Latest news with #Pemmasani
Time of India
17 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
India committed to building future-ready partnerships with BRICS nations: Chandra Sekhkar Pemmasani
NEW DELHI: India has reiterated its commitment to building enduring, future-ready partnerships with all BRICS nations , particularly in the connectivity, space sustainability , and digital ecosystem domains, at a multilateral meeting of communication ministers in Brasilia. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani , minister of state for communications, who is leading the Indian delegation at the 1th BRICS communications ministers' meeting, supported the declaration on "Universal and Meaningful Connectivity, Space Sustainability, Environmental Responsibility, and Comprehensive Digital Ecosystem development". 'We reaffirm India's unwavering commitment to enduring, future-ready partnerships with all BRICS nations. Our cooperation is not episodic; it is structural, strategic, and spiritually anchored in mutual respect,' Pemmasani said. The BRICS grouping includes 11 nations – Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. This year Brazil, under its presidency, has set four strategic priorities – universal and meaningful connectivity, space sustainability, environmental sustainability, and the digital ecosystem. 'Today, we stand united in consensus to advance collaboration across the digital future's vital pillars: Universal and Meaningful Connectivity, Space Sustainability, Environmental Responsibility, and comprehensive Digital Ecosystem development,' the minister said. India will host the Communications Ministers Meeting in 2026. According to Pemmasani, India's digital governance is a combination of 'civilisational wisdom and cutting-edge innovation'. 'Our approach is transformational, not transactional—guided by inclusion, equity, and technological empowerment for all,' he said. The minister highlighted that the Digital Bharat Nidhi (erstwhile Universal Service Obligation Fund) has fueled BharatNet, one of the world's largest rural connectivity projects, and connected over 2.18 lakh village councils with high-speed optical fiber. 'India developed and deployed indigenous 4G technology at an unprecedented scale. This wasn't merely technology adoption - it was technology mastery. Our 4G networks now serve over 95% of our population, creating the backbone of our digital economy,' Pemmasani said, adding that India has achieved one of the fastest 5G rollouts globally, deploying over 4.7 lakh 5G base stations in just over two years. Furthermore, the minister said the rising satellite density, especially in the low-Earth orbit (LEO), has brought new risks, including orbital congestion, signal interference, and spectrum monopolisation, which are increasingly becoming geopolitical concerns too. 'BRICS must lead with foresight. We propose structured collaboration to safeguard orbital equity and ensure resilience in space infrastructure. Let space remain a shared frontier—driven by cooperation, not competition,' Pemmasani said. According to him, the Telecommunications Act, 2023, and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act showcase India's forward-thinking regulatory approach which prioritises safeguarding user rights and data sovereignty. 'In essence, our vision is simple but profound: to build a digital ecosystem that empowers every citizen, inspires innovation, and delivers equitable progress. India is committed to championing this cause, not only domestically but as a voice for the developing world in global tech governance,' Pemmasani said.
New Indian Express
27-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Union Minister Pemmasani Chandrasekhar assures swift resolution of grievances
GUNTUR: Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications, Dr Pemmasani Chandrasekhar, gave a patient ear to the denizens and received petitions during a Public Grievance Redressal programme at Shankaran Hall in the Guntur Collectorate on Monday. On the occasion, Pemmasani stressed that resolving public grievances is primarily the duty of officials. 'This platform, initiated by the Chief Minister, is a meaningful step toward connecting with the people. The resolution of complaints, whether good or bad, rests with the officials. Only when each department sincerely addresses issues will this initiative succeed,' he said. He contrasted the current administration with the previous YSRCP government, stating that officials now work without pressure and with greater autonomy. 'Use this freedom to serve the public and earn their trust,' he urged. Pemmasani added, 'We know what's happening in the field and how complaints are being handled. People must feel assured that their concerns will be addressed by the administration.'
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
CRDA to begin final phase of IRR in Guntur
Guntur: The Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) is set to launch the third phase of Inner Ring Road (IRR) construction in Guntur city at an estimated cost of 50 crore. With the Guntur Municipal Corporation (GMC) clearing encroachments along the 4.5-km stretch, CRDA is now preparing to invite tenders for the road development. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The final phase of IRR, stalled for nearly 20 years, aims to ease traffic congestion by allowing heavy vehicles from Palnadu district to access National Highway-65 without entering the city. Initially conceptualized in 2005 by the Vijayawada-Guntur-Tenali-Mangalagiri Urban Development Authority (VGTM UDA) — CRDA's predecessor — the IRR was designed to connect Perecharla (western Guntur) with NH-65 (eastern Guntur near Autonagar) through an 11-km four-lane highway. Due to land acquisition challenges, the project was executed in phases, with only 7 km completed over the past two decades. Despite multiple government transitions, the final phase remained incomplete. Following the TDP-led NDA assuming power, Union minister Pemmasani Chandrasekhar took the initiative to push CRDA authorities to complete the IRR, addressing Guntur's growing traffic woes. Dr. Pemmasani also secured four Railway Over Bridge (ROB) projects, including one linked to the IRR, from the Union highways and road transport ministry. With the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) now preparing to begin ROB work, CRDA is keen to accelerate the final phase of IRR development. "We have cleared encroachments and distributed TDR bonds to affected property owners. The road markings are complete, and now it's over to CRDA to proceed with development," said GMC commissioner Puli Srinivasulu.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Centre invests ₹1.5 lakh crore in northeast India's physical, digital infra: Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani
NEW DELHI: The Prime Minister Narendra Modi government has invested ₹1.5 lakh crore over the past 10 years in northeast India's physical and digital infrastructure under the ' Act East Policy ', Minister of State for Communications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani said on Friday. 'Over ₹1.5 lakh crore has been invested across digital and physical infrastructure in the region. Out of this ₹50,000 crore has gone specifically into BharatNet and the Digital North East Vision,' Pemmasani said in his keynote address at the Rising Northeast Investors Summit 2025 event. The minister said that more than 90% of northeast India is now covered by 4G networks, while 80% of the rural households in the region are digitally connected via optical fibre cable. 'Modern IT parks are operational in Guwahati, Shillong, and Agartala, catalysing job creation and innovation. Hyperscale data centres, including Asia's largest, will be set up in Assam,' Pemmasani said. The minister recalled that the government is providing a much-needed policy support, beyond infrastructure, to help industry establish in this region and tap the local talent pool. 'It has launched ambitious programs such as Digital India , Bharatnet, Startup India, National AI Strategy, 5G rollout to create a launchpad for industry in the region,' Pemmasani said. 'This synergy of centre-state collaboration, a hallmark of governance since 2014, is transforming the NER (northeast region) into a digital powerhouse,' the minister added, saying that the region is witnessing the convergence of policy, infrastructure and talent. According to Pemmasani, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G is no longer theoretical in the Northeast, and the technologies are being deployed to solve real-life issues. The minister said that in Andhra Pradesh, a 5G telemedicine network is facilitating real-time consultationsm, while in Tripura, the 'Bhashini' initiative is making governance accessible in 22 languages through real-time AI translation Pemmasani stated optimistically that more can be done with AI, such as the digitisation of all government services, including land records, while 5G can support the delivery of global resources and virtual laboratories to students. 'At the same time, Kaziranga and Sikkim can offer immersive AR experiences, showcasing our beauty to millions through virtual tour,' he added. Currently, India's top telecom incumbents -- Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel -- provide a nationwide coverage of fifth-generation (5G) networks. Earlier in the day, Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) Chairman & Managing Director Mukesh Ambani said at the event that Reliance Jio has already covered 90% of the population with over 5 million 5G subscribers in northeast India, and will double the number this year. 'Jio's priority will be to bring the revolutionary power of Artificial Intelligence to all schools, hospitals, enterprises and homes. When talent meets technology and competence meets connectivity, our North-East will surge ahead,' Ambani said, adding that Reliance has invested around ₹30,000 crore in the region in the past 40 years. The oil-to-telecoms conglomerate, in the next five years, will more than double its investments in the northeast, with a target of ₹75,000 crore.
New Indian Express
17-05-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Expedite works of Guntur Channel: Union Minister Pemmasani Chandrasekhar
GUNTUR: Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications Pemmasani Chandrasekhar on Friday directed officials to immediately commence expansion works of the Guntur Channel, including land acquisition surveys and preparatory activities. Pemmasani chaired a review meeting and stressed the need to effectively utilise the Rs 400 crore allocated by the State government in the 2025–26 Budget for the project, which aims to improve irrigation in the Guntur and Palnadu regions. Of the total funds, Rs 75 crore has been earmarked for land acquisition and Rs 96 crore for channel expansion, to be released in phases. The Minister instructed officials to expedite both the expansion and acquisition processes and to assign a contract agency for conducting land surveys in four villages. He asked officials to closely monitor progress and ensure timely submissions for smooth implementation. Pemmasani, along with Guntur MLA Mohammad Naseer Ahmad, opened two mobile medical units set up with CSR funds from GAIL India Limited. Each van, staffed with a doctor and healthcare personnel, will offer free primary medical care and medicines in remote and tribal areas of Guntur.
