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Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Festival of bonding celebrated with fervour across AP
1 2 3 4 5 6 Vijayawada: Raksha Bandhan was celebrated with fervour across Andhra Pradesh on Saturday, with women tying rakhis to their brothers and praying for their protection and lifelong support. Many families performed special pujas, and markets bustled with last-minute shoppers. Rakhi stalls saw brisk business, while sweet shops reported a surge in sales. Traders said this year's sales surpassed last year's returns, signalling a vibrant start to the festive season. Chief minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu celebrated Raksha Bandhan at a tribal woman's house in Vanjangi village. During his visit to Paderu, Naidu visited the house of Vanthala Eshwar Naidu (45) and Vanthala Kondamma (33), residents of Vanjangi village in Paderu mandal. The family of five, blessed with three boys, was happy to greet the CM and tied rakhi on his wrist. Naidu spent nearly 20 minutes in the house and interacted with Kondamma's children. IT and HRD minister Nara Lokesh celebrated the festival in Mangalagiri. "I consider all women of Mangalagiri as my sisters, as I do not have a sister of my own. Your blessings give me immense strength," he said. He announced that arrangements were being made to distribute another batch of house pattas in Mangalagiri soon, adding that development works worth Rs 200 crore, including roads, underground drainage, a 100-bed hospital, and a gems and jewellery park, are underway. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Remember Him? Take A Deep Breath Before You See Him Now The Noodle Box Undo Extending his wishes, deputy CM Pawan Kalyan called rakhi "an emotional symbol of the sacred bond between brothers and sisters". He assured that the coalition govt prioritises women's welfare, highlighting schemes like Deepam 2, Talliki Vandanam, free RTC bus travel for women, efforts to improve roads in tribal areas through the 'Adivasi Thali Baata' programme. Home minister Vangalapudi Anitha celebrated the festival at Visakhapatnam central jail, where she tied rakhis to 30 young prisoners and urged them to choose a better path. "There are many opportunities to live a good life. Next year, you should celebrate rakhi festival at your home," she told them. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
New Indian Express
30-07-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Distribution of smart ration cards across Andhra from August 25
VIJAYAWADA: Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Nadendla Manohar on Tuesday announced that smart ration cards will be distributed free of cost statewide from August 25 to 31. Speaking at the Secretariat, the minister said that 1,45,97,486 beneficiaries would receive the new cards, with distribution events organised in every constituency under the supervision of local legislators and district ministers. Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister K Pawan Kalyan will lead the programme at the State level. Nadendla said that Andhra Pradesh had become the first State in India to achieve 96.05% KYC completion for ration cards. Of the 16,08,612 applications received for changes and additions, 15,32,758 were approved, enrolling 9,87,644 new beneficiaries. The total number of beneficiaries now stands at 4,29,79,897, with 2.68 crore receiving supplies from the Centre and 1.61 crore from the State. He said the government had digitised old ration cards and introduced secure, debit card-style smart cards with QR codes to improve transparency and accountability. The cards will carry the head of the family's photo and names of all members, with each transaction digitally logged through a Dynamic Key Register linked to the central office. No political images will be printed on the cards. From September, ration distribution will take place at 26,796 fair price shops between 8 am and 12 pm and again from 4 pm to 8 pm between the 1st and 15th of each month. Home delivery will continue for those above 65 and the differently-abled from the 26th to the 30th. Regarding the Deepam 2 free gas refill scheme, Nadendla said that 97.59 lakh cylinders worth Rs 764 crore were distributed free during phase one and 93.46 lakh cylinders worth Rs 747 crore in phase two. A pilot project in NTR and Krishna districts is testing direct digital payments to gas agencies through Punjab National Bank's wallet system, with 1,384 beneficiaries so far.
Hans India
12-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
A tightrope walk as debt burden weighs
Vijayawada: It has been a tightrope walk for the Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led National Democratic Alliance government in Andhra Pradesh, which is completing one year in office on Thursday (today), and its Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu. Though the government under the leadership of Naidu initiated a slew of measures to boost economic growth and implemented welfare schemes, it had to work against all odds given the debt burden that weighed on the State. Naidu, who assumed charge as of AP Chief Minister for the fourth time on June 12, 2024, frequently said he started off with a millstone around his neck. He pointed out that the previous government had pushed the state back by 30 years, burdening it with Rs 10 lakh crore in debts and another Rs 1.2 lakh crore in unpaid bills. 'The annual interest alone stands at Rs 40,000 crore,' he remarked when the NDA government assumed office. Looking back, the Chief Minister said recently: 'Brick by brick, we are rebuilding the devastated state and in just one year, we have shown what good governance looks like by giving priority to both welfare and development.' Minister for Information and Public Relations K Parthasarathi told Hans India that the one-year period of the NDA government focused on both welfare and development. He said both Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and IT Minister Nara Lokesh aimed at wealth creation and uplift of the poor, simultaneously implementing welfare schemes. He said the coalition government had laid a solid foundation for the benefit of future generations. To begin with, the NDA government enhanced the old age pension to Rs 4,000 per month. Apart from that, it has been distributing pension amounts of Rs 6,000, Rs 10,000 and Rs 15,000 to various categories of people including physically challenged. The state government is spending a whopping Rs 33,000 crore a year on pensions to 64 lakh people. No other state government pays such high pension amounts in the country. In addition, under Deepam 2, the NDA government is giving three free LPG cylinders per year to women. Besides, the state government revived 73 central schemes, though the previous government had diverted central funds, resulting in AP being blacklisted. The NDA government is now planning to provide free solar rooftops to 20 lakh SC/ST houses under PM Surya Ghar Yojana. Upon taking office, the NDA govt repealed the Land Titling Act that had removed protection for people's lands and introduced a new Anti-Land Grabbing Act. With the Centre's support, the state government put the much-awaited Polavaram Project back on track. The project will now be completed by December 2027.
Hans India
01-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Pension fest celebrated a day early in State: Savita
Roddham: Minister Savita stated that the 'Pension Festival' began a day early in the State. She participated in a programme at Naranagepalli village of Roddham Mandal, where pensions were distributed along with free LPG cylinders under the Deepam 2 scheme. The Minister personally visited beneficiaries' homes, handed over the pensions, and enquired about their well-being. She highlighted that, in line with the promises made during the elections, the government has decided to issue pensions in full rather than in phases. The pension amounts have been increased to ₹4,000 for the elderly, widows, and single women, and to ₹6,000 for differently-abled persons. She Savita criticized the previous administration, noting that while former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy had promised to increase pensions to ₹3,000 in 2019, he implemented the hike in phases, adding only ₹250 increments each year. She credited NT Rama Rao for initiating the social pension scheme and said Chandrababu Naidu is continuing his legacy. Now, pensions of ₹4,000 per month are being issued, she added. Savita further mentioned that Anna Canteens have been reopened to provide affordable meals for the poor, and three free LPG cylinders are being provided annually to women under welfare schemes. Since Chandrababu Naidu assumed office, the State has been witnessing rapid development, she said, noting that the past five years were marked by a development vacuum. Highlighting recent development initiatives in Roddham mandal, she revealed that CC roads, drainage systems, and bridges worth ₹11 crore have been initiated. Additionally, ₹17.5 crore has been sanctioned for the construction of an MJP school. A new building has also been inaugurated at the government hospital with an investment of ₹50 lakh. To support farmers with power infrastructure, a 33/11 kV substation is being constructed at Dodagattu at a cost of ₹3.5 crore, and Bhoomi Puja for another substation at Gourajupalli will be conducted soon. Minister Savita also announced the completion of 44 Gokulam (cattle) sheds across the mandal. She emphasized the implementation of a free sand distribution policy and reiterated that Anna Canteens are now feeding the underprivileged. Once schools reopen, the 'Talli Ki Vandanam' scheme will provide ₹15,000 per child to eligible families. The 'Annadata Sukhibhava' scheme for farmers is set to be implemented soon, and from August 15, free bus travel for women will also be introduced. The program saw the participation of government officials, NDA alliance leaders, party workers, and a large number of local residents.
New Indian Express
20-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Andhra Pradesh CM to go on surprise inspections after June 12
VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu announced that he would begin surprise inspections anytime after June 12. He also revealed that around 38 companies have expressed interest in partnering with the State government regarding the proposed Drone City, which will be established on 300 acres in the Orvakal Industrial Node. The detailed project report is ready, and the tendering process will be completed by June 12. During a review of various government schemes and public feedback on service delivery, Naidu emphasised the need for complete satisfaction with the performance of all departments and public services under his one year of governance. While some departments have improved, he said, there is still a need to enhance service quality in APSRTC and other departments. On Monday, he assessed feedback collected through IVRS and QR code systems related to ration supply, the Deepam scheme, APSRTC, and Panchayat services at the Secretariat. He discussed the public response with the Chief Secretary and Secretaries in the Chief Minister's Office (CMO). Regarding the Deepam 2 scheme, the Chief Minister announced that the subsidy for three LPG cylinders would be credited to beneficiaries' accounts in one instalment. Beneficiaries can claim the cylinders as needed, but the entire subsidy will be provided upfront. He warned that no agency or intermediary should collect additional money from beneficiaries. On ration supply, 74% of respondents said they were receiving their rations, and 76% rated the quality as good. West Godavari District recorded the highest satisfaction levels in both distribution and quality. When asked whether delivery agents demanded money during gas delivery, 62% said no. However, noting that such issues still exist in some areas, Naidu said direct credit of subsidy amounts to beneficiaries' accounts would resolve them. Regarding APSRTC services, the Chief Minister expressed disappointment with the public satisfaction levels. He directed officials to work more effectively, particularly in improving amenities at bus stations. Dissatisfaction was high regarding drinking water and toilet facilities, with 44% and 55% of respondents, respectively, expressing concerns.
