ANDHRAPRADESH

The AP State Energy Efficiency Development Corporation Limited (APSEEDCO) organized a training session on the “Urjaveer” program for electricians in collaboration with Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) and the Director of Electrical Safety of the Government of Andhra Pradesh. The Urjaveer program, launched by EESL, aims to promote energy efficiency and conservation in India by encouraging the sale of six types of energy-efficient appliances through the eeslmart.in portal. The training session, held at Vidyut Soudha, was attended by Director of Electrical Safety G. Vijaya Lakshmi, EESL AP State head N. Pavan Kumar, and other officials. The program aims to educate electricians about the Urjaveer program and its benefits, enabling them to effectively promote energy-efficient appliances and contribute to the overall energy conservation efforts in the state.

The Andhra Pradesh government has introduced the Andhra Pradesh Land Grabbing (Prohibition) Bill-2024, aiming to combat rampant land grabbing across the state. This new legislation, replacing the outdated 1982 Act, introduces stricter penalties, including minimum prison terms of 10 to 14 years and fines aligned with the market value of the seized property. The bill also streamlines judicial processes by establishing Special Courts with both civil and criminal jurisdiction, ensuring swift and comprehensive resolution of land-grabbing cases. To further strengthen the legal framework, the bill mandates the appointment of dedicated public prosecutors for each Special Court and shifts the burden of proof onto the accused, particularly in cases where assets exceed their legitimate income. The bill also introduces provisions for compensation to victims and aims to conclude cases within six months, minimizing delays and reducing the backlog. The Andhra Pradesh government believes this new legislation will deter land grabbing, safeguard landowners’ rights, and create a more secure environment for all.

The Andhra Pradesh government is set to conduct a trial run of a 10-seater seaplane between Vijayawada and Srisailam on November 9th, 2024. The seaplane will land at Punnami Ghat in Vijayawada, with the AP Airports Development Corporation (APADC) preparing floating platforms, seating arrangements, and other amenities for the landing and takeoff. The government is planning a grand event to welcome the seaplane, with the Vijayawada Municipal Commissioner focusing on logistical arrangements including seating, entry protocols, and public viewing via live streaming at key locations across the city. This trial run aims to explore the feasibility of seaplane operations between the two temple towns, potentially offering a unique and efficient mode of transportation for pilgrims and tourists.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu recently reviewed progress on Andhra Pradesh’s critical irrigation and infrastructure projects, emphasizing timely completion and high standards.

1. Polavaram Project Timeline: The Chief Minister affirmed the goal to complete the Polavaram Project, considered the state’s “lifeline,” by March 2028, with efforts underway to meet even earlier milestones.
2. New Diaphragm Wall and ECRF Dam: Key components like a new diaphragm wall (1,396 meters long) are scheduled for construction by June 2025, while the Earth-Cum-Rockfill (ECRF) dam will follow over the next two years.
3. Left Canal Progress and Funding: About 77% of the Polavaram Left Canal work is done, with tenders for the remaining ₹960 crore work invited, aiming for completion by July 2025.
4. Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation: Land acquisition (16,440 acres) and rehabilitation require an estimated ₹7,213 crore, targeting completion by April 2025 and April 2026, respectively.
5. Polavaram Right Canal and Bridge: Plans include upgrading the right canal’s capacity to 30,000 cusecs, with discussions on expanding or creating a new canal and constructing an iconic bridge at Polavaram.
6. Chintalapudi and Veligonda Projects: The Chintalapudi Lift Irrigation Project, costing ₹2,463 crore, aims to support 300,000 acres of farmland. The Veligonda Project also requires an additional ₹2,211 crore for completion, crucial for regional water needs.
7. Godavari-Penna Linkage: Mr. Naidu highlighted the importance of this project for state water security, with land acquisition set to begin soon.

These projects underscore Andhra Pradesh’s commitment to enhancing water resources and regional infrastructure, supporting the state’s agricultural and economic growth.

The 6th National Women’s Conference is set to take place in Vijayawada on November 22-23, bringing together over 200 women delegates from various public sector organizations across India.

1. Purpose and Venue: The two-day conference, organized by the Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers’ Association, will be held at Murali Gardens near Poranki in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.
2. Focus on Women’s Issues: Convenor I. Susheela Rani highlighted that the event aims to address the challenges women employees face in Central Government departments, providing a platform to discuss solutions.
3. Objective of Awareness: The conference’s main objective is to educate women about their legal rights and ensure they have a safe environment to perform their duties, emphasizing empowerment and workplace safety.
4. Representation for Andhra Pradesh: This year’s conference in a Telugu state is seen as a positive development, recognizing the need to hold these discussions across various regions.
5. Support for Women’s Reservation Bill: Leaders, including MLC K. Lakshmana Rao and APNGOs Association officials, expressed support for the Women’s Reservation Bill, urging political parties to set aside differences to pass the long-pending legislation.
6. Event Promotion: The event’s logo and wall poster were released to publicize the conference and emphasize the importance of unity for women’s representation.

This conference underscores the importance of awareness, safety, and advocacy for women’s rights in public sector workplaces.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is set to launch two crucial healthcare programs in Andhra Pradesh on November 6, focusing on early detection and rapid treatment for cancer and heart disease:

1. Universal Cancer Screening Programme: This initiative will enable statewide screenings for oral, breast, and cervical cancers. Community Health Officers (CHOs) and ANMs will conduct door-to-door visits to screen individuals, aiming to identify symptoms early and raise awareness.
2. Community Outreach: As part of the cancer screening program, healthcare workers will visit each household, ensuring the program reaches all demographics and promotes early intervention in cancer treatment.
3. STEMI Heart Care Programme: The Chief Minister will also introduce the ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) program. This is designed to provide rapid response and treatment for heart attack cases through a network of hospitals.
4. Hub-and-Spoke Model: The STEMI program operates on a hub-and-spoke system, with 238 spoke centers (community health centers and district hospitals) and 37 hub hospitals. If chest pain is reported at a spoke hospital, an ECG is sent to a cardiologist at a hub hospital for immediate assessment.
5. Quick Treatment: Upon diagnosis, an injection costing ₹4,500 is administered at the spoke hospital if needed, ensuring immediate blood flow to the heart. Patients are then referred to a hub hospital for further care.

These initiatives reflect Andhra Pradesh’s commitment to improving public health through proactive screening and rapid response systems.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu recently announced the launch of three upcoming policies aimed at boosting Andhra Pradesh’s tech ecosystem:

1. A.P. Semiconductor Fab 4.0 Policy: This policy is designed to attract investments in semiconductor manufacturing, including fabs, OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test), ATMP (Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging), and compound semiconductor sectors. The goal is to foster a self-sustaining semiconductor ecosystem in the state.
2. A.P. Data Centre Policy 4.0: This policy aims to add 200 MW of data center capacity, making Andhra Pradesh a hub for AI-driven data centers and “data embassies.” It targets the growing demand for digital infrastructure and enhances the state’s position in the global data market.
3. AP Drone Policy: Although not detailed, this policy is expected to support the growth and regulation of drone technology within Andhra Pradesh, promoting its use in various sectors like agriculture, logistics, and surveillance.
4. Focus on Deep-Tech Innovation: With these policies, Andhra Pradesh aims to create a vibrant ecosystem that supports deep-tech innovation, encouraging technology-driven growth across sectors.

These initiatives signify an important step toward establishing Andhra Pradesh as a leader in advanced technology and innovation, supporting long-term economic growth and job creation in tech-driven industries.

The Andhra Pradesh government is streamlining investment procedures with the formation of two new bodies: the State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB) and the State Investment Promotion Committee (SIPC).

• High-Level Leadership: The SIPB is headed by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, while the SIPC is led by Chief Secretary Neerabh Kumar Prasad.

• Focus on Investment: The SIPB will oversee all industrial and infrastructure investment proposals, ensuring swift decision-making.

• Facilitating Employment: The SIPC will support the SIPB’s activities, aiming to expedite investments and create job opportunities.

• Expedited Decision-Making: The SIPC will streamline the proposal process, ensuring efficient review and faster approvals.

• Transparency and Accountability: While the SIPC’s decisions are exempt from Anti-Corruption Bureau and Vigilance Commission inquiries, this move aims to expedite investment approvals and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.

These initiatives demonstrate the government’s commitment to attracting investment and fostering economic growth in Andhra Pradesh. By streamlining processes and ensuring high-level oversight, the state aims to create a more conducive environment for businesses and investors.

The NAMAHA Academy in Visakhapatnam is organizing a marathon to champion self-defense and fitness. Here’s what you need to know:

• Date and Time: The marathon will take place on November 10th (Sunday) between 5:30 AM and 7:30 AM.

• Distances: Participants can choose between 3 km and 5 km distances.

• Focus on Self-Defense and Fitness: The event aims to promote a culture of self-defense and physical fitness among the people of Visakhapatnam.

• Women-led Organization: NAMAHA Academy is a women-run organization focused on physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

• Holistic Training: The academy offers training in self-defense, martial arts, music, yoga, meditation, moral science, nutrition, and fitness.

• Expected Participation: Organizers anticipate over 700 participants in the marathon.

This event highlights the growing importance of self-defense and fitness, particularly for women, and provides an opportunity for the community to come together for a healthy cause.

The Andhra Pradesh government has announced significant measures to address the needs of Non-Resident Telugus (NRTs) at the fourth governing body meeting of the Andhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu (APNRT) Society. Here are the key decisions:

• Special Courts for NRTs: The government will establish special courts to handle legal matters concerning NRTs, including property disputes, civil and marital issues.

• District-Level Support: Special cells will be set up in each district to address the concerns and grievances of NRTs.

• NRT Icon Tower: Construction of the NRT Icon Tower in Amaravati will commence soon, with a target completion time of two years.

• New Services: The government will introduce new services tailored to the needs of NRTs, demonstrating a commitment to their welfare.

These initiatives reflect the government’s recognition of the significant contributions of NRTs and aim to strengthen their connection with their homeland by providing dedicated support and services.