his unit in AP. The wide roads, ports and airports in the state will help improve supply chain operations, Lokesh said and informed him that the state government is sharpening the skills of youths. He sought the cooperation of the ZF Foxconn for setting up engineering and skilling centres in AP, an official release here said. Informing Lokesh that the ZF Foxconn Chassis Modules and Hero Motors joint ventures are already maintaining a plant in Chennai, besides extending crucial global customer services to BMW, the company CEO said that it has set a target to take the transactions in India to $8.8 billion by 2029, up from the current $4.4 billion. The CEO said a decision will be taken after discussing APs proposal at the companys board meeting.

AP insists on sharing of Krishna water on 66:34 ratio with Telangana

Vijayawada : Andhra Pradesh has insisted on continuing the sharing of Krishna water on the existing ratio of 66.34 for the current year too. This was against Telanganas proposal for equal sharing of water between the two states on a 50:50 ratio, during a meeting of the Krishna River Management Board in Hyderabad on Tuesday. A delegation of water resources department officials, headed by engineer-in-chief Venkateswara Rao from AP, water resources principal secretary Rahul Bojja and ENC Anil Kumar from Telangana attended the KRMB meeting. It was presided over by chairman Atul Jain. AP water authorities said both sides discussed the setting up of telemetry stations. AP promised to give its word to Telangana after holding internal discussion on the issue. The issue of jurisdiction of the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam also has been raised. As the issue was pending in court, no decision has been taken. The Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is supposed to be handed over to the KRMB. Andhra Pradesh has informed the Telangana side that once they do so, AP will also follow suit. However, as the issue is pending in the Supreme Court, both sides would maintain the status quo for now. On the proposal from Telangana for withdrawal of CRPF personnel from the dam, it was noted that the force was deployed by the Union home ministry. Telangana expressed its intent to urge the central government to withdraw the force. AP water resources ENC, Venkateswara Rao, said, We insisted on continuing the existing position of water sharing between AP and TG on a 66.34 ratio this year. KRMB accepted our proposal.

AP initiates disciplinary action against ex-ADGP Sanjay

Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh government has initiated disciplinary action against former additional director general of police, Crime Investigation, N Sanjay, on charges of misconduct. Chief Secretary K Vijayanand issued an order on Monday, saying the government has decided to initiate disciplinary action against Sanjay in accordance with the procedure laid down in Rule 8 of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969. Sanjay was asked to submit a written statement of defence and whether he intended to be heard in person within 30 days of receipt of this order. If no written statement of defence is filed within stipulated period and if he fails to appear in person before the competent authority, action would be initiated against him. The GO stated that Sanjay, while holding FAC to the post of director general, AP State Disaster Response and Fire Services, committed grave misconduct and irregularities. The article of charges framed against him cited irregularities during tender process for development and maintenance of AGNI-NOC portal, irregularities in procurement of eight Microsoft surface pro 8 devices and two Apple iPad Pro devices for a total amount of `17.89 lakh. He also abused office to expedite payments to M/s Sauthrika Technologies and Infra Pvt Ltd without proper verification of work progress and failed to safeguard public funds and to ensure prudent financial management, while serving as DG of Disaster Response and Fire Services, it was stated in the GO. Sanjay also faced charges of failure to exercise proper oversight in the implementation of SC and ST awareness workshops despite allocation of `1 crore each for SC and ST workshops and authorised payments worth `1.19 crore to M/s Kritvyap Technologies Pvt Ltd. This was despite clear evidence showing that the actual expenditure for the services provided was only `3.10 lakh and this resulted in a misappropriation of `1.15 crore, as per the charge-sheet.

Lokesh invites ZF Foxconn to A.P.

Cities like Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and Anantapur are the most strategic places for setting up automobile manufacturing and supply chain, the Minister said

CS Urges Swift Land Acquisition for National Highways

Special chief secretary (energy) K. Vijayanand met Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy at the CM's camp office at Tadepalli on Monday and briefed them about the Enertia awards won by AP. (Image source:Youtube) Special chief secretary (energy) K. Vijayanand met Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy at the CM's camp office at Tadepalli on Monday and briefed them about the Enertia awards won by AP. (Image source:Youtube) Vijayawada: Chief secretary K. Vijayanand has directed the district and joint collectors and officials of the concerned departments to complete the necessary land acquisition for national highway projects in the state. On Tuesday, he held a video conference with the district collectors and JCs from the Secretariat, along with officials of the revenue, forest, TR&B, and national highways authority of India (NHAI), and the ministry of road transport and highways departments. The CS reviewed pending issues related to the construction and expansion of highways, including land acquisition, forest clearances, and necessary permissions for bypass roads. He further clarified that compensation to farmers should be provided as per land acquisition rules, and all necessary clearances should be processed promptly. The chief secretary stressed the importance of coordination among various departments to address pending issues effectively. The video conference included contributions from CCLA G. Jayalakshmi, TR&B principal secretary Kantilal Dande, additional PCCF Rahul Pandey, NHAI regional officer RK Singh, and ministry of road transport and highways regional officer Rakesh Kumar. Collectors and JCs from various districts participated virtually, marking a significant step toward resolving delays in key infrastructure projects.

Vijayawada: Durga temple incharge EO suspends official for dereliction in duty

Vijayawada: Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam (SDMSD) temple incharge EO Ramachandra Mohan has suspended a senior assistant, identified as D.V.V.J.K. Prasad, alias Venu, for alleged dereliction of duty at the Durga temple. Although the incharge EO, who is also the additional director of the endowment department, issued suspension orders three days ago, the issue came to light only on Monday. According to reports, the suspended official, who was working in the IT department, was accused of failing to submit the temples login credentials on time. The official had also faced serious graft charges in the past. In this context, the incharge EO initiated action and suspended the official from his position.

AP Assembly Speaker highlights legislative reforms at national conference

Vijayawada: The 85th All India Presiding Officers Conference in Patna served as a platform for reform advocacy, where Andhra Pradesh Assembly Speaker Chintakayala Ayyanna Patrudu proposed key changes to strengthen legislative bodies ahead of the Indian Constitutions 75th anniversary. In his address, Ayyanna Patrudu has emphasised the need for greater legislative autonomy from executive control, suggesting that current financial, and administrative oversight by the executive branch violates constitutional guarantees of legislative independence. He raised concerns about the declining number of legislative sessions across the country, proposing a constitutional amendment to mandate a minimum of 75 sittings per year for legislatures with more than 100 members. The number of sittings is a direct index of the health of the Legislature and democracy, he said. Highlighting recent developments in Andhra Pradesh, Ayyanna Patrudu noted that nearly 50 per cent of the states current Assembly members are first-time legislators, with 84 new MLAs joining after the recent elections. He called for a comprehensive training programme for new lawmakers, requesting the Lok Sabha Speakers guidance in developing a rich and scientific orientation programme. The conference coincides with Indias preparations to celebrate 75 years of its Constitution. The AP Assembly Speaker praised the documents progressive nature, particularly noting how India granted universal adult suffrage in its first elections of 195152, predating similar reforms in the United States by more than a decade. He also referenced the recent 2024 general elections, which saw a record-breaking 96.88 crore registered voters, describing it as the highest in human history.

Appointment of independent chief for persons with disabilities sought

VIJAYAWADA: Representatives of the All India Confederation of the Blind and the Development and Welfare Association of the Blind met State Chief Secretary K Vijayanand at the Secretariat in Velagapudi on Sunday. The delegation urged the State government to appoint an independent State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, as mandated by the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016. The delegation, led by P Chokka Rao, vice-president of the All India Confederation of the Blind, and K Srinivas, secretary of the Development and Welfare Association of the Blind, raised concern about the current arrangement where the Director of Welfare for Differently Abled and Senior Citizens also serves as the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities. They emphasised the need for a dedicated, independent commissioner to address the unique challenges faced by the disabled community. The representatives highlighted that such a step would ensure better implementation of the RPWD Act and provide stronger support for persons with disabilities across the State.

Buzz in BJP over new State chief after Amit Shahs meeting with leaders

VIJAYAWADA: Union Home Minister Amit Shah held separate meetings with the State BJP and VHP leaders in Vijayawada on Sunday. He focused on strengthening the party in the State and promoting awareness among people about the Central schemes at the meeting with BJP leaders, which was chaired by State party chief Daggubati Purandeswari. He is said to have discussed the appointment of new State BJP chief at the meeting. Later, some aspirants for the post, including MLA Sujana Chowdary and a few MPs, met Amit Shah individually, triggering significant buzz within BJP circles. Amit Shah urged the BJP leaders to prioritise public outreach, highlighting the Cental aid to AP. BJP activists should unitedly strive to strengthen the party in the State, setting aside differences if any among them, he asserted. Amit Shah congratulated the BJP and VHP leaders for the successful conduct of Hyndava Sankharavam in Vijayawada recently. VHP national vice-president G Gangaraju and others presented a copy of the declaration adopted at Hyndava Sankharavam to the Home Minister, which sought more autonomy for temples. Speaking about their discussions with Amit Shah, Gangaraju said, We highlighted the need for provision of more autonomy to temples to prevent incidents like the Tirumala laddu prasadam row. The Home Minister assured us that the Centre would take appropriate action on the matter.

TDP instructs leaders to refrain from commenting on Nara Lokeshs Deputy CM elevation pending alliance consultations

VIJAYAWADA: Amid increasing calls from within the party to elevate IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh to the position of Deputy Chief Minister the TDP high command has issued a directive instructing leaders not to make public statements on the matter. The party leadership has indicated that any decision will be made only after consultations with alliance partners the BJP and the Jana Sena. The directive follows a recent statement by TDP Politburo member Reddeppagari Srinivasa Reddy, who proposed Lokeshs elevation to Deputy CM in the presence of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu during an event in Mydukur, YSR district. Subsequently, several TDP MLAs, including Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy, Adireddy Vasu, and former Pithapuram MLA SVSN Varma, voiced their support for the proposal. In light of this, the party leadership has expressed concern that it is inappropriate for TDP leaders to publicly comment on such sensitive issues and has therefore instructed them to refrain from issuing statements on the topic until discussions with alliance partners are conducted. Confirming the development, a senior leader of the Telugu Desam Party stated that the party high command has not dismissed the request. A final decision will be made only after consultations with leaders of the NDA (National Democratic Alliance).

Industries Minister TG Bharat: Lokesh will be Chief Minister in future

VIJAYAWADA: Whether people like it or not, Nara Lokesh will become the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh in the future, said Industries Minister TG Bharath on Monday while interacting with the Telugu Diaspora in Zurich. It may be pointed out that Bharath is part of the delegation visiting Davos in Switzerland to attend the World Economic Summit. The Ministers statement is significant, coming just hours after the TDP reportedly issued a directive to party leaders and cadre, urging them to refrain from expressing opinions on the elevation of the IT (Information Technology) and HRD (Human Resource Development) Minister. Speaking in the presence of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu, and Lokesh, Bharath emphasised that the Telugu Desam Party will remain in power in the State for decades to come. Describing Lokesh as the future of the yellow party, he praised the IT Minister, who also serves as the TDP General Secretary, as the most dynamic youth leader and a highly-educated individual. Reaffirming that the party is in safe hands under the leadership of Chandrababu Naidu, Bharath highlighted the TDPs blend of young and senior leaders, all with a long-term vision.

CM showcases States investment opportunities to Swiss business leaders

VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu began his visit to Davos for the World Economic Forum (WEF) summit on an enthusiastic note by taking part in a series of high-level meetings with investors and business leaders, showcasing the vast potential of Andhra Pradesh as an investment destination. On day one, he first met Mridul Kumar, Indian Ambassador to Switzerland at the Hilton Hotel, Zurich, and discussed avenues to attract Swiss investments into Andhra Pradesh. Highlighting that over 350 Swiss companies, including Nestl, ABB, and Novartis, are already operating in India, the ambassador noted Switzerlands growing interest in Indian markets. The Chief Minister emphasised Andhra Pradeshs unique strengths in sectors like pharmaceuticals, medical devices, technical textiles, and rail components manufacturing. He proposed collaborations between Swiss universities and Andhra Pradeshs upcoming Skill and AI universities, fostering innovation and workforce development. Mridul Kumar facilitated a meeting between the Chief Minister and top executives from four leading Swiss companies including Raoul Keller, Secretary General, Swissmem, Markus Tacke, CEO, Oerlikon, Erich Schmid, CEO, Angst + Pfister and Jrn van der Krone, Head of Economics and External Affairs, Swiss Textiles. The discussions centered on investment opportunities, focusing on leveraging the States skilled workforce, business-friendly policies, and infrastructural advantages. Naidu extended a formal invitation to these companies to establish their presence in Andhra Pradesh, underscoring the incentives offered by both the Union and State governments. The Chief Minister highlighted several initiatives for investment including establishing advanced research and development centres, collaborations for innovation hubs and incubators, joint ventures in advanced manufacturing sectors like aerospace, automotive, and energy, expanding contract manufacturing and skill development in textiles, and setting up advanced facilities such as anti-vibration systems, plumbing labs, and coating centres. Mentioning that the pharma industry in Switzerland is worth over $100 billion, IT Minister Nara Lokesh sought the cooperation of the Swiss envoy in setting up units by pharma giants like Novartis, Roche, Lonza and Alcon in Andhra Pradesh. Over 27,300 Indians are now working for various engineering, IT and pharmaceutical, para-medical companies in Switzerland, he said. The Chief Minister, along with IT Minister N Lokesh, Industries Minister TG Bharath, and a team of officials, were accorded a rousing reception at Zurich Airport. Members of the Europe Telugu Desam Party Forum and the Telugu diaspora welcomed him with enthusiasm, reflecting their pride and support for Andhra Pradeshs developmental strides. An unexpected encounter at Zurich Airport saw Chief Minister Naidu meet his Telangana counterpart, Revanth Reddy. The two leaders exchanged views on developmental projects and ongoing investments in their respective States, emphasising collaborative efforts for regional growth. CM invites Telugu diaspora to invest in Andhra Pradesh Later in the day, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu interacted with Telugu entrepreneurs and professionals at a Meet and Greet event organised by the Telugu diaspora in Zurich. He expressed his pride in being part of the Telugu community and shared his vision for the States future. It is my fortune to be born into the Telugu community, which has always been a source of inspiration. If there is a rebirth, I wish to be born as a Telugu child again. My heart and soul are dedicated to the progress of our people, he remarked. Highlighting the importance of youth in nation-building, he urged them to aspire for leadership roles. Our people should not merely seek jobs but become job creators, he emphasised. The Chief Minister shared his roadmap for making Andhra Pradesh and the Telugu community global leaders by 2047. India is on track to become a global economic superpower by 2047, and Telugus will play a pivotal role in this journey. Our community must leverage global opportunities while contributing to the growth of our homeland, he pointed out. He urged the Telugu diaspora to actively engage with Andhra Pradeshs development. Your expertise and ideas can help us realise our vision of Swarna Andhra Pradesh by 2047. Let us work together to make Andhra Pradesh a beacon of innovation and prosperity, the Chief Minister said.

YSRCP challenges CMs claims of big investments

VIJAYAWADA: YSRCP spokesperson Putta Sivashankar Reddy has questioned the credibility of Chief Chandrababu Naidus repeated claims of bringing massive investments to Andhra Pradesh during his tenure between 2014 and 2019. Highlighting the absence of tangible outcomes, Sivashankar pointed out that despite four visits to Davos during that period, no significant industrial progress was achieved. He lambasted the baseless promises amplified by a section of media that boasted about investments from global giants such as Alibaba, Airbus, and Saudi Aramco, as well as the establishment of a high-speed rail factory and $20 billion investments from Kumiyumi Group. Additionally, projects like Microsofts Hybrid Cloud, Hero Honda, and Jindal factories in Prakasam district were heavily publicised. However, none of these companies materialised, leaving the State without the promised benefits. Chandrababu Naidu misused crores of taxpayers to run campaigns on national media to create a false narrative of industrial development while no real jobs or investments were delivered, he pointed out.

Land resurvey begins in Andhra Pradesh as complaints pour in

VIJAYAWADA: The State government kicked off another round of land survey (re-survey) on Monday after the revenue and land survey officials concerned are said to have received more than 2.8 lakh complaints across the State alleging irregularities and confusion over the previous land survey. According to sources, the re-survey of both private and government lands would be conducted on a pilot basis, selecting one village from each mandal. The resurveying will be done using highly advanced technologies in the field of surveying where the margin of error would be 4 cm. The sources in the Survey Settlement and Land Records said the land will be geo-mapped where latitudes and longitudes will be mentioned in the land measurements. In addition, the resurvey process uses the Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) network and avoids the usage of traditional survey stones used for the demarcation of boundaries. Utmost care was taken to conduct the survey systematically, without any haste. The selected village will be divided into various blocks, each containing 200-250 acres, and will be given the task of surveying by a village revenue officer. The entire process of resurveying will be completed in a month and can be extended to another week. The survey settlements and land records department is making sure that no anomalies occur in the surveying process taking all the departments concerned and landowners into consideration, said a senior official on the condition of anonymity. It may be recalled that the previous YSRCP government had taken up the comprehensive land survey on a massive scale and reportedly completed it in around 6,500 villages out of the total 16,000 villages in the State. Alleging irregularities such as erroneous entries, differences in boundaries, and other issues, farmers and landowners in many villages lodged their complaints with revenue officials during the Grama Sabhas conducted seeking rectification.

Andhra govt to run WhatsApp Governance pilot project in Tenali from Jan end

VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary K Vijayanand said that the State government would soon provide WhatsApp Governance services to the people in line with the objectives of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. The State government will run a pilot project in Tenali Assembly constituency beginning this month-end, where residents of the region will be able to obtain birth and death certificates via WhatsApp, he revealed. Chairing a meeting with the officials at the Real-Time Governance Society office at the Secretariat on Monday, the Chief Secretary (CS) took stock of the progress made concerning the issuance of birth and death certificates through WhatsApp. During the meeting, he emphasised that the Chief Minister aims to make government services more accessible and convenient for citizens by introducing WhatsApp Governance. He urged RTGS officials and relevant department officials to speed up the process. He suggested that Tenali be used as a test site to identify any potential challenges and technical issues in the process. These issues should be carefully studied and addressed to ensure the systems smooth implementation. He also instructed the departments of Panchayati Raj, Health and Medical, and Municipal Administration to extend full cooperation to RTGS officials for the successful implementation of this initiative. Principal Secretary (RTG) S Suresh Kumar confirmed that all necessary preparations for WhatsApp Governance have been made. He assured that they are taking comprehensive measures to avoid any errors in the process of issuing birth and death certificates through WhatsApp at the field level. RTGS Chief Executive Officer K Dinesh Kumar stated that by the end of January, they will assess the technical process of issuing birth and death certificates through WhatsApp in all the panchayats and municipalities of the Tenali Assembly constituency. To facilitate this, RTGS has developed a portal under the Andhra Pradesh Civil Registration System (AP CRS).

Assembly speaker Ch. Ayyanna Patrudu expresses concern over decline in legislative working days

VIJAYAWADA: Assembly Speaker Ch Ayyanna Patrudu raised concerns over the declining number of working days in Legislative Assemblies. He remarked, Fewer working days weaken democracy. Legislative bodies with over 100 members should mandatorily conduct sessions for at least 75 days a year. Over a five-year term, every legislature must ensure a minimum of 75 working days annually. Speaking in Telugu at the 85th All India Presiding Officers Conference in Patna on Monday, Ayyanna pointed out that 50% of the members elected to the Andhra Pradesh Assembly are first-time legislators. These young, talented, and educated leaders require proper understanding of legislative procedures and practices, he noted and roposed that awareness and orientation programmes should be conducted to enhance their knowledge. Speaking about 75 years of Indias democracy, he said, Our journey of amending the Constitution over 100 times reflects the strength and resilience of our democratic framework, emphasising that each amendment has played a vital role in strengthening the Constitution. The Speaker received widespread appreciation for speaking in Telugu, showcasing the cultural heritage and intellectual prominence of the Telugu-speaking community on a national platform.

Pawan moots population-based division for panchayat cluster grades in AP

VIJAYAWADA : Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has suggested a population-based division in the panchayat cluster grades along with the existing income-based cluster grade divisions. On Monday, he chaired a review meeting with the principal secretary and commissioner of Panchayat Raj and Rural Development, the two entities that he looks after. The discussions centered around the challenges being faced by the panchayats in staff appointments due to the cluster grade divisions, which follow the old income-based system. Issues related to coordination between the gram panchayat and secretariat staff, as well as the appointment of staff based on the proposed new cluster grade division system, were also discussed. Pawan said that the proposed population-based cluster grade division of panchayats will ensure sufficient staff availability in all panchayats and enable them to deliver better citizen services. These include the provision of primary amenities like drinking water, streetlight maintenance, sanitation services, and the implementation of developmental and welfare programmes for citizens, he said. The Deputy CM said he would form a committee to give recommendations for streamlining the administration in the panchayats and propose new cluster divisions and grade allocations in the state. The committee will consist of four senior officials from the Panchayat Raj department. They would submit a report to the government after considering the inputs provided by the 26 district collectors, taking into account both the income and population of the panchayats.

AP CM Naidu urges Telugus to give jobs instead of seeking them

Vijayawada: Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has called upon Telugus to rise to the level of giving jobs instead of seeking them. Addressing the Telugu industrialists as part of Meet and Greet programme in Zurich on Monday, Naidu claimed credit for laying the foundation for the second generation people to become entrepreneurs. He advised parents to send their daughters to pursue education and said he provided 33 per cent reservations for them in getting admission in educational institutions and in jobs. He said that such a move helped to find Telugu women in all IT companies. With regard to the shortage of manpower in every nation, Naidu said Japan was asking India for manpower for the first time. If a right decision is not taken at the right time, who would enjoy it if wealth was created and technology was developed, he asked. He predicted that two crore Telugu people would rule the roost in the world. He wanted them to stay put in the place where they were staying at present and advised them to expand themselves. You need to be present to develop AP as it could be done even by a telephone. Naidu wished that the Telugu people should spread to all parts of the world and they must balance their places of birth and work, equally. He said, I encouraged the youth to enter politics. A nation will flourish only because of its youth. You people have come from 12 nations in Europe for this meeting. Earlier, when I arrived at the airport, no Telugu people were to be found in Europe. Our people are very clever and go to such places where they can find employment opportunities. As Europe is facing trouble to find young manpower, our people are finding a chance to go and work all over the world. In all nations in the world, we can find Indians and the Telugu people. Naidu said that he was fortunate to be born a Telugu and wanted to take birth again as a Telugu. My heart is longing for the Telugu people. He thanked all Telugu people who fought for him when he was in jail for 53 days. The CM said TDP, Jana Sena and BJP joined hands and contested the last polls and got an unprecedented victory. I will never forget in my life as to how the Telugu people living all over the world came to AP and voted for us. Turning to his family, Naidu said, As my family never wanted to depend on politics to make money, they set up a firm called Heritage; and despite failing twice, they could be successful and are leading a life with dignity. He said, As I am involved in politics, my wife is taking care of the family business. So is the case with my son, Lokesh, who is involved in politics while my wife Brahmani is in business. Though we have come from the agriculture and labourer families, we are able to flourish wherever we go in the world. He said that AP would become a green hydrogen hub, and called upon the Telugus abroad to become the part of APs development.

Water users, ayacutdars urge KRMB to release Krishna water to save crops

Vijayawada: The Welfare Association of Water Users and Ayacutdars has appealed to the Krishna River Management Board to release the Krishna water to agricultural fields and save the standing crops in the Zone II and III region. The members, in a letter addressed to the chairman of KRMB here on Monday, sought release of 3,059 cusecs of water with a flow of 1,700 cusecs at 101.36km of 21st branch canal for realisation of water up to the tail end region of Nagarjuna Sagar Left Canal and to save the crops in Zone II and III region. They also made a call to assess the actual transmission losses, as the Telangana is recording huge losses as against APs share in their water releases at the AP border, by duly deputing the KRMB authorities to the NS canal system. The members also called for handing over of the NS right canal head regulator, which is in the AP region by duly withdrawing the CRPF forces and Telangana authorities in order to supply the water to Nagarjuna Sagar Right Canal Yacub as per the required cropping schedules. They pleaded for allocation of APs rightful share of water at 512tmc-ft out of the 811tmc-ft as per KWDT-1 to protect the existing ayacut under the AP project. The members also sought action for shifting the headquarter of KRMB to Vijayawada as per AP Reorganisation Act.

Guntur cybercrime police arrest social media fraudster at Indo-Nepal Border

Vijayawada: A team of the Guntur Cyber Crime Police has arrested a person who impersonated as Telugu Desam NRI convener for defrauding several persons in the guise of providing them medical assistance. The accused, Konduri Rajesh (34), was caught at the Indo-Nepal border in Panitanki, Darjeeling district of West Bengal, after a manhunt by the AP CID team. Police here said in a media release that the accused had fled to Goa, then to the Andaman Islands, and subsequently to Nepal via Uttar Pradesh and he continued his fraudulent activities there too. The accused exploited social media by monitoring hashtags like #help_@naralokesh, #help_@pawankalyan, and #help_@ncbn on Twitter to identify potential victims seeking medical and financial assistance. He used disposable US phone numbers to contact victims through WhatsApp and posed as the TDP NRI Convener. To make his scam appear real, he used AP IT minister Nara Lokesh's photograph and sent fake bank credit receipts to the victims, the media release said. He would then follow up with calls from Indian numbers, pretending to be bank managers, and convince victims to deposit money into his accounts under the pretext of (beneficiary) charges. The investigation has revealed that the accused Rajesh is facing nine cases registered under various sections of the BNS and IT Act. Some even cases in Andhra Pradesh and two in Telangana were registered last year. These were in addition to four cases registered in Telangana during 2022-2023. The amounts defrauded in the nine recent cases total `54.34 lakh, the release added. The release said the police received 1,614 complaints against him in total, of which nine have been formally registered as cases. Two additional complaints are pending registration in AP and four in Telangana, involving a fraud of `3 lakh. The cumulative amount lost by victims across all cases is estimated at `57 lakh. The arrest came after a 15-day operation by the investigation team through West Bengal, working in collaboration with the police network there. The accused was caught at Panitanki, under the jurisdiction of Kharibari police station in Darjeeling.

Zurich Meet: Naidu Bats for Investment in APs Key Sectors

Vijayawada: Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, on a visit to Switzerland, is showcasing Andhra Pradesh as a territory with vast potential for investment in the manufacturing sector. In specific, he is highlighting sectors like pharmaceuticals, medical devices, tech-textiles, rail components etc. Naidu, who arrived in Zurich to take part in the World Economic Forum meet on Monday, met Indian ambassador Mridul Kumar at a hotel and discussed the opportunities that AP offers for investments from abroad. Nearly 350 companies like Nestle, ABB, Novartis based in Switzerland have invested in India while some more were ready to do so, the ambassador said. The CM proposed that efforts be made to see that the upcoming Skilling and AI university in Switzerland should work in coordination with AP. Skilled youths from AP are ready to extend their services in several sectors in Switzerland on a Work From Home mode, Naidu stated. Later, Naidu met CEOs and other top executives from four top companies in Switzerland, including Swissmen (the Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Industries Ltd, secretary general Raoul Keller, the Oerlikon (involved in polymer processing) chief executive officer Markus Tacke, Angst Pfister of the high quality industrial components and custom engineered solutions, CEO Erich Schmid, head of economics and external affairs of the Swiss Textiles Bjorn von der Crone and explained to them the vast opportunities for investment in AP. The chief minister invited them to visit AP with an assurance that they would get skilled human resources in addition to an opportunity to avail the incentives being offered by both the Centre and the state government. Naidu proposed that apart from opportunities in the manufacturing sector, APs universities can work with Swiss research centres in the field of innovation in certain key sectors, and in the setting up of innovation hubs-incubators and plumbing labs. He invited Swiss company representatives to visit AP and see the facilities on offer in the state. Naidu along with ministers N Lokesh and TG Bharath as also a set of officials received a warm welcome at the Zurich airport from the members of Europe TDP Forum and NRIs. The AP contingent interacted with those present at the airport for some time.

35% Trains Run Late in SCR Secunderabad Unit

Hyderabad: One in every three trains in the Secunderabad division of South Central Railways, including the famed Vande Bharat Express, have been running behind schedule in the last four months. Balakrishna and Ramana Ashok, residents of Uppuguda in the Old City, experienced one such delay on Friday. They travelled on a special train from Tirupati to Hyderabad, which was supposed to arrive at 6 am but reached the Cherlapalli nearly three hours late. Private employees, they had chosen this train to make it to their 9 am jobs, but the delay forced them to apply leave for the day. Businessman Raju Ojha, who frequently travels on the Darbhanga-Secunderabad Express, also had similar complaints. He said that the train was often late by three to five hours. He urged the authorities to ensure trains run according to schedule. A railway expert noted that during the last quarter of the financial year extending until March freight trains are prioritised to meet targets, which can lead to delays for passenger services. Passengers, especially those using the Secunderabad division, have raised concerns about late arrivals. The Secunderabad station handles about 180 trains per day, with a footfall of around 1.5 lakh, while the Nampally station sees between 20 and 30 trains, serving approximately 50,000 passengers daily. Shiv Kumar, a railway analyst, explained that running more trains than the available tracks and platforms exacerbated the issue. Ongoing development at the Secunderabad station often forced trains to stop at a distance for a while. Additionally, the third line work on the Balharshah-Vijayawada and pit line projects were further disrupting schedules. Kumar emphasised that doubling the single-track Guntur route, a key line, would help reduce these delays. Responding to a query on the late running of trains, an SCR official pointed out that trains would be marked as delayed in the statistics even if they were late by three minutes. He said the railways never compromised on safety, and the focus was on ensuring that all the required norms were met to operate the trains. The official said that SCR had taken up various development and modernisation works, including the installation of a system called; automatic block signalling, which was contributing to the slow movement of trains on certain sections. When complete, the automatic block signalling equipment would enable the trains to run faster. He said that line tripling work was being carried out on the Kazipet-Balharshah-Kondapalli route, which involved several technical aspects including installing overhead electric lines. Work was also going on at several spots to build under and overbridges. Railway data show : 2024 September: 28% late November: 35% late December: 38% late 2025 Till Jan. 15: 33% late

Andhra Pradesh: Birth, Death Certificates Through WhatsApp Soon

WhatsApp logo WhatsApp logo Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh government will soon launch WhatsApp Governance Services to issue birth and death certificates to people of the state. Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand held a review meeting with regard to the process of issuing birth and death certificates through WhatsApp at the Real Time Governance Society office in Secretariat here on Monday. Speaking on the occasion, he said that as Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu wanted to make government services more accessible and convenient to the citizens by introducing the WhatsApp governance, he directed the RTGS and the concerned departments to expedite the process to implement it in the state. He underscored the need to ensure that the service is provided to the people seamlessly at the field level. He asked for implementing it as a pilot project at Tenali. The Chief Secretary instructed the officials from panchayat raj, health and municipal administration to extend all requisite support to the RTGS officials to implement the service successfully. Real Time Governance department principal secretary S. Suresh Kumar stated that all necessary preparations for WhatsApp Governance were made and assured that they were taking measures to avoid any flaw in the process of issuing birth and death certificates. RTGS chief executive officer K. Dinesh Kumar stated that they would assess the technical process of issuing birth and death certificates through WhatsApp in all the panchayats and municipalities in Tenali area shortly and added that they had developed a portal under Andhra Pradesh Civil Registration System (AP CRS) to integrate all birth and death registration data and added that once a certificate was generated, a WhatsApp message would be sent to the applicant so that the applicant could download the certificate directly through WhatsApp. Health special chief secretary M.T. Krishna Babu, municipal administration secretary K. Kannababu, director of women and child welfare A. Surya Kumari, director of panchayat raj Krishna Teja and director of village secretariat department Shiva Prasad were present in the meeting.

BRS postpones Rythu Maha Dharna

Nalgonda: The BRS postponed its Rythu Maha Dharna at Clock Tower Centre in Nalgonda after police denied permission. The protest is to condemn the Telangana governments alleged failure to honour promises made to farmers before the Assembly elections. BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao was scheduled to participate. However, police officials cited concerns over potential traffic disruptions as the primary reason for denying permission. We received clear indications that a large number of BRS cadres from the erstwhile district would attend, leading to the Clock Tower Center being blocked from all sides, a police spokesperson explained. This would cause big traffic chaos, adversely affecting the public. Compounding the issue, the Clock Tower Centre lacks adequate parking facilities. Currently, there is a heavy influx of vehicles on National Highway 65 (Hyderabad-Vijayawada) and the Narketpally-Adanki State Highway, as commuters return to their native areas after the Sankranti festival. This congestion is expected to persist for the next three days. Additionally, National Highway 565 from Nakrekal to Yerpedu in Andhra Pradesh traverses the Clock Tower Centre area, making any large gatherings likely to result in severe traffic gridlocks. In response, the BRS filed a lunch motion petition in the High Court seeking approval for the Rythu Maha Dharna. Police counsel informed the High Court that providing adequate security for the protest would be challenging due to scheduled grama sabhas from January 21 to 23. Consequently, the High Court has rescheduled the hearing on the petition to January 27. BRS Nalgonda town president Bhongir Devender, who had applied for police permission for the demonstration, stated, We have decided to postpone the Rythu Maha Dharna in light of the High Courts decision. We will file a review petition and seek permission for the protest after January 27. Expressing his frustration over the denial, Suryapet MLA and BRS leader G. Jagadish Reddy remarked, Previously, permission was granted for several protest demonstrations and meetings at Clock Tower Centre. The state government is now muzzling the voices of opposition parties by denying us the right to hold our gatherings.

Dry Port to Come Up in Chityal Mandal, Reveals R&B Minister

Nalgonda: Roads and buildings minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy on Monday revealed the state government is planning to establish a dry port near Veliminedu in Chityal mandal. A letter has been sent to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman regarding the proposal. Positioned near the upcoming Regional Ring Road, the dry port is expected to enhance trade by facilitating the transport of goods across the state. He refuted allegations made by Opposition leaders about ongoing road projects in the erstwhile Nalgonda district, accusing them of spreading false propaganda for personal gain. Addressing the media, the minister criticised the Opposition for resorting to downgraded politics even after their defeat in the 2023 legislative Assembly elections. He alleged that certain Opposition leaders, who lost land during the Tirumalagiri-Suryapet road expansion, were spreading baseless rumours to mislead the public. Claims that residents of Arvepally would lose land due to a flyover project were dismissed as false. No flyover will be constructed at Arvepally on National Highway No. 365. The survey conducted was for junction development to prevent road accidents, not for flyover construction. No land acquisition is required for this work, he clarified. The minister further said that flyovers would not be constructed at Gowrelly-Bhadrachalam road, Pedda Amberpet, Ramoji Film City, or Bata Singaram along National Highway No. 65. He announced that work to convert NH-65 into a six-lane road would start in three months and is expected to be completed within 18 months. The project aims to make the highway accident-free and reduce travel time between Hyderabad and Vijayawada.

Welfare association urges KRMB Chairman to shift headquarters to Vijayawada for fair water allocation in Krishna Basin

The KRMB has allocated 12 tmcft of water under NSLC to Andhra Pradesh region for rabi 2024-25 and however, only about 2.9 tmcft of water was released up to December 2024, the members of the association say

Hyderabad, Vijayawada NH-65 expansion works to commence in 3 months

Hyderabad: The works related to expansion of NH-65 into a six-lane from Hyderabad to Vijayawada would commence in three months and necessary steps would be taken to complete them at the earliest, said Roads and Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy here on Monday. He said plans have also been drawn to make the NH-65 into an accident free highway and reach Vijayawada in two hours, he said. The Minister further stated that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has invited tenders for the construction of the northern part of Regional Ring Road (RRR) from Sangareddy to Choutuppal covering 161.518 kms, with a total estimated cost of Rs.7104.06 crore. Tenders would be opened on February 14. The Minister said a letter was written to the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman requesting to accord priority for construction of a port at Veliminedu in Nalgonda connecting Bandar and Kakinada ports in Andhra Pradesh from Gundrampally, which is nearer to RRR. Venkatreddy slammed the Opposition parties for misleading farmers that they would lose their lands as part of acquisition process for construction of a flyover between Tirumalagiri Village and Suryapet. The Opposition parties did not mend its ways and continued to spread false information in spite of losing deposits in the Assembly elections, he said. He found fault with these parties for creating unnecessary confusion among farmers that they would lose their land as part of acquisition like earlier for construction of the flyover between Arvapalli and Damacharla road. The Minister clarified that a survey was taken up as part of junction improvement to prevent accidents at Arvapalli and not for the construction of a flyover. He categorically said that no one would lose their land for the junction improvement works.

Andhra Pradesh MP initiates action plan for Viksit Panchayats

VIJAYAWADA: MP Kesineni Shivanath (Chinni) has initiated an action plan to develop 295 villages in the Vijayawada Lok Sabha constituency and ensure that at least one entrepreneur emerges from every family. He chaired a special meeting with National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD) representatives and NTR District Collector Dr Lakshmisha at a hotel in Vijayawada on Sunday. During the meeting, MP Kesineni outlined his vision of transforming rural areas into 'Viksit Panchayats', advocating for integrated development within two and a half years. Collector Lakshmisha expressed his support for this ambitious initiative aimed at rural upliftment. As part of the plan, NIRD representatives announced a pilot project in Thiruvuru, Mylavaram, Jaggayyapet, and Nandigama Assembly constituencies. Six villages from each constituency will be selected and organised into clusters. A total of 32 participants from these villages will undergo a 15-day training programme at NIRD in Hyderabad starting February 3. The initiative focuses on creating self-sufficient, healthy, child-friendly, women-empowered, and poverty-free villages. Trained individuals will collaborate with companies, facilitated by MP Kesineni Sivanath, in marketing products manufactured in their villages. NIRD senior consultant Mohammad Khan, associate professor Dr Anjan Kumar Banja, NIRD officials Dilip Kumar Pal and Murali Krishna, OSD Venkataratnam, and others were present at the meeting.

Andhra Pradesh will play a major role in Viksit Bharat: CM Naidu

VIJAYAWADA: Thanking the Centre for extending its support to Andhra Pradesh, which suffered a lot due to mismanagement of the previous regime, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said Andhra Pradesh will play a major role in Prime Minister Narendra Modis Viksit Bharat@2047. He lauded the efforts of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to resolve the most pressing issues in the country, and acknowledged that Shah is adopting novel methods like setting up a separate dashboard to maintain law and order. I have seen several Home Ministers in my life but for the first time I am experiencing such an efficient Home Minister like Amit Shah. He is not only utilising the necessary technology and undertaking the appointments but also during disasters issuing clear directions to the forces concerned as to how to effectively counter them. I personally sometimes feel jealous of Amit Shah on observing his effective handling of things. Whenever I have a meeting with Amit Shah, he always shares innovative ideas and he has advised me to move ahead not in a routine manner but with novel objectives. I sincerely appreciate this as any issue can be resolved if one thinks in an innovative manner, Naidu said. He participated in the inaugural ceremony of NIDM Southern Campus at Kondapavuluru village near Vijayawada on Sunday as a chief guest. Deputy Chief Minister K Pawan Kalyan, Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, HRD Minister Nara Lokesh, BJP State president and Rajamahendravaram MP D Purandeswari, Central Ministers K Rammohan Naidu, Bandi Sanjay Kumar and others took part in it. Addressing the gathering, Naidu said NDRF is protecting the lives of lakhs of people during natural calamities. It has extended its services during calamities that took place not only in the country, but also in nations like Japan in 2011, in Nepal in 2015 and in Turkey in 2023, he highlighted. It is the NDRF that comes to anyones mind immediately after any calamity takes place as it effectively counters disasters like cyclones, fire accidents and earthquakes. I personally witnessed the valiant services of NDRF forces during Hudhud Cyclone that hit North Andhra in 2014 and the recent Budameru floods, he recalled. Mentioning that it is clearly stated in the AP Reorganisation Act that the NDRF campus should be set up in Andhra Pradesh, he said the then Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, laid the foundation stone for the campus while the then Vice-President of India M Venkaiah Naidu, laid the stone for the NIDM campus. I am very happy to see both the campuses are being declared open by Amit Shah, Naidu said. He highlighted the initiative of interlinking of rivers to make the state drought-free. Pawan Kalyan said the Panchayat Raj Department will impart the disaster management training to staff at village level in coordination with NDRF.

Amit Shah discusses BJP strategies, temple autonomy with AP leaders

VIJAYAWADA: Union Home Minister Amit Shah held separate meetings with the State BJP and VHP leaders in Vijayawada on Sunday. He focused on strengthening the party in the State and promoting awareness among people about the Central schemes at the meeting with BJP leaders, which was chaired by State party chief Daggubati Purandeswari. He is said to have discussed the appointment of new State BJP chief at the meeting. Later, some aspirants for the post, including MLA Sujana Chowdary and a few MPs, met Amit Shah individually, triggering significant buzz within BJP circles. Amit Shah urged the BJP leaders to prioritise public outreach, highlighting the Central aid to AP. BJP activists should unitedly strive to strengthen the party in the State, setting aside differences if any among them, he asserted. Amit Shah congratulated the BJP and VHP leaders for the successful conduct of Hyndava Sankharavam in Vijayawada recently. VHP national vice-president G Gangaraju and others presented a copy of the declaration adopted at Hyndava Sankharavam to the Home Minister, which sought more autonomy for temples. Speaking about their discussions with Amit Shah, Gangaraju said, We highlighted the need for provision of more autonomy to temples to prevent incidents like the Tirumala laddu prasadam row. The Home Minister assured us that the Centre would take appropriate action on the matter.

YSRCP demands clarity from TDP, Centre on Visakhapatnam Steel Plant privatisation

VIJAYAWADA: The YSRCP has demanded the TDP-led NDA government to categorically state that it is against the privatisation of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP). Speaking to the media in Visakhapatnam on Sunday, Leader of Opposition in Legislative Council Botcha Satyanarayana said, The aid package given by the Centre is part of the privatisation move as there are several riders in it. The YSRCP is committed to the slogan of Visakha Ukku, Andhrula Hakku. A similar aid package was given to the neighbouring State, and there were no riders in it. The coalition government should answer as to why salaries have not been paid to VSP staff so far, and are the developments in the true spirit of Visakha Ukku agitation, he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the State, but there was no assurance from them that VSP would not be privatised. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu also did not give any assurance in this regard. This shows that there is something wrong with the coalitions views pertaining to VSP privatisation, Botcha suspected. The previous YS Jagan Mohan Reddy government was steadfast in opposing the privatisation of VSP, and it was acknowledged by the Centre. If the coalition is sincere in opposing the VSP privatisation, why they did not tell categorically while sharing the platform with the Prime Minister or the Home Minister? he asked. CPM urges Chandrababu Naidu to secure permanent PSU status for Visakhapatnam Steel Plant

Bhumana accuses Naidu of stalling TTD probe, tarnishing Tirumala's sanctity

VIJAYAWADA: The sanctity and image of Tirumala has suffered a big dent with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu continuing his cheap gimmicks to stall the probe of any kind into the Tirupati stampede, said former TTD chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy. Speaking to the media in Tirupati on Sunday, he said the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had asked Sanjiv Jindal, Additional Secretary, to probe the series of untoward happenings in the TTD, and he was supposed to arrive on Sunday. However, a communique about the cancellation of the Additional Secretarys visit was sent to the TTD EO last night, purportedly after Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan met Union Home Minister Amit Shah at Undavalli. While the first communique had the proper credentials, the second one had come from the Control Room of the MHA, which appeared to be in a hurry as it coincided with the meeting of Naidu and Pawan Kalyan with Amit Shah, he pointed out. The very fact that the Centre intervening and seeking a report on the series of events, which included the stampede on January 8, Tirupati laddu issue, fire at Prasadam counter, and other irregularities, brought shame to the State administration, which tarnished the image of the pious Devasthanam, he said. Bhumana asserted that Naidu might have managed institutions, but he could not manage the God or public ire. He questioned the lack of action on the part of either the CM or the Deputy CM, who talks tall on Sanatana Dharma, pertaining to judicial inquiry into the stampede.

CPM urges Chandrababu Naidu to secure permanent PSU status for Visakhapatnam Steel Plant

VIJAYAWADA: State CPM secretary V Srinivasa Rao on Sunday wrote a letter to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, urging him to initiate permanent measures to ensure that Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) remains a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU). He welcomed the Centres announcement of Rs 11,400 crore aid package for the revival of VSP. However, he felt that it is only a temporary measure, and there is a need for a permanent solution to the problems bogging down the steel giant. The merger of VSP with SAIL could be a viable solution and the majority of people also want it to happen, the CPM secretary said. He asked why the coalition government, which influences the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, is not making any effort in this direction. He also emphasised the need for allocating captive iron ore mines to the steel plant to address the problem of raw material, and reduce the cost of production.

Andhra Pradesh detects 52,221 cancer cases in mass screening drive

VIJAYAWADA: As many as 52,221 people have been diagnosed with cancer during the Andhra Pradesh governments screening initiative, launched on November 14, 2024. So far, the officials have conducted tests for 53,07,448 individuals, among which, 19,447 were diagnosed with oral cancer, 15,401 with breast cancer, and 17,373 with cervical cancer, totalling 52,221 cases, i.e, 0.98% of those screened. The cancer screening is progressing steadily and will continue till November 2025. As per the data from the Health, Medical, and Family Welfare Department, over 40,000 lives are lost due to cancer annually in the state. In response, the state government has taken up mass cancer screenings and extensive awareness programmes for early identification to provide necessary treatment. It is pertinent to know that funding for cancer treatment has increased significantly to Rs 624 crore in 2023-24 under Dr NTR Vaidya Seva from Rs 217 crore in 2019-20. The screening targets oral and breast cancer for individuals above 18 years and cervical and oral cancer for women above 30. The state government has mobilised 155 specialist doctors and a large workforce. These workers conduct community-level screenings and distribute pamphlets door-to-door to raise awareness about cancer prevention. Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) and Community Health Officers (CHOs) are conducting non-communicable disease (NCD) surveys, cervical cancer examinations, and primary diagnostic tests for conditions such as blood pressure (BP), random blood sugar (RBS), haemoglobin levels, oral cancer, and breast cancer. Presumptive cases identified at Primary Health Centres (PHCs) are referred to higher-level hospitals for further diagnosis and treatment. Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) tests, along with tests for viral markers like HIV and HBsAg, are also conducted. Speaking to TNIE, the State Nodal Officer for NCDs Dr Syamala acknowledged that screening slowed during the Sankranti festival but would now be accelerated. While rural and tribal areas show strong participation, urban citizens, particularly apartment residents, have been less responsive. After completing screenings in rural and tribal areas, awareness programmes will be continued to encourage urban participation, she said. Furthermore, Dr Syamala highlighted the establishment of 17 Preventive Oncology Units (POUs) across the state for advanced diagnosis and prevention. These POUs provide free diagnostic tests, including biopsies and radiology, and offer chemotherapy and radiation surgeries at government and affiliated hospitals. She informed this newspaper that the state government is working towards comprehensive cancer prevention and urged citizens to make the most of the health initiative.

Significant advancements made in disaster management over past decade: Amit Shah

Srinagar: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, attended the 20th Raising Day ceremony of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) as the Chief Guest in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. During the event, Amit Shah inaugurated many projects and laid the foundation stones for other projects worth approximately Rs 220 crore. These include National []

Vijayawada MP unveils plan to comprehensively develop 295 villages within two-and-a-half years

A pilot project will be implemented in the Assembly constituencies of Tiruvuru, Mylavaram, Jaggayyapeta and Nandigama, say NIRD representatives

Cigarettes and khaini worth about 1 crore seized on suspicion of tax evasion in Vijayawada

Union Minister Amit Shah affirms PM Modis full support for Andhras development

Amaravati, Jan 19: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday emphasised the support of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government for Andhra Pradesh, announcing that the Centre has approved projects totalling over Rs 3 lakh crore for the state in just six months. He was addressing a gathering after inaugurating the National Institute of Disaster Managements (NIDM) southern campus and the National Disaster Response Forces (NDRF) 10th Battalion campus near Vijayawada, along with other projects. He further said that PM [] The post Union Minister Amit Shah affirms PM Modis full support for Andhras development appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Amit Shah Holds Key Talks with Andhra Pradesh BJP in Vijayawada - ap7am

Amit Shah Holds Key Talks with Andhra Pradesh BJP in Vijayawada ap7am

Union Minister Amit Shah in Andhra Pradesh, to inaugurate NIDM southern campus on Jan 19

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is to inaugurate the southern campus of the National Institute of Disaster Management and the 10th Battalion campus of the National Disaster Response Force near Vijayawada. He will also participate in the 20th Foundation Day celebrations of the NDRF and will lay the foundation stone for various projects worth over Rs 200 crore.

Kuppam farmers organic revolution for sustainable agriculture

VIJAYAWADA: For 38-year-old young farmer G Krishnamurthy, his four acres of land serve as his laboratory, where he has experimented with natural farming and worked wonders. The farmer is demonstrating to the world what the self-reliance of a farmer truly means. Hailing from the remote Sigalapalli village in Kuppam mandal of the Chittoor district, Krishnamurthy has spent over eight years cultivating not only crops but also hope and health for his community. My journey as a farmer in the real sense began in 2016 when I took over cultivation from my father. Following in his footsteps, I used organic fertilisers and pesticide-free methods. A turning point in my journey was attending the Zero Budget Natural Farming programme organised by Subash Palekar. From then onwards, my life has been devoted to natural farming, says this pioneering farmer. His commitment to sustainable practices has transformed his one-acre farm into a model of success, earning him recognition from local leaders and global experts alike. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, during a recent visit, lauded Krishnamurthy for his noble efforts, emphasising that his farming practices are not just about earning an income but are also driven by a deep sense of social responsibility. Naidu appreciated Krishnamurthys dedication to improving the health and well-being of his community through sustainable agriculture. After graduation, I worked for some time in Bengaluru, but the pull of my native land brought me back to my village. My familymy parents, wife, and three childrenare my support system. I am now pursuing a four-year course in natural farming from The Indo-German Global Academy for Agroecology Research & Learning (IGGAARL), having completed two years and with two more years to go, he says, explaining his passion for natural farming. Krishnamurthys approach to farming integrates livestock, biodiversity, and innovative models designed by the Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) initiative. His A-Grade model combines crops like moringa, banana, papaya, curry leaves, castor, and 20 other biodiversity crops. Meanwhile, the Any Time Money (ATM) model, set on 20 cents of shaded land, grows 16 varieties of vegetables, including carrots, radishes, and beans. Additionally, he cultivates indigenous grains such as kumkuma shaali, black rice, and brown rice, further enriching his farms biodiversity. These sustainable practices have also been financially rewarding. With an initial investment of Rs 48,000, the A-Grade model now generates an annual income of Rs 2,99,600, providing approximately Rs 21,000 per month. The ATM model, requiring an annual investment of Rs 26,500, yields a net income of Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 per month. Krishnamurthy also earns Rs 45,000 annually through desi poultry farming and an additional Rs 5,000 monthly from a Non-Pesticide Management (NPM) shop he established with Rs 25,000. Altogether, his ventures bring in Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000 per month, showcasing the profitability of natural farming. Krishnamurthys efforts extend beyond financial success. His family consumes only the produce grown on his farm, keeping them disease-free. Beyond his farm, he actively mentors fellow farmers, preparing and supplying bio-stimulants and botanical extracts to promote natural farming in the village. His plans include establishing a one-acre fruit orchard, further diversifying his farm.

Tech Whiz Sanath shows resilience against all odds

VIJAYAWADA: Safaru Sanath Kumar, a Class X student from PM Shri Zilla Parishad High School (ZPHS) and Junior College in Penamaluru, Vijayawada, has emerged as a symbol of determination and resilience. Standing at just 95 cm tall and weighing 11 kg due to growth hormone deficiency, Sanaths story highlights the transformative impact of inclusive education and the discovery of hidden talent. Born into a weaving community, Sanaths family has roots in the Swakula Sali community, with ancestors who migrated from Maharashtra. His father, Lakshmi Prasad, works as a tea maker and cook, while his mother, Pallavi, manages house with tailoring skills. The familys challenges are magnified by the fact that Sanaths younger brother, Haristh, a 3rd-grade student, also suffers from growth hormone deficiency. Sanath studied at a private school in Anantapur until class 8, when his life took a pivotal turn. Identified by Chakshumathi, a think tank focused on inclusive education and assisstive technologies, Sanath underwent psychometric testing in 9th grade. His aptitude for logical thinking and problem-solving steered him toward computer science, marking the beginning of his inspiring journey in inclusive education. Durga Bhavani, the schools principal, describes Sanath as a model of perseverance and passion. He embodies determination, inspiring both peers and teachers with his unwavering focus, she said. With the help of a Chromebook, Sanath has mastered online and offline learning, leveraging accessibility features designed for children with sensory and neurodivergent challenges. His exceptional skills earned him the prestigious title of Young Google Champion at the Google Champions Energisers event in Gurgaon in 2024making him the only student to achieve this distinction. Sanaths growth has been supported by Chakshumathi, an NGO that provided personal coaching in fitness, technology, and communication. Ram Kamal, the founder of Chakshumathi and a senior advisor for inclusive education in Andhra Pradesh, emphasised the importance of nurturing every childs potential. Every child is an opportunity. With understanding, support, and belief, they can shine and contribute to the world. Sanath is proof of this, he said. Fitness trainer Abhishek Dutt Bahuguna designed a tailored regimen focusing on cardio, flexibility, and strength to ensure Sanaths lifelong fitness. Consistency is key to sustaining this programme, said Abhishek, a sports management professional from the International Institute of Sports Management. Technology coach Tharun, a specialist in inclusive STEM education, praised Sanaths aptitude for technology. He completed his 10th-grade syllabus in just a few months and now trains younger students in AI tools for advanced learning, he noted. Sanaths achievements have drawn recognition from Andhra Pradesh HRD Minister Nara Lokesh, who recently interacted with him, praised his accomplishments, and encouraged his aspirations. Additionally, Sanath has visited Vedantu headquarters, where he continues to receive online education support. My sons achievements exemplify the transformative power of inclusive education. With the right support and determination, any child can shine, said Lakshmi Prasad. Speaking with confidence, Sanath shared his dream of working with Google in the future. He attributes his success to the unwavering support of his parents, Principal Durga Bhavani, and mentors like Ram Kamal, Tharun, Sajin and Abhishek. Sanaths journey is a powerful reminder that inclusive education can unlock immense potential, proving that no obstacle is insurmountable with determination.

NDRF to focus on use of drones and advanced tech tools in rescue operations

VIJAYAWADA: National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Director General Piyush Anand unveiled the special edition of annual newsletter The Saviour at the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) South Campus in Kondapavuluru on Saturday. He visited the NIDM South Campus on the occasion of 20th NDRF Raising Day. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate the NIDM campus on Sunday. At a press conference, Piyush Anand said NDRF has grown from eight to 16 battalions now, and has a presence at 68 locations in the country. Drones, artificial intelligence and other advanced technological tools will be used in the coming days in rescue operations. NDRF works in three institutional management systems. It has conducted more than 12,000 operations, rescued 1,58,000 people, and evacuated 8.5 lakh during various disasters. NDRF has played a crucial role in rescue operations during Vijayawada floods, the DG said. Efforts are being made to reduce industrial accidents. It has also been proposed to form a consultation committee with NDRF, the Andhra Pradesh government and Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers to formulate safety guidelines. NIDM Executive Director Rajendra Ratnoo said the institute is working on the preservation of both tangible and intangible properties by saving them in the cloud or digital format.

Make cleanliness a daily practice for success of Swachh Andhra, says Min Kolusu Parthasarathy

VIJAYAWADA: Housing and I&PR Minister Kolusu Parthasarathy emphasized the importance of cleanliness as a daily practice while participating in the Swachh Andhra-Swachh Diwas program in Nuzvid on Saturday. The Minister joined a human chain at Rajiv Circle, took a cleanliness pledge, and spent an hour cleaning roads and drains in the area. Addressing the gathering, Parthasarathy urged citizens to support the state governments Swachh Andhra initiative, held every third Saturday, and contribute to creating a Bangaru Andhra and a cleaner state. Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand participated in the program in Katuru village, Uyyur mandal, alongside MLA Bode Prasad and officials, including District Collector D.K. Balaji and Joint Collector Geetanjali Sharma. Activities included cleaning roads and drainage systems, distributing wet and dry waste dustbins, and planting saplings at the village secretariat. Vijayanand stressed the ongoing nature of Swachh Andhra-Swachh Diwas, calling it a mission rather than a one-day event. He urged officials to lead by example, raise awareness, and implement effective waste management practices, including recycling. Balaji highlighted efforts to spread awareness from villages to urban areas, while MLA Prasad underlined the importance of leaving a pollution-free environment for future generations. Other dignitaries and local representatives also pledged their support for the initiative.

Polavaram irrigation project: Construction of new D-Wall works begin

VIJAYAWADA: The construction of the new Diaphragm Wall (D-Wall) of the Polavaram Irrigation Project on the Godavari River commenced on Saturday. After performing special puja, the excavation work was taken up using cutters. The new D-Wall will be constructed at an estimated cost of `990 crore. The new D-Wall was necessitated after the old D-Wall was damaged by floods in 2019 and 2020. After the NDA government was formed in the State, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu gave topmost priority to the Polavaram project, and the Centre approved the construction of the new D-wall following recommendations from the committee of international experts. According to the project officials, a 1,400-metre-long D-Wall will be constructed in parts called panels. There will be approximately 371 panels, and once the entire construction of D-wall is constructed, it will be one single large structure. Using giant cutters, soil will be excavated in 2.8 metres width and depth up to 2 metres below rock strata beneath the riverbed, with depths ranging from 40 to 90 metres depending on the riverbeds geological composition. After excavation, concrete work will be taken up. The Central Water Commission has finalised the T5 type composition out of the two types recommended by the panel of international experts. On an average, construction of each panel will take three days. This single-structure D-Wall will run parallel to the damaged wall, ensuring robust flood resilience and enhanced water retention capacity of the Polavaram project. The introduction of plastic concrete in its construction underscores the focus on durability and long-term effectiveness, critical to the projects success. The CWC approved the D-Walls new design in November, and construction will proceed in phases based. The new D-wall is likely to be completed before December this year, the deadline set by the Chief Minister.

Telugu Desam pays floral tributes to NTR, recalling his great services

VIJAYAWADA : The 29th death anniversary of the founding president of Telugu Desam, world-renowned actor, former Chief Minister, and Padma Shri Dr Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao was celebrated with great pomp at the TD central office here on Saturday. Ministers, party leaders, and activists, including Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, K. Atchannaidu, Politburo member Varla Ramaiah, MLCs Ashok Babu and Duvvarapu Rama Rao, former MLC AS Ramakrishna, and former MLA Undavalli Sridevi, paid tribute to NTR by garlanding his portrait. A blood donation camp was organised on this occasion, with ministers, leaders, and activists donating blood. Speaking on the occasion, TD leaders highlighted that NTR believed society is a temple and people are gods, providing equal opportunities to all communities. They noted that the concept of welfare emerged only after NTR came to power. NTR is credited with providing rice at two rupees per kilo to the poor, building permanent homes for the homeless, and offering free electricity to poor farmers. The leaders also recalled the abolition of the Patel Patwari system during the Nizam period, which benefited the poor. The TD leaders stated that, continuing NTR's ideals, Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu and young leader Lokesh are consistently working for the welfare of the people and the development of the state. They added that whenever any Telugu person around the world hears the word 'Anna', the late Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao will come to mind.

Lokesh says TD to soon unveil action plan to revitalise party in Telangana

VIJAYAWADA : Education minister Nara Lokesh on Saturday disclosed that the Telugu Desam Party is currently discussing how TDP can be revitalised in Telangana. In this regard, we plan to unveil an action plan soon, Lokesh declared, while pointing out that around 160,000 individuals have registered as Telugu Desam Party members in Telangana. This indicates a strong affection for TD among the people of the neighbouring state. We have made it our primary goal to strengthen the Telugu Desam Party in Telangana, Lokesh underlined, while paying homage at the Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR) Memorial on the occasion of NTRs 29th death anniversary. Speaking to media at the NTR Memorial, the AP education minister said, 160,000 people of Telangana voluntarily registering as members of TDP reflects the immense love people of the neighbouring state have for Telugu Desam. Even in the absence of any MLAs in Telangana, such a significant number of people have joined the party. We plan to commence party activities and strengthen the TD in Telangana soon, announced Lokesh, who is also the national general secretary of the Telugu Desam Party. Lokesh expressed dissatisfaction about the poor management of NTR Ghat in Hyderabad. He announced that he will carry out repairs at his grandfathers memorial with his own funds. He directed his staff to acquire the necessary permissions and complete the required repairs and improvements at the NTR Ghat as swiftly as possible. The minister maintained that he had previously requested the Telangana government multiple times to hand over the management responsibilities of the Ghat to the NTR Trust. He stated that NTR Ghat is a significant memorial for late Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao and they have decided to rejuvenate it soon. Lokesh observed, NTR is not just a name; he represents a phenomenon. NTR made his mark in the film industry by producing various types of movies. He provided rice to people for only two rupees. He granted property rights to women. We are well aware of the vision with which NTR founded the party. We will continue to advance his ideals. If any mistakes are made, we have senior leaders within the party to correct them, he added.

Amit Shah holds talks with Chandrababu Naidu, Pawan Kalyan

Amaravati: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday held talks with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan about state-related issues. The Home Minister who arrived in Vijayawada to attend the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) raising day ceremony on Sunday, drove to Chief Minister Naidus residence at Undavalli Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Amit Shah, Naidu to take part in NDRF Raising Day celebrations near Vijayawada on Sunday

The force conducted more than 12,000 operations, rescued over 1,58,000 persons and evacuated more than 8.50 lakh persons during various disasters, says its Director General Piyush Anand

Polavaram Project: Construction of New Diaphragm Wall Begins

Vijayawada: The construction of the crucial diaphragm wall for the Polavaram Project has began on Saturday. The contractor has started work on the project, which includes plans for a 1.396 km-long diaphragm wall. This wall will be constructed underground along the river flow path with a thickness of 1.5 meters. As part of the new developments, a fresh diaphragm wall will be built 6 meters above the existing one. Once the construction reaches the halfway mark, the government plans to simultaneously begin work on an earth-cum-rock fill dam atop the new wall. The government has allocated Rs. 990 crore for the construction of the new diaphragm wall and issued an action schedule to ensure timely execution.

Centre announces Rs 11,440 crore package for Visakhapatnam Steel Plant's revival

VIJAYAWADA: The Central government has announced a financial package of Rs 11,440 crore for the revival of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited). The announcement was made by Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday and was later confirmed during a Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Visakhapatnam Steel Plant is a Schedule-A Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Steel, with a current installed capacity of 7.3 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). The revival package includes an equity infusion of Rs 10,300 crore and the conversion of Rs 1,140 crore of working capital loans into 7% non-cumulative preference share capital, redeemable after 10 years, to ensure RINL remains a going concern. The equity support will allow RINL to address operational challenges, raise working capital, and gradually achieve full production capacity of 7.3 MTPA. It is expected to stabilise the Indian steel market, protect livelihoods, and enable the plant to operate at full capacity, contributing significantly to the economy. Describing it as the largest package ever for RINL, Vaishnaw highlighted the strategic importance of VSP, the only offshore steel plant in the country under government ownership. He noted that the package would enable the activation of two blast furnaces by January 2025, with all three blast furnaces set to be operational by August 2025, significantly increasing production. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Prime Minister Modi remarked that the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Andhra Pradesh. During yesterdays Cabinet meeting, it was decided to provide equity support of over Rs 10,000 crore for the plant. This has been done understanding the importance of the steel sector in building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, he said. After capital infusion, privatisation of RINL will not be considered: HDK Elaborating on the package, Union Minister of Steel HD Kumaraswamy said privatisation of RINL will not be considered following the capital infusion. This decision honours the sentiments of the people of Andhra Pradesh. The government is committed to protecting the plant and ensuring its growth, he asserted. The Minister outlined how the package became a reality through persistent efforts and multiple review meetings with stakeholders, including the Finance Minister and bankers. He assured that all three blast furnaces would reach over 92% production levels by mid-2025. RINL has been grappling with severe financial and operational challenges. Its total liabilities have exceeded Rs 35,000 crore, with defaults in loan and interest payments. The Steel Plant began facing issues when the plant expanded its capacity from 3 MTPA to 7.3 MTPA between 2014 and 2017, funded by loans at high interest rates. Additionally, the lack of captive iron ore mines forced the plant to rely on expensive raw materials from the open market, further straining its financial position. Kumaraswamy revealed that efforts are underway to secure captive iron ore mines for RINL from Odisha, which would significantly reduce costs and stabilise operations. He expressed confidence in transforming RINL into Indias leading steel producer, a goal he described as both a challenge and a commitment. Union Ministers Ram Mohan Naidu and Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma also welcomed the package. They thanked Prime Minister Modi for fulfilling the long-standing demand to protect the Vizag Steel Plant. The Centre has kept its promise and safeguarded the rights of Andhra Pradesh, Ram said. He recalled Naidus frequent discussions with the Prime Minister regarding RINL and Kumaraswamys visit to the plant to understand its issues firsthand. The revival plan aligns with the National Steel Policy, 2017, which aims to increase steel production to support economic growth and ensure the efficient utilisation of public resources. It also supports the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by strengthening indigenous industries and securing employment for thousands of workers and their families, said Minister Varma.

NISG and Andhra Pradesh government join hands for tech innovation

VIJAYAWADA: The National Institute for Smart Governance (NISG) will collaborate with the State government to provide technical support for technological advancement and governance innovation. A team of NISG representatives, led by CEO Rajiv Bansal, met senior government officials at the Real-Time Governance Society (RTGS) office in the Secretariat on Friday. Highlighting the various initiatives NISG has already undertaken in Andhra Pradesh and other States, Bansal opined that the latest collaboration is envisioned to play a key role in realising the States ambitious Swarna Andhra@2047 vision. He emphasised that NISG, a non-profit organisation, offers strategic planning, e-governance solutions, and consultancy services at a low cost to help governments leverage emerging technologies for greater efficiency and effectiveness. Bansal highlighted the organisations extensive track record,which spans over two decades. NISG has trained over 30,000 government employees across various levels and successfully managed over 200 projects in States and Union Territories. He reaffirmed that Andhra Pradesh was a founding supporter of NISG and expressed the organisations commitment to further strengthening this partnership. We are deeply committed to helping Andhra Pradesh achieve its technological and governance goals, Bansal stressed, adding, Through strategic collaboration, we aim to support the State in embracing cutting-edge technologies that will lay the foundation for a smarter and more efficient governance system. Special Chief Secretary (Revenue) RP Sisodia responded positively to NISGs proposal, emphasising that technical solutions are critical in overcoming the challenges faced by government departments in their operations. He stressed that NISGs expertise would be instrumental in helping the State modernise its systems and enhance service delivery to citizens. Principal Secretary (Investment and Infrastructure) S Suresh Kumar highlighted APs active focus on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, drone technology, and deep tech. He explained that the State government intends to seek NISGs support to further integrate these technologies into its infrastructure and governance models. To strengthen the collaboration, States IT Secretary N Yuvraj proposed that NISG establish an office in Amaravati, similar to the one in Hyderabad.NISG representatives responded positively to this suggestion, signalling a strong commitment to deepening the partnership between the two entities. RTGS CEO K Dinesh Kumar welcomed the NISG delegation and expressed optimism about the continued cooperation and its transformative impact on the States governance landscape.

MoU signed for Electric Vehicle Park at Andhra's Orvakal

VIJAYAWADA: People Tech Enterprises Pvt Ltd, a People Tech Group company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the State government to establish a 1,200-acre Electric Vehicle Park - Orvakal Mobility Valley in Kurnool district. The MoU was signed by TG Viswa Prasad, CEO of People Tech Group, and Saikanth Varma, CEO of Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board, in the presence of Minister for IT and Electronics Nara Lokesh and Minister for Industries TG Bharath. Viswa Prasad said they are proud to lead this transformative project. Orvakal Mobility Valley will set the benchmark for private EV parks in the country, creating opportunities for manufacturing, innovation, and employment. The speed and efficiency of doing business in Andhra Pradesh has been exemplary, and we appreciate the governments proactive approach, he said. Orvakal Mobility Valley will be developed with a total investment of Rs 1,800 crore, and aims to provide the state-of-the-art infrastructure for EV manufacturing and allied industries. Once fully operational, the park is expected to attract an investment of $1.5 billion (Rs 3,000 crore) and generate employment opportunities for 25,000 people. As the anchor unit of the park, People Tech Enterprises will set up an Electric Two-Wheeler (E2W) manufacturing unit with an investment of Rs 300 crore.

CM Chandrababu Naidu hails Centres Rs 11,440-crore package for steel plant

VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has affirmed that saving Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) is the States responsibility, citing its sentimental value rooted in the slogan Visakha Ukku - Andhrula Hakku. Addressing the media on Friday, he welcomed the allocation of Rs 11,440 crore special package for VSP, and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Steel Minister HD Kumaraswamy for their support to Andhra Pradesh. Highlighting the NDAs commitment to the steel plant, he recalled how Rs 1,650 crore in equity was allocated during Atal Bihari Vajpayees tenure in 1996 to rescue VSP. He criticised the previous YSRCP governments neglect of VSP over the last five years. Reiterating his election promise, he said VSP will be saved without privatisation, and detailed how his government secured the revival package within seven months of taking office. Naidu credited Modi for responding positively to the States request, and urged VSP employees to work collectively to ensure profitability and justify the allocated funds. Plans include employing skilled workers, securing iron ore resources, and efficiently utilising the plants 20,000-acre land. Naidu also called for appointing a skilled CEO to oversee the plant operations. Outlining progress in seven months, Naidu mentioned fulfilling key election promises, including Amaravati development, the Polavaram project, and a railway zone. He highlighted that Rs 15,000 crore was allocated to External Aided Projects (EAP) and Rs 12,157 crore for Polavaram, with the new diaphragm wall foundation to be laid soon. Land was allotted for the railway zone, and Modi laid the foundation. Naidu emphasised the States industrial growth, citing MoUs worth Rs 4 lakh crore signed, including Rs 2.08 lakh crore in launched projects during Modis recent visit to Visakhapatnam. He announced TCSs entry to create job opportunities, and partnerships with Google to position Andhra Pradesh as a leader in data centres, AI and analytics. A sea cable project connecting Vizag and Singapore is also planned. He highlighted the joint green hydrogen project by NTPC and Genco, worth Rs 1.8 lakh crore and the establishment of RCR Mittal steel plant in Nakkapalli, with Phase-I producing 7 million metric tonnes of steel. Vizag and Anakapalli will soon merge into a single city under these industrial developments, he said. Additionally, Naidu announced the Rs 14,000 crore Pharma City and bulk drug park in Nakkapalli, generating 70,000 jobs. He also detailed projects like Orvakal Industrial Smart City worth Rs 2,786 crore, Kopparthy Industrial Cluster worth Rs 2,137 crore, and national highways valued at Rs 55,000 crore to be completed in three years. Infrastructure projects include an 8-lane Outer Ring Road in Amaravati, and a Rs 400-crore tourism corridor connecting Suryalanka, Srisailam, Rajahmundry, and Sangameswaralayam. Highlighting the GST growth rate of 12.94% with projections to reach 15%, Naidu outlined a vision to quadruple per capita income by 2047, emphasising the Centres support for development and poverty alleviation. He assured investors of the States commitment to growth, and promised to create 20 lakh new jobs. The Chief Minister concluded by urging VSP workers to collaborate responsibly for the plants future, which has been revived with State-provided resources, addressing power and water dues, ensuring its sustainability.

RRR case: Andhra Pradesh government initiates probe against IPS officer

VIJAYAWADA: In a major development in the custodial torture case of former MP K Raghurama Krishna Raju (RRR), the State government has initiated disciplinary action against Director General (DG) rank officer PV Sunil Kumar. The government has appointed Special Chief Secretary (Revenue) RP Sisodia as the inquiring authority, and Vigilance and Enforcement Director General Harish Kumar Gupta as presiding officer to investigate the charges against Sunil Kumar. A GO to this effect was issued by Chief Secretary K Vijayanand on Friday. As per the GO, Sunil Kumar was asked to submit a written statement of defence in which he denied the charges framed against him in a complaint lodged by Raju. Sunil Kumar urged the government to drop charges against him. Sunil Kumar, a 1993 batch IPS officer, was accused of torturing Raju during CID custody in 2021 for his adverse comments against former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and the failures of the YSRCP government.

Andhra Pradesh government to look into conversion of lands

VIJAYAWADA: The State Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday, decided to conduct an in-depth study of lands removed from the prohibited list, and converted as freehold. The district in-charge ministers were directed to study the discrepancies and submit a report by the next Cabinet meeting. The State Cabinet also gave its nod for the regularisation of Village and Ward Secretaries, Mini-Hydel Power Projects (1 MW and 2.7 MW) on Thotapalle Barrage over Nagavali River in Srikakulam district, and Rs 700 crore loan for paddy procurement among others. Briefing mediapersons of the Cabinet decisions, Minister for Information and Public Relations Kolusu Parthasarathy said the issue of converting prohibitory lands under the 22A list of the Registration Act 1908 into freehold lands during the previous YSRCP regime was discussed at length. The government will ensure that no injustice is done to the poor pertaining to their lands, he said. Even the anomalies during the resurvey will be set right and the resurvey will be done properly, he assured. The government will soon issue guidelines for the distribution of house sites to the poor who do not have any kind of shelter both in rural and urban areas. A decision to this effect was taken in the Cabinet. Three cents of land will be distributed to the homeless in rural areas, while two cents in urban areas. Earlier, several house sites which were confined to paper will be cancelled, will be issued afresh, he explained. Further, the Cabinet gave its nod for regularisation of houses built by the poor in the government lands which do not have any kind of legal tangles, he revealed. To strengthen real-time governance at the village and ward level, the Cabinet approved the proposal for rationalisation of functionaries at the secretariats. Village/ward secretariats will be segregated into three categories, and will be headed by village/ward secretaries. It also approved the construction of a flood retaining wall on Guntur side of Krishna river downstream of Praksam Barrage, exemption of stamp duty and registration fee for transferring 2,596 acres to APICDC at Kopparthy (Kadapa) and 2,621.15 acres at Orvakal (Kurnool), he added.

Central aid to boost water transport in Andhra Pradesh

VIJAYAWADA: Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced support to boost Inland Water Transport in Andhra Pradesh, providing six floating steel jetties on the Godavari River (NW-4) at Gandipochamma temple, Perantapalli village and Pochavaram. A feasibility study will be conducted for the Penna River (NW-79), and a DPR for National Waterway-4. According to Principal Secretary (Infrastructure and Investment) S Suresh Kumar, the announcement was made at the 2nd Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) meeting conducted by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) at Kaziranga, Assam on January 10. Representatives of 21 Inland Waterways States attended the meeting. Sonowal announced that the Centre is investing Rs 50,000 crore over the next five years in inland waterways under various verticals. Andhra Pradesh is the only State that has received a special commendation from the Chairman of IWAI for registering the vessels in the Central Database (NAVIC portal) which was launched during the event. The Chief Executive Officer of AP Inland Waterways Authority on behalf of the Andhra Pradesh government received six registration certificates from Sonowal and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

PIL on stampede: Andhra Pradesh HC posts matter next week

VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra Pradesh High Court bench of Justice Kanchireddy Suresh Reddy and Justice Kuncham Maheswara Rao on Friday upheld the court registrys objections over inclusion of names of the Chief Minister and the Governors Secretary in the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the courts intervention for a judicial inquiry into the Tirupati stampede, in which six devotees were killed and 40 injured. The bench posted the matter next week for further hearing and instructed the petitioner to submit the updated petition removing the names. A farmer from Pandurangapuram village in Kurnool district has filed the PIL urging the court to issue necessary orders for a probe. Siva Prasad Reddy, the petitioners counsel, presented his arguments requesting the court to allow the petition as the lunch motion petition as this was the second incident where people died in stampede during the TDP government, headed by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. He also held that Naidu should take moral responsibility for the stampede. However, the bench upheld the exclusion of names of the Chief Minister and the Governors Secretary from the list of respondents in the petition.

Minister Nara Lokesh to focus on getting investments at World Economic Forum Summit

VIJAYAWADA: Minister for HRD and IT Nara Lokesh, who is also Chairman of Task Force Committee on Investments, will attend the World Economic Forum Summit to be held at Davos from January 20 to 24 with the sole aim of attracting large scale investments to the State. According to a press release issued on Friday, Lokesh will hold meetings with Ambassadors of over 50 countries, industrialists, and several top businessmen. The IT Minister in particular will have face-to-face meetings at AP Pavilion with over 30 top globally-renowned industrialists to discuss investments in the State in different sectors. Making the World Economic Forum Summit a platform, Lokesh will actively take part in the meetings of the governors of academic sectors to focus on the radical changes in education across the globe. He will also hold meetings with several experts on building the ecosystem for intelligent industries and AI. Lokesh will take part in the round-table conference with representatives from Google and NVidia on next-gen AI, data factories, and establishing an AI university in AP. Lokesh will attend several other meetings during the five-day summit. Industrialists from are evincing keen interest in Lokeshs Davos visit as he is attending the World Economic Forum Summit for the first time.

Left parties plans state wide protests against Shahs AP visit

Vijayawada : Opposition parties have announced state wide protests against Union home minister Amit Shahs visit on January 19, condemning his controversial remarks about Dr B.R. Ambedkar in the Rajya Sabha. CPM leaders K. Ramakrishna and V. Srinivasa Rao criticised Shah for trivialising Ambedkars legacy by suggesting that invoking his name had become a superficial trend. They labelled the comments as disrespectful and demanded accountability from the BJP. The opposition called for unity among citizens and organisations to expose the central governments stance and uphold Ambedkars values. Prominent leaders from CPM, and other leftist groups urged widespread participation in the protests, emphasising the need to defend the Constitution's principles of respect and dignity for all.

Purandeswari inspects preparations for visit of Shah

BJP state president Daggubati Purandeswari. (File Image: Twitter) BJP state president Daggubati Purandeswari. (File Image: Twitter) Vijayawada : AP BJP chief and MP D. Purandeswari has inspected the arrangements for the visit of Union home minister Amit Shah at Kondapavuluru here on Friday. She enquired about the arrangements being made for the conduct of the public meeting to be addressed by the Union home minister and discussed with the officials on preparations from the arrival to the departure of the VVIP. Amit Shah will inaugurate the National Institute of Disaster Management and also the 10th battalion of the National Disaster Response Force on January 19.

One Man Commission to visit Anantapur and Chittoor districts on 20 and 21 January

Vijayawada :The One Man Commission, led by retired IAS officer Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, will visit Anantapur and Chittoor districts on 20 and 21 January to receive representations and memorandums from the public regarding the sub-classification of scheduled castes. According to a release issued here on Friday, the commission will conduct meetings at the erstwhile district headquarters of Anantapur and Chittoor. Individuals and organisations from both the old and newly formed districts can directly submit their representations and memorandums during these meetings.

AP appoints Inquiring Authority to probe charges of abuse of power against former CID chief Sunil Kumar

Vijayawada :The Andhra Pradesh government has appointed an Inquiring Authority, led by Special Chief Secretary for Revenue (Land, Registration and Stamps) R.P. Sisodia, to investigate the charges against former CID Chief P.V. Sunil Kumar. Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand issued an order on Friday, designating Director General (Vigilance and Enforcement) Harish Kumar Gupta as the Presenting Officer to represent the case before the Inquiring Authority. The inquiry will assess the charges of abuse of power during Sunil Kumars tenure as CID chief, and the report will be submitted within the stipulated time frame.

Vijayawada Railway Station secures five-star 'Eat Right Station' certification

Vijayawada: Vijayawada Railway Station has achieved the prestigious five-star 'Eat Right Station' certification from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for maintaining exemplary food hygiene and safety standards. This makes Vijayawada the fifth station in the South Central Railway (SCR) Zone to earn this honour, following Annavaram, Guntur, Nadikudi, and Hyderabad (Nampally). The certification process involved rigorous compliance with FSSAI standards, including training food vendors under the FOSTAC programme. Dr M Sowribala, Chief Medical Superintendent, and her team ensured regular monitoring of hygiene, food quality, and waste management practices. Divisional Railway Manager Narendra A Patil congratulated the team for their efforts and highlighted the importance of the 'Eat Right India' movement in promoting safe and healthy food across the nation.

Pawan wants report on staff facing ACB, Vigilance cases

Vijayawada: Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan has directed principal secretaries of Forest and Environment, Panchayat Raj and Rural Development, and Rural Water Supply to submit a comprehensive report on employees of these departments who are facing ACB and Vigilance cases. At a meeting on Friday with top officials, he ordered that the report be filed within three weeks. Pawan Kalyan expressed concern about the slow progress of investigations into the Vigilance and ACB cases. He felt that delays in investigations are hindering opportunities for these employees from receiving promotions and getting post-retirement benefits. The Deputy CM felt upset that some of the cases related to Vigilance, ACB and other inquiries have been pending for nearly 20 years. Officials explained to Pawan Kalyan that lack of proper evidence to substantiate the charges against employees at the initial stage are resulting in inordinate delays in resolving these cases. Suggesting guidelines to expedite the investigation process, the Deputy Chief Minister directed officials to gather strong evidence against corrupt staff during the preliminary investigation itself. Pawan Kalyan emphasised on the need to prevent close contact between employees and investigating officers during the initial stages of inquiry. The Deputy CM asked department heads to reinvestigate corruption cases in a proper manner to ensure their swift resolution.

AP Cabinet Approves Major Proposals

Vijayawada: Several key decisions were approved at the state cabinet meeting on Friday. Nod has been given for a proposal to provide a government guarantee to AP Markfed for availing a loan of Rs 700 crore for paddy procurement. A plan to set up 63 Anna Canteens in 62 assembly constituencies, under the aegis of various urban development authorities has also been approved. Briefing the media, information minister Kolusu Partha Sarathy said Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu proposed the setting up of a special society to further improve the management of the Anna canteens. Plans are to set up a management committee and an advisory committee to run these canteens. The Cabinet has approved the proposal of the AP MARKFED to avail an additional loan of Rs 700 crore. This season, 28,083,238 metric tonnes of grain has been procured from about 4.6 lakh farmers and a total payment of Rs 6,469 crore has been made to them. This loan would help it procure more grain from farmers, the minister said. The Cabinet approved the rationalization of village/ward secretariats and activate the functionaries for more effective implementation of real-time governance. The village and ward secretariats have been divided into three categories. Secretariats covering a population of more than 3,501 are in Category A. Those with a population of 2,501 to 3,500 have been put into Category B and those covering a population of less than 2,500 are in Category C. As per the orders issued by the A.P. Ferro Alloys Producers Association, the cabinet approved a proposals to continue the same reduction in tariff and electricity duty till March 31 this year. For this, the government has to bear a burden of about Rs 300 crore. The meeting approved a proposal to issue a No Objection Certificate to M/s May Encons (P) Ltd of Hyderabad for setting up a 1.0 MW and a 2.7 MW mini hydel plants on the left side of the head sluice of the Sardar Gauthu Lachanna Thotapalli Barrage Project on the Nagavali river. The Chief Minister suggested that appropriate steps be taken to empower women by providing them employment. SHG women can be engaged in small power plants that are to be set up in the future. The Cabinet gave the administrative permission for construction of a flood protection wall from 0.9km to 2.61km on the right bank of the Krishna river below the Prakasam Barrage in Tadepalli village limits in Guntur district. This would cost Rs 294.20 crore. The flood protection wall would be constructed on a permanent basis below the Prakasam Barrage, the minister said. These apart, the cabinet approved a proposal to exempt stamp duty under Section 9(1)(a) of the Indian Stamp Act, 1899 and registration fee under Section 78 of the Registration Act, 1908, for the execution of the sale deed required for the transfer of 2,595.74 acres of land in Kopparthi and Tadigotla villages of CK Dinne mandal of YSR Kadapa district. It agreed for the transfer of 2,621.15 acres of land in Meedivemula, Uppalapadu and N.Konthalapadu villages in Orvakal mandal of Kurnool district to the state industrial corridors development corporations special purpose vehicle (SPV). Nod has also been given to a proposal to extend the deadline for receipt of applications for regularization of Urban Land Ceiling (ULC) lands notified as prohibited assets under Section 22(a) and regularization of lands up to 31.12.2025 by paying the relevant fee as per the terms & conditions. The Cabinet approved a proposal to issue guidelines for the distribution of house pattas @ 3 cents in rural areas and @ 2 cents in urban areas under the Houses for All Poor programme. It agreed to regularize the houses built by the eligible poor on the encroached government lands.

Central help to VSP a moment etched in steel for AP, declares CM

Vijayawada: Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu declared that Friday marks a historic moment etched in steel for Andhra Pradesh. It is an emotional and proud moment for the people of Andhra Pradesh, as the union government, in response to state governments consistent efforts since formation of the NDA government, has approved 11,440 crore for reviving the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP), the CM emphasised at a media briefing here on Friday. Welcoming the central government's package, he expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, union finance minister Nirmala Sitaraman and union steel minister H.D. Kumaraswamy for their support to VSP. Chandrababu Naidu stated, Visakhapatnam Steel Plant is a vital industry for the people of Andhra Pradesh. Overcoming numerous challenges of the past, it has been saved through strong coordination between the NDA government at the centre and the TD-led government in the state. We have achieved what seemed impossible in the past seven months. VSP will soon see greater development. Taking to X on the occasion, the AP Chief Minister wrote, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister, @narendramodi Ji for his unwavering support to the Steel Plant which, I assure, will contribute to the PMs vision of nation building as part of Viksit Bharat Viksit Andhra Vizag Steel Plant is more than just a factoryit stands as a monument to struggles and spirit of the people of Andhra Pradesh... This was not merely an election promise; it was a deeply personal commitment we were determined to honour. Good days ahead for Andhra Pradesh, Naidu noted. Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan too took to X and wrote, The sacrifice of Amruta Rao and countless others who gave their lives for Visakhapatnam Steel Plant in 1966 burns eternal in our hearts. Their blood and tears laid the foundation for what stands today not just as a factory, but as the pride and identity of Telugu people. Today, the NDA government's decision to provide a financial package of 11,440 crores for the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant isn't merely a number it represents renewed hope for thousands of families, for every worker whose hands have shaped steel, for every employee who has dedicated years of service, and for every contractor who has stood by this plant through its challenges, the Deputy CM observed. Minister Nara Lokesh said on X: The state's pride and crown jewel, the Vizag Steel Plant, will be revived and revitalised with a special package of 11,440 crore, approved by Prime Minister @narendramodi Ji. Watching from close quarters, I saw how @ncbn strived to keep his election promise to save the ailing steel plant from closing down. Armed with wings of steel, Andhra Pradesh will soar to new heights, transforming millions of lives for the better, Lokesh predicted.

Vijayawada railway station bags 5 Star Eat Right Station certification from FSSAI

Annavaram, Guntur, Nadikudi and Nampally railway stations have got the Eat Right Station certification in South Central Railway (SCR) Zone, say officials

Traffic jam continues on Hyderabad-Vijayawada highway post-Sankranti

Hyderabad: Hyderabad-Vijayawada highway saw traffic jams as thousands of families are returning to Hyderabad and its outskirts from their native places in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh post-Sankranti. Bus stations and railway stations in various districts were significantly crowded with passengers. Toll plazas on the Hyderabad-Vijayawada highway also continue to witness queues of cars, buses, and Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

AP High Court upholds amendment to In-service Quota Rules for Civil Assistant Surgeons

VIJAYAWADA: The AP High Court upheld Government Order 85 issued by the State government in July 2024 amending the In-service Quota Rules for Civil Assistant Surgeons working with the Medical and Health Department to pursue post graduation. The court in a recent verdict refused to intervene over the rule that to get the In-service Quota, one should clear NEET PG and be aged less than 50 at the time of notification for the super speciality courses. It also upheld the rule of 10 years of mandatory government service after PG and a penalty of Rs 25 lakh to Rs 50 lakh for violation of the In-Service Quota agreement. The court refused to announce the GO as unilateral. Dr Chittibabu working at Medarametla PHC as an assistant civil surgeon, challenged the GO in the HC. RRR urges HC not to grant bail to Tulasi Babu Deputy Assembly Speaker Kanumuru Raghurama Krishna Raju (RRR) on Thursday urged the AP High Court not to grant bail to Kamepalli Tulasi Babu, one of the accused in the police torture case registered in Nagarampalem police station. He prayed the court to consider him as a party to hear his arguments in the bail petition filed by Tulasi Babu seeking relief from police arrest. He also contended that Tulasi Babu could influence witnesses if he is granted bail. After hearing arguments, the court posted the matter to Friday.

AP excise minister urges accelerated development of Machilipatnam Port, fishing harbour

VIJAYAWADA: Minister for Mines and Excise Kollu Ravindra has directed officials to accelerate the development of Machilipatnam Port and Fishing Harbour. During a review meeting with Krishna District Collector DK Balaji and Joint Collector Gitanjali Sharma, Ravindra said that the ports development would boost industrial growth in the region. He urged the district administration to prioritise infrastructure, job creation, and other related factors to support this growth. Ravindra also recommended focusing on the development of the MSME park in the Gilakaladandi area and preparing a master plan. He stressed the importance of skill development for traditional occupations while ensuring that the livelihoods of fishermen in the Bandar region remain unaffected. Additionally, he called for the development of Manginapudi Beach as a tourist destination, the establishment of a desalination plant for drinking water, and the construction of washrooms. He highlighted the need to conserve Bandar Fort and transform it into a heritage park. Discussions included the beautification of Machilipatnam, road widening, improvements to the drainage system, and other civic concerns.

AP Minister Manohar praises coalition governance; urges JSP workers to resist attempts to disrupt alliance

VIJAYAWADA: Minister for Civil Supplies Nadendla Manohar stated that the people of Andhra Pradesh are satisfied with the coalition governments governance, which has accelerated development activities. Speaking at a party event in Eluru on Thursday, he alleged that certain groups are attempting to disrupt the alliance and urged JSP workers to resist such efforts. At the event, Manohar distributed Rs 5 lakh insurance cheques to 18 families of JSP leaders who recently lost their lives in accidents, assuring continued support from the party. He accused opposition leaders of spreading false propaganda to create rifts within the alliance of TDP, JSP, and BJP for political gains. Manohar highlighted the coalitions achievements, including clearing Rs 1,674 crore in pending bills from the previous government, crediting payments to farmers within 48 hours of paddy procurement, and distributing free gas cylinders to 95 lakh beneficiaries. He emphasised that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidus vision and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyans ideas would ensure Andhra Pradesh excels in both welfare and development. He directed JSP workers to follow Kalyans ideology and work together to secure representation in water committees and cooperative society elections.

Amit Shah, CM Naidu to inaugurate NIDM campus, NDRF battalion HQ in Krishna district

VIJAYAWADA: Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will inaugurate the new campus of the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) 10th Battalion headquarters at Kondapavuluru village in Krishna district on January 19. According to an official release from the State BJP office on Thursday, Amit Shah will arrive in Vijayawada on Saturday (January 18) night, and will meet Naidu at his Undavalli residence. On Sunday, Shah will inaugurate the campus and headquarters around 11.30 am. NDRF Commandant VVN Prasanna Kumar said the battalion headquarters was constructed at a cost of 110 crore in 50 acres. The new facility consists of a training centre, administrative block, quarters for staff and barracks, stores, a kennel and other facilities. The National Institute of Disaster Management campus was constructed at a cost of Rs 50 crore with all modern facilities, said Joint Director Colonel Panagani Srinivasulu Reddy.

TDP membership crosses one crore milestone

VIJAYAWADA: The TDP membership has crossed the one-crore mark. The enrolment drive launched by TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu on October 26, 2024 has evoked tremendous response from people in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Now, the TDP has a total of membership of 1,00,52,598, making it one of the largest political families in India. Eleven Assembly constituencies have crossed the one-lakh membership mark, while 105 segments have recorded over 50,000 members. Nellore City with 1,49,270 members, Atmakur with 1,48,802 and Palakollu with 1,48,559 have got the first three places in the membership drive. There is also significant response to the TDP lifetime membership. Mangalagiri has topped the list with the enrolment of 145 lifetime members. The success of the membership drive is largely attributed to TDP national general secretary Nara Lokeshs innovative use of technology. The platform has enabled people to register seamlessly, providing real-time insights into grassroots efforts. He has been instrumental in establishing a robust welfare framework for TDP workers, besides an insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh. The TDP Welfare Fund has supported thousands of workers and their families by providing financial aid for education and healthcare. Over 2,500 children of TDP workers have received financial assistance for higher education. It has distributed Rs 103.28 crore to the families of 5,164 deceased workers. Training programmes have also been organised to provide employment opportunities to children of TDP workers. Lokeshs hands-on approach, including personally acknowledging top-performing members, has been pivotal in motivating cadres and enhancing loyalty to the party. The TDP welfare wing has set a benchmark in providing free education to children of party workers through NTR Model Schools, subsidised private school fee, and job-oriented training programmes. The TDP leaderships holistic approach underscores its commitment to the well-being of workers.

CM Naidu awards Rs 25 lakh to cricketer Nitish Kumar Reddy; promises house site allocation

VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday handed over a cheque for Rs 25 lakh to international cricketer Nitish Kumar Reddy on behalf of the Andhra Cricket Association president and Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath. He promised to allot a house site to the cricketer on behalf of the State government soon. Accompanied by ACA president Sivanath and ACA secretary and Rajya Sabha member Sana Sathish, Nitish met the Chief Minister at the Secretariat. Nitish, who hails from Visakhapatnam, left his mark while playing for Team India in Australia, during the Border-Gavaskar series. Naidu praised the upcoming cricketer and wished a bright future with more victories to this young talent. Nitish also met HRD and IT Minister Nara Lokesh, who felicitated him and praised him as an inspiration to many. Nitish hailed the sports policy announced by the State as good and requested for inclusion of cricket in it. Lokesh said they would take a decision after consulting others.

Andhra Pradesh plans free bus travel for women from Ugadi; decision to be taken at Cabinet meeting

VIJAYAWADA: The State government is making efforts to implement the free bus travel for women scheme from Ugadi. The APSRTC is also gearing up to launch the scheme. A decision on the free bus travel scheme is likely to be taken at the Cabinet meeting to be held on Friday (January 17). The Group of Ministers on the free bus travel scheme has reportedly submitted its report to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. The report is said to have underlined the need for hiring more buses to implement the scheme from Ugadi. Free bus travel for women is one of the election promises made by the TDP-led NDA as part of Super Six. However, the NDA could not implement the scheme soon after coming to power due to various reasons such as availability of required number of buses and also formulation of a robust mechanism for its success. The government set up the Group of Ministers to study the free bus travel for women scheme in other States before launching it in Andhra Pradesh. It is headed by Transport Minister M Ramprasad Reddy. Women and Child Welfare Minister Gummadi Sandhya Rani and Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha are its members, while Kantilal Dande, Principal Secretary (Roads and Buildings Department) is the convener. The Group of Ministers visited Karnataka, Telangana and Delhi, where the free bus travel for women scheme is being implemented, to study it. The Group of Ministers is said to have come up with several recommendations, which include increasing the bus fleet, invitation of tenders to hire buses, renewal of existing ones, recruitment of staff, particularly conductors, based on the demand. There is a huge shortage of hired buses in the APSRTC. Also, several hired bus contractors are not interested in running their buses with the APSRTC due to the increased number of trips and other issues. Instead of purchasing new buses, the RTC may go for hired buses as it will serve the purpose now. The report has also made several other suggestions such as seeking financial assistance to the RTC from the State government to compensate the revenue loss, sources said.

Traffic on Chityal, NH No. 76, Slows Down after Container Mishap

Nalgonda: The toll plazas at Panthangi and Korlaphad on National Highway No. 65 experienced a surge in vehicle traffic on Thursday as people returned to Hyderabad from their native areas after celebrating the Sankranti festival. Despite the heavy flow of vehicles, no major traffic jams were reported by 7 pm. However, Choutuppal witnessed traffic congestion extending half a kilometre both in the morning and evening. Police intervened promptly to clear the blockages. At 6.30 am, the Korlaphad toll plaza faced a traffic jam of half a kilometre when the FASTag servers went down. Authorities managed to restore the FASTag system within 10 minutes, clearing the traffic jam at Korlaphad within half an hour. Panthangi toll plaza operates 16 gates, with 10 designated for vehicles heading towards Hyderabad from Vijayawada. Similarly, Korlaphad toll plaza has 13 gates, seven of which cater to vehicles travelling to Hyderabad from the Vijayawada side. Depending on the vehicle rush, toll plaza authorities may decide to open additional gates for the Vijayawada-Hyderabad route on NH No. 65. Additionally, Chityal on NH No. 76 experienced a 4-km-long traffic jam on both the Hyderabad-Vijayawada and Vijayawada-Hyderabad routes after a container fell under a road overbridge. Upon receiving the report, Nalgonda deputy superintendent of police Shiva Ram Reddy arrived at the spot and oversaw the police efforts to remove the container using a crane, which took approximately half an hour. The congestion on NH No. 65 has slowed vehicle movement, increasing travel time between Vijayawada and Hyderabad. Anticipating further vehicle influx late Thursday night, authorities have deployed 100 additional police personnel along NH No. 65 to manage and regulate traffic flow effectively. Vehicular operator N. Srinivas, who took a break at Narketpally, reported slow vehicle movement in certain sections of NH No. 65, especially where the road traverses villages and towns. He noted that it took four and a half hours to cover the 200-km distance from Vijayawada to Narketpally.

Inscription of Vikramaditya VI Found at a Temple in Telangana

VIJAYAWADA: An inscription of Kalyani Chalukya king Vikramaditya VI, engraved on the four sides of a pillar, has been discovered at the Markandamani Temple in Chandippa village, Ranga Reddy district, Telangana, by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The inscription, written in Kannada, is dated to CV year 25, Vishu, Karttika, su 5, Brhaspativara, which corresponds to 28 October 1101 CE. According to ASI director (Epigraphy) K. Munirathnam Reddy, it records the gift of 24 mattar of block soil land, half a mattar of wetland, and a mattar of garden to conduct festivities and provide food offerings to the god Someswarar at Chandippa agrahara, donated by Dhoni Bhattopadhya. Additionally, it documents the gift of lands to the same deity by the Mahajanas of the village during the reign of Tribhuvanmalladeva (Vikramaditya VI) from his capital at Kalyana.

AP Assures SC to Fix Boundaries to Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary in Three Months

Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh government has informed the Supreme Court that it will finalise the fixation of boundaries for the Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary within the next three months. A three-member division bench, comprising Justice B.R. Gavai, Justice Augustine George Masih, and Justice Vinod Chandran, heard the case regarding encroachments and the fixation of boundaries at the Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary in New Delhi on Thursday. The AP government provided an update on the action plan, reporting that around 5,000 acres of encroachments had been demolished since October 2024, with the exercise continuing. The government is working to remove remaining encroachments to facilitate the boundary fixation. The court instructed the state to file an affidavit with more details on the exercise by March 19 and scheduled the next hearing for the same date.

AP to observe third Saturday as Swachh Andhra Swachh Diwas

Vijayawada: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced the launch of the Swachh Andhra Swachh Diwas programme to make Andhra Pradesh the cleanest state in the country. This initiative, set to take place every third Saturday, will begin on January 18 at Maidukuru in Kadapa district. Chief secretary K. Vijayanand, during a video conference with district collectors, outlined the programmes guidelines and urged officials at all levels to ensure its success. The initiative will feature monthly themes such as Avoid Single Use Plastics in March, Beat the Heat in June, and Green AP in September, aimed at addressing various environmental issues. Vijayanand stressed the pivotal roles of the Panchayat Raj, Rural Development, and Urban Development Departments in executing the programme. Minister for municipal administration P. Narayana emphasised public participation and proposed large-scale campaigns, including human chains, in every constituency to raise awareness. This programme aims to promote cleanliness and environmental responsibility across Andhra Pradesh.

Robust arrangements for 76th Republic Day celebrations at IGMC Stadium Vijayawada

Vijayawada: Chief secretary K. Vijayanand has directed officials to ensure extensive arrangements for the 76th Republic Day celebrations at Indira Gandhi Municipal Corporation (IGMC) Stadium in Vijayawada on January 26. In a review meeting held virtually from the State Secretariat on Thursday, he highlighted the need for tight security, seating arrangements, drinking water, sanitation, catering, and traffic control. Governor Justice S. Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh High Court Justice Dheeraj Singh Thakur, along with several ministers, MPs, MLCs, MLAs, and other officials, are expected to attend the event. The Chief Secretary also instructed the decoration of major government buildings such as Raj Bhavan and the High Court with electric lights for the occasion. The Republic Day celebrations will commence at 9 am. Special attention will be given to transporting schoolchildren, as the event falls on a Sunday this year. The district administration, in coordination with the police department and the AP special police battalion, is preparing security arrangements. The parade rehearsal will also be held in full dress, featuring Army personnel, state police, NCC, scouts and guides, and other contingents.

Naidu presents Rs.25 Lakh cheque to cricketer Nitish Kumar Reddy, promises house site

Vijayawada: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has presented a cheque of Rs.25 lakh from the Andhra Cricket Association to cricket player K. Nitish Kumar Reddy and promised to allot him a house soon. The association president and Vijayawada MP Kesineni Shivnath and ACA secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Sana Satish were present when the cheque was given to the cricketer at the Secretariat in Velagapudi on Thursday. Naidu said, We will support and encourage international sportspersons from AP in every possible way. We will provide better facilities for them to help them excel. Earlier in the day, Sivanath and Satish felicitated Nitish Reddy at the formers office here. Reddy, hailing from Visakhapatnam, spoke of his experience of playing in his debut test match for India against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The MPs also praised Nitishs father, Mutyala Reddy, for his continuous support and encouragement in his sons cricketing journey. Sivanath said ACA would provide all necessary support to help Nitish further enhance his skills. The felicitation ceremony was attended by ACA vice president Venkatarama Prashanth, treasurer Dandamudi Srinivas and other dignitaries.

Reliance NU plans to set up Rs 10,000-crore solar project

VIJAYAWADA: Reliance NU Suntech Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Reliance Power Limited, has announced plans to invest Rs 10,000 crore on setting up of a solar power project in Kurnool district on a build-own-operate basis. The project consisting of a 930 MW solar energy contract with 465 MW/1,860 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) component, is Asias largest solar and battery energy storage project. The project will guarantee a peak power supply of four hours daily (or a four hour discharge duration). Reliance NU Suntech has secured the largest individual allocation of 930 MW through a competitive e-reverse auction from a total bid capacity of 2,000 MW for interstate transmission system (ISTS) connected solar projects. The project is scheduled for commissioning within 24 months of signing the power purchase agreement (PPA). SECI will enter into a 25-year PPA with Reliance NU Suntech to supply the solar power to various Discoms across India. The project will serve as a significant milestone for Southern India, generating 1,000 direct and 5,000 indirect employment opportunities for workers during the construction phase. The project integrates solar power with advanced energy storage systems, enhancing the reliability and cost-effectiveness of renewable energy. By ensuring a consistent power supply even during periods of low solar generation, the initiative bolsters Indias renewable energy capacity, reduces dependence on fossil fuels, and reinforces Reliance NU Suntechs leadership in the power generation sector.

SCR gets new Principal Chief Operations Manager

VIJAYAWADA: K Padmaja assumed charge as Principal Chief Operations Manager (PCOM) of South Central Railway (SCR) on Wednesday at Rail Nilayam, Secunderabad. A 1991-batch Indian Railways Traffic Service officer, she holds bachelors degrees in Science and Education. Before this appointment, Padmaja served as Principal Chief Commercial Manager (PCCM), SCR, while handling the additional charge of PCOM. With a career spanning over three decades, she has held several key roles in SCR, including Assistant Commercial Manager, Assistant Traffic Manager, and Divisional Operations Manager in Hyderabad and Secunderabad divisions. She has also served as Senior Divisional Safety Officer, Guntakal, and Dy. Chief Commercial Manager, PRS. At SCR Headquarters, her positions included Dy Chief Operations Manager/Coaching, Chief Traffic Manager, Chief Passenger Traffic Manager and many.

BJP to name State president by Jan-end

VIJAYAWADA: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has initiated the process of appointing a new president for its State wing, coinciding with the auspicious days of Uttarayan, which is considered an ideal time for new beginnings. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has been entrusted with the task of submitting names for the position, after which the BJP high command will make a decision and announce the new president in the fourth week of January. Over 20 leaders are competing for the coveted post, with several already having met with senior BJP and RSS leaders. A meeting is scheduled for January 19 in Vijayawada to finalise the contenders. Key candidates include Adoni MLA Dr PV Parthasarathi, Vijayawada West MLA Sujana Chowdary, MLC PVN Madhav, and senior leader Purighalla Raghuram. However, Sujana Chowdary has emerged as the front-runner, with many leaders viewing him as a suitable choice to lead the party in the State if they themselves are not selected. The new president will be responsible for strengthening the saffron party in the State, coordinating with NDA allies, and liaising with the BJP national leadership. Decision on the new president is likely to be influenced by a combination of factors, including caste considerations, financial backing, and connections with NDA allies. Many leaders argue that, given there are no general elections for the next two years, the post should now be entrusted to a seasoned leader who can enhance the partys strength. Some also propose that the ideal candidate should have at least six years of service to the party. Interestingly, this six-year service criterion is already being applied to the selection of presidents at the mandal and district levels. Will BJP consider a Reddy leader for State chief post? A senior leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, stressed that while MLA and MP tickets are often awarded based on political expediency, the post of president should be reserved for loyalists who have demonstrated a genuine commitment to the party. This time, those who have worked behind the scenes deserve a chance to lead. After two years, during the general elections term, the party can reassess its leadership needs and make decisions based on political considerations. Some leaders from Rayalaseema have urged the BJP leadership to consider appointing a Reddy leader, citing the communitys dissatisfaction with former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. They believe this is an opportune moment for the BJP to consolidate support from the Reddy community by giving one of them the chance to lead. Sannapureddy Suresh Reddy, a veteran leader from Nellore, is vying for post. Recently appointed as APSRTC Zonal Chairman, Reddy has an impressive track record, with over four decades of association with the RSS, and more than three decades of service to the BJP. Sources also revealed that former Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy has shown no interest in becoming the BJP State president.

Bets on rooster fights exceed Rs 2,000 crore

VIJAYAWADA: Contrary to the High Courts directive instructing police personnel to ensure that rooster fights are not held in the State under the guise of tradition and customs, the blood sport was widely observed during the three-day festivities. According to estimates, the total bets this year exceeded Rs 2,000 crore. Numerous people, including youngsters and women, thronged the arenas to witness cockfights in Edupugallu, Ramavarappadu, Ibrahimpatnam, Mangalagiri, Gannavaram, Nunna, Thiruvuru, Chinchinada, Pulapalli, and other villages in Krishna and NTR districts. During the Sankranti festival, cockfights are a major spectacle in Andhra Pradesh, particularly in the Godavari districts, where locals consider this blood sport a cherished tradition. A large number of people from other States visit the Godavari districts specifically to witness rooster fights. Sources reveal that over 1,000 cockfighting rings were set up in and around Bhimavaram and Narsapuram in West Godavari district, Kaikaluru in Eluru district, and various parts of the erstwhile Krishna district. A rooster fight arena at Ramavarappadu in Vijayawada | Prasant Madugula It has been learnt that a rooster fight between Tadepalligudem-based businessman Gudivada Prabhakar Rao and renowned breeder Ratayya attracted the highest single bet of Rs 1 crore. Rao emerged victorious after an intense bout. The rooster fights, along with gambling and other associated events, are expected to continue until Thursday evening. Despite the State police taking steps to curb illegal activities such as cockfighting and gambling during Sankranti celebrations, the blood sport persisted unabated across the State, with the backing of political leaders. Organisers exerted significant political pressure on both the police and revenue officials, while the publics enthusiasm for the sport left officials largely as passive observers. Cockfights have been part of Sankranti celebrations for centuries. The festival cannot be celebrated without cockfights and gambling. My cousins and I have come all the way from Kurnool to Bhimavaram for this, said businessman Raghavendra.

Sankranti affects air quality in parts of AP

Vijayawada: Ambient air quality had been a cause of concern in Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and Rajamahendravaram during the last four days owing to the Sankranti festivities. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has mentioned that the air quality has been moderate in Visakhapatnam. It registered an AQI of 203 (PM2.5) on January 12, 195 (PM2.5) on January 13; 111 (PM2.5) on January 14 and 110 (PM2.5) on January 15. Vijayawada recorded 119 (NO2) at its Kanuru station on January 12 and 135 (NO2) on January 13 while the AQI had been satisfactory in the remaining two days. In Rajamahendravaram, it had been 172 (PM2.5) on January 12 and 170 (PM2.5) on January 13, which can be considered as moderate to poor. On January 15, the AQI recorded at Kakinada had been 102 (PM10), which is considered as moderate, while Anantapur, Bobbili, Chittoor, Eluru, Guntur, Kadapa, Kurnool, Nellore, Ongole, Pydibheemavaram, Rajamahendravaram, Srikakulam, Tirumala, Tirupati, Vijayawada, Vizianagaram, Yerraguntla and Velagapudi recorded the AQI as satisfactory. Anantapur (Court Road) and Tirupati recorded the AQI to be good. According to the CPCBs health statement for AQI, if the code is good, it causes minimal impact on health. If it is satisfactory, it causes minor breathing discomfort to sensitive people. If it is moderate, it causes breathing discomfort to people with lungs, asthma and heart diseases. AP Pollution Control Board senior environmental scientist Sree Rajani said, With a lot of activity all around due to Sankranti festival, the air quality has witnessed a drastic change in some parts of the state. Fog further polluting the air, she added.