Latest news with #BabuRao
The Hindu
19-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
CPI (M) opposes government's move to allot RTC land to Lulu Group
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has strongly opposed the Andhra Pradesh government's proposal to hand over the valuable RTC land in Vijayawada's old bus stand area to the multinational Lulu Group for the construction of a shopping mall. CPI (M) State secretariat member Ch. Babu Rao termed the move 'highly condemnable' and urged the government to immediately withdraw the plan. Addressing a press conference in Sattenapalli of Palnadu district on the occasion of the party's Palnadu district-wide meeting, Mr. Babu Rao criticized the government's proposal to allot RTC land worth over ₹400 crore to the Lulu Group. He described it as a blow to the interests of the public and the RTC, which plays a crucial role in providing affordable transport to the common people. The CPI (M) emphasized that instead of weakening the RTC, the government should be focusing on strengthening the public transport corporation by offering financial support and infrastructure development. Mr. Babu Rao condemned the coalition National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government's policy of transferring valuable public assets to big corporations under the pretext of development, stating that such actions jeopardize public services. The proposed site for the mall already houses two RTC depots and plays a vital role in public transportation. Transferring this land to Lulu Group for a mall would not only disrupt RTC operations but also severely impact public transit in the region. At a time when the government is acquiring land from private individuals for metro and other mass transport projects, handing over government-owned RTC land to private companies is unjust, he said. Mr. Babu Rao accused the ruling coalition of surrendering to the interests of multinational giants by weakening public sector enterprises. He cited examples of large corporations like Reliance, Metro, D-Mart, and Walmart entering the retail sector and displacing small and medium traders. Such developments have led to the closure of numerous small businesses and the loss of livelihoods, he said. The CPI (M) leader urged the government to reconsider its decision and instead use the valuable RTC land for public transport and people-oriented infrastructure. 'If the government proceeds with allocating RTC land to Lulu Group, the CPI (M) will launch a strong public movement in collaboration with city residents,' he warned. 'Let us protect RTC, let us protect small and medium traders.' Mr. Babu Rao concluded by affirming the CPI (M)'s commitment to defending public assets and supporting local enterprises, demanding that the government abandon its pro-corporate agenda in favour of a more inclusive and equitable development model.
New Indian Express
15-07-2025
- Science
- New Indian Express
Negligence led to Sigachi Industries blast, says retired IICT scientist
HYDERABAD: Retired scientist from the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT),K Babu Rao, stated that negligence in safety measures led to the explosion at Sigachi Industries in Pashamylaram on June 30. In a statement, he explained that the initial explosion occurred in a spray dryer, which was completely destroyed. The force of the blast caused accumulated microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) dust to rise and ignite, triggering a second, more powerful explosion that led to the building's collapse. 'There is no doubt this was a dust explosion,' he said. Dr Babu Rao pointed out that for 35 years, neither the management nor the regulatory authorities had acknowledged the potential for such a severe incident. No preventive measures were in place, and a lack of expertise and disregard for safety education were clear among factory inspectors. He further alleged that despite previous combustible dust accidents in the Telugu states, attempts had been made to shield industry owners by submitting misleading reports. 'This has weakened the safety framework,' he added.
The Hindu
07-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Dust hazard analysis not mandatory in the Factories checklist
Dust hazard analysis, a crucial component for ensuring industrial safety where combustible dust is a possibility, is missing from the Factories department's checklist for inspection of industries. Experts have attributed the blast in the Sigachi Industries at Pashamylaram which claimed 42 lives recently to what they called, a 'dust explosion' due to excess temperature during the process in the dryer. Dust hazard analysis is done to identify, analyse, and suggest mitigation measures for the risks associated with combustible dust in industries. The analysis is of importance for industries engaged in the manufacture of chemicals, metals, and pharmaceuticals. 'There is no provision for dust hazard analysis in the inspection checklist of the Factories department. This shows the superficial way of functioning by the authorities entrusted with ensuring the safety of thousands of industrial workers,' says K. Babu Rao, a retired scientist from the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology. A Factories department's inspection report of the Sigachi Industries in December 2024, pointed at several lapses in the factory, including a paucity of fire exits. According to the report, the number of exits from the machinery hall are insufficient. A recommendation was made for provision of the same without obstruction. Firefighting equipment was inadequate, and all the workers were not trained in firefighting. Thick rubber matting or insulation was not provided at electrical panels, and the electrical wiring was not laid in permanent conduits to prevent danger to workmen. The report remarked that loose and temporary electric wiring was found in the factory. Personal Protective Equipment such as safety belts, helmets, safety shoes, goggles, masks, and gloves are not provided to the workers, nor was there any safety training for them. The department recommended adequate pre-employment and periodical safety training to all workers including contract and casual workers. Provision of automatic fire extinguishing appliances, fire resisting dampers, electrically interlocked with heat-sensitive/smoke detectors were some other safety recommendations. The report also noted unsanitary conditions,the absence of a health centre and a medical officer, and even a first aid box in the factory. Inadequate washing facilities for workers, and absence of shelter/restrooms for workers too were flagged. 'The factory has existed for over 35 years, but they have not provided basic minimum facilities required for an industry. The department routinely issues inspection reports, and makes recommendations under relevant sections of the Factories Act, but does not take any action against violations,' says Mr. Babu Rao.
The Hindu
07-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Building workers protest in Vijayawada, demand revival of Welfare Board and repeal of Labour Codes
The Building Workers Union (CITU), Central City Committee, staged a protest here on Monday (July 07), urging the government to immediately revive the Welfare Board for construction workers and calling for the repeal of the controversial Labour Codes introduced by the Central government. The protest was part of a broader call to action ahead of the nationwide strike scheduled for July 9. Addressing the gathering, CITU Central City secretary M. Babu Rao expressed deep concern over the neglect faced by construction workers, many of whom have lost their livelihoods and are struggling to survive. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government has failed to address the critical issues faced by workers even after completing a year in office. The government had misled workers by announcing its intention to revoke Memo No. 1214, which was issued by the previous administration and related to construction workers' welfare schemes, he alleged. Mr. Babu Rao demanded that the coalition government clarify what obstacles were preventing it from restoring the Welfare Board. 'Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu must speak out immediately on the status of the board and welfare schemes, or be prepared to face the wrath of the working class,' he said. The demands include immediate restoration of the Construction Workers Welfare Board and associated schemes, guaranteed employment for all construction workers, compensation through the Welfare Board for those injured in workplace accidents and allocation of two cents of housing land to every eligible construction worker.
The Hindu
04-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Mass protest in Vijayawada against smart power meters and tariff hikes
A massive protest led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) erupted in Vijayawada on Friday against the installation of smart electricity meters and a steep increase in power tariffs. The CPI(M) activists gathered at the CPDCL headquarters, demanding the rollback of what they termed as 'corporate-driven reforms' that burden consumers. Addressing the gathering, CPI(M) leaders Ch. Babu Rao and D. Kasinath accused the ruling TDP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government of betraying public trust by imposing ₹15,485 crore worth of adjustment charges within a year of coming to power, despite promises to reduce electricity costs. Protesters also denounced the forcible installation of smart meters, linking them to corporate interests, particularly Adani. Mr. Babu Rao said: 'Over 50,000 petitions were submitted to CPDCL officials, who initially hesitated to receive them.' The petitions were collected from the public during the party's door to door campaign and padayatras. The protesters, including many women, displayed the petitions symbolically and raised slogans condemning the government's silence and double standards, he said, adding, the TDP, Jana Sena, and BJP, who had once opposed smart meters and filed court cases against them, are now enforcing them silently. The CPIM leaders warned that smart meters, controlled remotely by private firms, would lead to inflated bills and 24/7 surveillance, calling them 'Adani bombs in every household.' They claimed that two crore existing meters were being replaced with prepaid smart meters, shifting financial burdens to the public while giving discounted rates to large corporations. The CPI(M) vowed to escalate the agitation state-wide if the government failed to reverse its decisions. 'If they tamper with the people's electricity, they will lose their political power,' said Babu Rao, invoking the memory of the 2000 electricity movement. The protest ended with a call for public resistance and street-level action across Andhra Pradesh.
