Latest news with #PemmasaniChandrasekhar
New Indian Express
3 hours ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
India Post to be fully digitised by August 4: MoS Chandrasekhar
GUNTUR: India Post is undergoing a major transformation through technology-driven reforms aimed at modernising its services and strengthening last-mile delivery across rural India, Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications Pemmasani Chandrasekhar said. During a review meeting held in New Delhi, Pemmasani stated that the digital overhaul under India Post 2.0 is progressing rapidly, with over 86,000 post offices already operating in digital mode. 'The entire network is expected to be fully digitised by August 4,' he added. To enhance service accessibility, 344 new delivery centres have been established, some offering services during mornings, evenings, and even holidays. He also highlighted efforts to integrate India Post with major digital commerce platforms like ONDC and GeM to support the growing e-commerce sector. 'These reforms are making government services more responsive and directly accessible to citizens, especially in rural areas,' the Union Minister said. 'India Post has now reached a key milestone in India's ongoing digital journey.' The review meeting was attended by senior department officials and subject experts. Pemmasani emphasised that the initiative would bring services closer to people, improve efficiency, and ensure India Post plays a critical role in bridging the digital divide in the country.
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Union Minister Pemmasani tours Naxal-hit Chhattisgarh districts; pushes mission-mode development
GUNTUR: Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications Dr Pemmasani Chandrasekhar conducted a three-day tour of Naxal-affected districts in Chhattisgarh. 'We are implementing development in mission mode to ensure every service reaches even the remotest villages,' the Minister said. He visited villages including Mankeli, Gangaloor, and Cherpal in Bijapur district, where he took part in awareness campaigns and distributed sanction orders under PM Awas Yojana (Gramin) and Ayushman Bharat - PMJAY health cards to beneficiaries. He interacted with self-help groups (SHGs), Anganwadi workers, and community leaders, stressing the importance of grassroots participation in governance. Dr Pemmasani laid the foundation stone for a Farmers' Training Centre and inspected the Primary Health Centre and Livelihood Centre. He praised officials and volunteers for their commitment under challenging conditions and encouraged them to maintain consistent engagement with tribal communities. In Kanker and Kondagaon districts, he addressed public meetings, asserting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to transforming conflict-affected tribal regions through inclusive development. During the three-day visit, he reviewed the progress of flagship schemes such as the Jal Jeevan Mission, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, and Poshan Abhiyaan. He urged officials to enhance inter-departmental convergence to improve delivery outcomes and ensure that no eligible beneficiary is left behind. Dr Pemmasani also instructed district administrations to identify bottlenecks and fast-track infrastructure projects. District collectors, elected representatives, and senior officials accompanied him throughout the visit.
New Indian Express
23-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
MIS for mangoes too late: YSRCP
VIJAYAWADA: YSRCP Farmers' Wing president MVS Nagi Reddy on Tuesday accused the coalition government of failing mango farmers, slamming Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications Pemmasani Chandrasekhar, and State Agriculture Minister K Atchannaidu for misleading claims of support. He highlighted that since May 10, mango farmers had faced price slump without the State intervention, while neighbouring Karnataka secured a Central deal on June 21 to procure mangoes at Rs 16 per kg. In contrast, the Andhra Pradesh's government acted only on July 21, post-season, offering a mere Rs 14.9 per kg against last year's Rs 25-29 per kg, with a meagre Rs 1.84 per kg subsidy. He questioned the Market Intervention Scheme relevance now as most of the crop was already sold, accusing the TDP-led NDA government of political posturing. He mentioned that only 1.62 lakh tonnes of the State's 6.5 lakh tonnes of mango produce was targeted for procurement, too late to benefit farmers. Juice factories, closed until June 10, ignored the announced Rs 12 per kg price, and the promised Rs 4 per kg subsidy remains unpaid. Nagi Reddy termed the NDA government's actions deplorable, accusing it of distorting facts for propaganda, and betraying farmers.
The Hindu
22-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Centre announces ₹1,490 support price for Totapuri mangoes
In a major relief to Totapuri mango farmers, the Union government has announced a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹1,490 per quintal. The support price will be paid in a 50:50 ratio by the Centre and the Andhra Pradesh government, and the amount will be directly deposited into the bank accounts of farmers. In a post on X on Tuesday, Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications Pemmasani Chandrasekhar said the move will safeguard farmers against price crashes, ensure fair returns, and strengthen rural livelihoods. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for approving Price Deficiency Payment (PDP) which will give a big relief for Andhra's Totapuri mango farmers. Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu expressed satisfaction over the Centre's decision. Reacting to the Centre's announcement, the Minister said he was pleased that the joint efforts bore fruit. 'This level of support — ₹4 per kg as direct subsidy — is not being offered anywhere else in the country,' he said, adding that Andhra Pradesh is providing better prices than neighbouring States like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. He also thanked Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for giving special attention to the concerns of mango farmers and taking swift action to safeguard their livelihoods. Recognising the risk of price crash due to bumper yield this season, the State government had already taken proactive measures to ensure pulp factories pay at least ₹8 per kg, with a ₹4 per kg subsidy from the State government — ensuring ₹12 per kg for farmers. Recently, Mr. Atchannaidu met Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Delhi, urging Central assistance for Totapuri mango growers. His appeal led to the Centre's official announcement of the ₹1,490 per quintal as support price on Tuesday, according to a press release.
New Indian Express
21-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
95% of public satisfied with one year NDA governance: Union MoS Pemmasani
GUNTUR: Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications, Dr Pemmasani Chandrasekhar, said that 95% of the public in Guntur West expressed satisfaction with the coalition government's performance in its first year. The Union Minister, joined by MLA Galla Madhavi and Mayor Kovelamudi Ravindra Babu, visited homes as part of the outreach programme, 'Suparipalanalo Tholi Adugu', to gather feedback and noted improvements in roads, drainage, and sanitation. 'People are recognising that promises are being implemented across all wards,' he said. The Union Minister assured that the issue of stray dogs is being tackled legally and humanely. Long-pending housing title deed issues are also being resolved in coordination with local authorities. Later, Dr Pemmasani disbursed Rs 42.14 lakh in cheques from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF) to underprivileged individuals needing urgent medical aid. He described the CMRF as a vital support mechanism aligned with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's inclusive governance vision for the State. Several beneficiaries, moved by the gesture, thanked the government for its timely help.
