Latest news with #RuralDevelopmentandCommunications
Hans India
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
95 pc people happy with coalition rule: Pemmasani
Guntur: Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications, Dr Pemmasani Chandrasekhar said about 95% of the people expressed satisfaction over the coalition government's performance for the last one year. He along with mayor Kovelamudi Ravindra and Guntur West MLA Galla Madhavi participated in 'Good Governance – One Year Progress' programme held at 43rd division in Guntur West Assembly constituency on Sunday. He interacted with the locals and enquired about their problems in the division and took their feedback on the government's performance for the last one year. Speaking on the occasion, he stated that the development of infrastructure is clearly visible in every ward since the coalition government came into power. He said that steps are being taken for a legal and humane solution to the issue of stray dogs, keeping in view the relevant animal protection laws. Referring to house site pattas, he assured that efforts are underway, in coordination with the local MLA, to resolve the matter quickly.
Hans India
14-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Build ‘Viksit Gaon' to achieve Viksit Bharat goal by 2047: Minister
Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications, Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, on Monday called for a renewed push to transform villages into 'Viksit Gaon' (developed villages), as a necessary step towards achieving the goal of a 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India) by 2047. Speaking at the first meeting of the performance review committee of the Ministry of Rural Development here, Dr Sekhar said that a future where every rural family lives in a pucca house with basic amenities, every village is connected by quality roads, every youth has employment opportunities, and every woman is empowered and financially independent, is not a dream but an achievable reality. He said that to realise this vision, the Ministry must move forward with fresh energy, innovative thinking, and deep commitment. 'We are not just implementing schemes, we are writing the next chapter of India's growth story,' Dr Sekhar said, crediting the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cabinet Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for the remarkable progress made in rural development. Highlighting the success of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), Dr Sekhar said it has become a powerful tool against rural unemployment and distress migration, especially during the agricultural lean seasons. He said with an annual investment between Rs 90,000 to Rs 1,00,000 crore, the scheme generates over 250 crore person-days of work annually, with more than 36 crore job cards issued and 15 crore active workers. The minister stressed the need to move beyond wage payments and focus on creating durable and productive assets through diversified projects. He also called for community involvement in selecting works and greater convergence with other development schemes. On the housing front, Dr Sekhar informed that more than 3.22 crore pucca houses have been built under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana - Gramin (PMAY-G), helping families living in kutcha or dilapidated homes. He said the government has set a target of building an additional 2 crore houses by 2029, and encouraged the use of eco-friendly, cost-effective, and region-specific construction technologies. Dr Sekhar also underlined the success of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), under which over 7.56 lakh kilometres of rural roads have been constructed so far. He suggested the creation of state-level road maintenance funds, use of community-based monitoring systems, and innovative financing models to ensure sustainability of road infrastructure.
New Indian Express
11-07-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Centre releases Rs 180 crore for pending NREGA bills
GUNTUR: In a major relief to thousands of small-scale contractors in Andhra Pradesh, the Central government has released Rs 180 crore to clear long-pending bills under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGA). The payments relate to works executed between 2014 and 2019, which had remained unpaid during the previous YSRCP regime. Announcing the release on Thursday, Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications Pemmasani Chandrasekhar said, 'This is long-overdue justice. The previous government blocked payments, falsely claiming the works never occurred. But truth has prevailed.' Over Rs 250–300 crore worth of NREGA works, involving 3.5 lakh small contractors, had been stalled. The previous government allegedly shut down projects and froze billing using software restrictions. 'Not a single rupee was paid for six years,' Pemmasani noted. Following the formation of the coalition government, coordinated efforts between the Centre and State Rural Development departments led to the revival of old software and reopening of nearly 3.5 lakh disputed work records. The Rs 180 crore release will enable payments ranging from Rs 5–15 lakh per contractor. The State government has also committed matching funds, with instructions to complete payments within 30 days. Dr Pemmasani credited CM Nara Lokesh and Minister Pawan Kalyan for enabling the breakthrough.
The Hindu
28-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Union Minister reviews implementation of Central schemes in Guntur district
Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar has stated that Central schemes in Guntur district are being implemented effectively through coordinated efforts of public representatives and officials. He chaired the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee meeting at the Collectorate here on Saturday. Rajya Sabha member Alla Ayodhya Rami Reddy, MLAs, ZP Chairperson, and Collector S. Nagalakshmi were among those present. The Union Minister reviewed progress on major schemes including the Jal Jeevan Mission, PM Awas Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, Amrit 2.0, and PM Surya Ghar. He stressed that constituency-wise data must reflect ground realities, and urged for wide awareness campaigns on Surya Ghar at the village-level. He announced that 90% work on the Western Bypass between Gollapudi and Chinakakani is complete and would be finished by September. Road and ROB projects under AIIMS and other key areas are being expedited. He said that out of 722 Jal Jeevan works and 400 non-starters were cancelled by the government, while others are under way. Notably, he flagged corruption and inefficiencies in housing layouts under the previous government, and ordered a full inquiry. On PM Surya Ghar, 1.10 lakh families have applied, with 10% vendor mapping completed. Banks were instructed to expedite disbursal of loans.
New Indian Express
13-06-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
AIIMS Mangalagiri to get cornea transplant centre soon
GUNTUR: In a major step towards strengthening eye care services in Andhra Pradesh, a Cornea Transplant Centre is set to be established at AIIMS Mangalagiri. The initiative, driven by Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications Pemmasani Chandrasekhar, is expected to benefit patients across Guntur and nearby districts suffering from corneal blindness and other vision-related ailments. The development follows the Minister's visit to AIIMS Mangalagiri on February 28, where he reviewed hospital operations and identified key gaps in infrastructure and staffing. Based on discussions with medical officers, he recognised the urgent need for a specialised cornea transplant facility. As the establishment of such a centre falls under the purview of the state government, Dr. Pemmasani escalated the issue to the district medical and health officer. A committee from the State Health Department later conducted a site inspection and submitted a favourable report recommending the centre. Thanks to persistent follow-up and coordination with state health authorities, the proposal received formal approval. With clearances now granted, the Cornea Transplant Centre is expected to become operational soon, offering advanced eye care and transplant services to thousands in the region.
