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Hans India
a day ago
- Business
- Hans India
Ration shops reopened in line with public demand: Minister BC Janardhan Reddy
Banaganapalle: In a move aligned with public sentiment, the coalition government has reopened fair price shops across the state starting today. Minister for Roads & Buildings, Investments, and Infrastructure, BC Janardhan Reddy, inaugurated the reopening of ration shops near the old bus stand in Banaganapalle town. Speaking at the event, the Minister stated that the decision to resume operations of the ration shops from June 1 was taken after extensive public feedback gathered through the IVRS (Interactive Voice Response System). 'The previous system of mobile ration distribution caused significant inconvenience to beneficiaries due to the lack of fixed timings and proper planning,' he said. He criticized the earlier government's approach of distributing ration through vehicles parked randomly on roads, forcing beneficiaries to stand in long queues without a clear schedule. 'People were put to hardship. It was never true door delivery; rather, it was centralized distribution at locations chosen by dealers and at timings of their convenience,' he noted. The newly reopened ration shops will operate with fixed hours and will remain open for 15 days each month, providing greater flexibility and accessibility for beneficiaries. Beneficiaries will be allowed to collect their ration from any shop during this period. Minister Janardhan Reddy further announced that special provisions are being made to deliver ration directly to the homes of the elderly and persons with disabilities who are unable to visit the shops. Strict action will be taken against dealers who fail to adhere to the new timing regulations. 'If necessary, we will suspend those who violate operational guidelines,' the Minister warned. In Banaganapalle mandal alone, there are 30,685 ration cardholders, of whom 2,665 will receive doorstep delivery of essential commodities as part of the initiative. Also present at the event were Banaganapalle Tahsildar Narayana Reddy and Deputy Civil Supplies Officer Nageswara Reddy, who extended their support to the new measures. The government's renewed focus on structured and accessible public distribution reflects its commitment to transparency, efficiency, and the welfare of ration beneficiaries.
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Gregor Robertson returns to tackle Canada's real estate crisis as new Federal Housing Minister
Former Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson is back in the spotlight. He has been named Canada's new Minister of Housing and Infrastructure. The announcement came Tuesday as Prime Minister Mark Carney revealed his new cabinet. This assignment is Robertson's return to politics since stepping down as Vancouver's mayor in 2018. He served as mayor for a decade and was known for focusing on housing and sustainability. Now, he is taking on housing at the national level. Robertson will also be the Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada. That means he will be key in funding and planning projects in B.C. 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play this game for 3 minutes, if you own a mouse Undo Canada' real estate challenges Housing is one of Canada's biggest challenges right now. Many Canadians are struggling to find affordable places to live. In cities like Vancouver, housing prices and rents have soared recently. Prime Minister Carney said tackling housing will be a top priority for his government. Live Events Robertson's appointment signals that Ottawa wants experienced hands on the file. During his time as mayor, Robertson pushed for more rental housing, supported co-ops, and worked with developers to build affordable units. Still, he faced criticism for not doing enough to stop rising home prices. Since leaving office, Robertson has worked in the private and nonprofit sectors. He focused on climate action and urban sustainability. His return to federal politics suggests a renewed push to connect housing with long-term planning and infrastructure. In a statement, Robertson said he is 'honoured to serve Canadians again' and looks forward to helping create 'affordable, livable communities.' Critics and supporters alike will be watching closely. Many hope for fast action and bold ideas to ease the housing crunch.
Scoop
07-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
‘Will Take Time': Manawanui's Fate Still To Be Decided
Article – RNZ Samoa's Ministry of Works, Transport, and Infrastructure CEO also says there are ongoing discussions about compensation. , RNZ Pacific Bulletin Editor Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific Presenter/Bulletin Editor Samoa's Ministry of Works, Transport, and Infrastructure chief executive says the final fate of the sunken Manawanui is still to be decided. The New Zealand Navy vessel sank off the coast of Upolu in October last year, with a report into the grounding finding the crew were undertrained and the boat was not up to the task it was doing. Fui Tupa'i Simanu said in a statement that the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation is conducting an independent report on the wreck. 'Once that report is tabled, further decisions will be made,' he said, adding 'that includes the final decision on the wreck.' A report on the incident released last month found that the crew and commanding officer were undertrained, the boat was not up to the task it was doing, and the person in charge of the ship was distracted. A local surf guide, Manu Percival, who operates near the shipwreck, told RNZ Pacific that he was shocked and disappointed at the findings. Percival said it was simply not good enough. 'That is absolutely shocking that they had inadequately trained crew members and they went on a boat. I cannot believe how stupid that is,' he said. 'New Zealand has had so many disasters throughout history, and learned from it, and then to come over here [Samoa] and not practice what they practice in New Zealand is just stupid. 'What were they doing? Showing off? Looks like they just show off.' Percival suggested the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) give him a call about compensation for the impact on Samoans. However, Fui said there are ongoing discussions on compensation. The NZDF said earlier this week that it has completed work to retrieve important equipment, weapons, ammunition and some debris from in and around the shipwreck. In a statement on Monday, Commodore Andrew Brown said it is an important milestone which follows the successful removal of diesel fuel, oil and other pollutants from the ship. He said all the equipment, weapons and the ammunition have now been returned to New Zealand and much of the scrap metal debris has gone to be repurposed locally. The rest of the debris, along with tanktainers of unusable diesel fuel, pollutants, and oil mix, will return to New Zealand on the salvors' barge for safe disposal. 'Every effort has been taken to leave the Manawanui as safe and secure as possible, until a decision is reached on next steps for the ship and the work required for that,' Brown said. 'With our focus on the next steps for Manawanui, reef and environmental studies are progressing to inform and sit alongside the independent wreck assessment. 'These will take time, but will provide essential expert advice, to inform government decisions.' A core group of NZDF personnel remains in Samoa for support, and the Samoan government's prohibited area of two kilometres around the Manawanui remains. Dive site idea is 'bullshit' Meanwhile, Percival is completely against turning the Manawanui wreck into a dive site. There were three options Samoa's Cabinet was set to consider, including potentially leaving the wreck on the reef. Percival wanted that option ruled out. 'It is a wild ocean,' he said. 'Diving does not work, but nah, it is just like it should not be there. Should get rid of it. 'Keeping it there as a shipwreck? That is bullshit.' He added that not only would dive operations not be a viable business due to cost, New Zealand had a responsibility to fully remove the ship. RNZ Pacific has spoken with two other locals who shared similar views, but said they were too scared to go on record out of fear of repercussions.
Hans India
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Minister inaugurates overhead tank at Illuru Kottapeta
Banaganapalle: State Minister for Roads & Buildings, Investments, and Infrastructure, BC Janardhan Reddy on Monday inaugurated a newly constructed overhead storage tank at Illuru Kottapeta village. Aiming to ensure safe and secure drinking water for every household, the minister stated that under the Central Government's Jal Jeevan Mission, a drinking water scheme has been implemented with an allocation of Rs.35.60 lakh. To address the longstanding drinking water issues in Illuru Kottapeta, the government has constructed an overhead storage tank with a capacity of approximately 60,000 litres. Additionally, a new borewell with a capacity of 7.5 HP has been drilled, and drinking water will be supplied directly to every household through a dedicated pipeline network as part of this scheme. On this occasion, the villagers of Illuru Kottapeta extended a warm welcome to BC Janardhan Reddy during his visit. Several residents felicitated the him and presented him with books and pens as a token of appreciation. During the visit, he also offered prayers at the Sri Anjaneyaswamy temple in Illuru Kottapeta.
New Indian Express
02-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Plan to expand AP's road network, says Minister BC Janardhan Reddy
VIJAYAWADA: Roads and Buildings, Investments, and Infrastructure Minister BC Janardhan Reddy announced a comprehensive plan to restore the State's road network to its former glory. Under the guidance of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, the State government has allocated Rs 400 crore through the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) to develop 1,246 km of district major roads, undertaking 192 projects to enhance rural connectivity. The Minister revealed that the coalition government, since assuming power, has been working tirelessly to address the severe deterioration of roads caused by the previous YSRCP administration's neglect. He highlighted that Rs 861 crore has already been invested to make approximately 20,000 km of roads pothole-free within a stipulated time frame. Additionally, Rs 600 crore is being utilised to upgrade completely damaged State highways and district roads under the 'C' category. He noted that rural roads, left unrepaired by the previous YSRCP government, have turned into hazardous stretches with large potholes, causing significant inconvenience and fear among local communities. Responding to proposals from the Chief Minister's Office, ministers, MPs, MLAs, and MLCs, the government has prioritised rural road development to alleviate public hardships. The Rs 400 crore NABARD allocation will specifically target these rural roads to ensure better infrastructure. In a move to support contractors, CM Naidu has approved the release of Rs 100 crore to clear pending bills for pothole-free road works. The Minister stated that payments will be processed swiftly based on seniority for contractors who have uploaded their bills, ensuring timely disbursal. He emphasised the coalition government's commitment to delivering high-quality roads, addressing the struggles faced by citizens due to pothole-ridden roads over the past five years. He expressed confidence that, over the next five years, the State's entire road network would be significantly improved, restoring AP's roads to their past glory.
