Visakhapatnam Steel Plant Capacity Surges to 79% with Govt Support

Oct 07, 2025 | 554 Views

Amaravati, October 6: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu emphasized the state government’s commitment to the strengthening and protection of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP). Reviewing the plant’s performance, he highlighted the significant progress achieved in the past year through central assistance and state government support, calling it a welcome development for the industry and the state’s economy. Over the last year, measures taken by management, employees, and both central and state governments have helped VSP improve production capacity utilization from 25% in September last year to 79% this September. CM Chandrababu directed officials to further boost output and achieve 92.5% capacity utilization by the end of the third quarter, emphasizing coordinated efforts across all departments. The CM acknowledged that after assuming office, the coalition government successfully secured Rs. 11,440 crore in central assistance for the plant’s revival, most of which has already been released and utilized to strengthen and modernize operations. He instructed regular quarterly and monthly reviews at the plant and chief secretary level to monitor performance and progress. Chandrababu Naidu assured the plant authorities of full support from the state government for its revival and to restore its former glory. Officials present at the review included Principal Secretary K. Vijayanand, RINL CMD Ajit Kumar Saxena, Ministry of Steel Joint Secretary Abhijit Narendra, and Director GVN Prasad.

CM Naidu Pushes Agri Growth, FPOs & Dairy Clusters

Oct 06, 2025 | 535 Views

Amaravati, October 4, 2025: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu emphasized the need to fully leverage the Central Government’s Purvodaya Scheme for strengthening allied agriculture sectors in the state. Reviewing developmental plans with senior officials at the camp office, the CM directed departments to prepare strategies for growth in horticulture, micro-irrigation, fisheries, aquaculture, and food processing, ensuring both economic advancement and improved living standards for dependent communities. He stressed on crop diversification, identifying high-demand national and international products, and guiding farmers towards export-oriented cultivation. Highlighting the importance of linking farmers with industries, the CM said this would protect farmers from market losses and boost income. He instructed officials to promote Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) with central government’s financial support and to organize joint workshops for horticulture farmers and food processing industries. Certification, traceability, and enhanced logistics were identified as key factors in strengthening the supply chain. Plans were also discussed to set up an Aqua Culture University and double aquaculture production. On the livestock front, Chandrababu directed officials to focus on cluster-based cattle sheds and suggested that their management and maintenance be entrusted to DWCRA groups. He also emphasized integrating milk production units, chilling centers, fodder banks, and biogas plants, ensuring higher milk yield, healthier livestock, and disease control. Additionally, the CM underlined that every Rythu Seva Kendra should provide farmer awareness on crop patterns across its jurisdiction. He also confirmed that the state is setting up MSME parks in all 175 constituencies, with dedicated food processing zones to promote rural industries. The review meeting was attended by Minister Atchannaidu and senior officials from multiple departments.

AP Kapu JAC Welcomes GO 7, Demands Complete Repeal of GO 5

Oct 04, 2025 | 525 Views

Vijayawada, October 3, 2025: The Andhra Pradesh Kapu Joint Action Committee (JAC) has welcomed the issuance of GO 7 by the state government, while demanding the complete repeal of GO 5, which had controversially categorized certain Kapu sub-groups under the “Giri Balija” label. Addressing a press conference at Vijayawada Press Club, JAC President Chandu Janardhan expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Minister Nara Lokesh, BC Welfare Minister Savitha, Secretary S. Satyanarayana, and Rajya Sabha member Sana Satish for their support in addressing Kapu community concerns. Chandu Janardhan criticized GO 5 for causing social and cultural insult to the Kapu community, noting that decades-old issues require immediate resolution. The JAC demanded solutions for Kapu sub-caste problems, allocation of funds to the Kapu Corporation, completion of housing projects, and honoring the memory of the late Vangaveeti Mehan Ranga in Krishna district. They also urged priority in nominated and political positions based on population and fair postings for Kapu employees. The JAC highlighted that to address BC reservation and other community issues, they will continue their agitation, including meetings across Annamayya district and a planned hunger strike to press for their demands. Chandu Janardhan also acknowledged the contributions of Kapu employee associations, teacher groups, and Balija community leaders from various districts who supported the movement for repealing GO 5. The press conference was attended by several Kapu JAC and district-level leaders, including Sanjeev Kumar, Samatam Ramu, Chandu Bhavanarayana, Bhaskar, Mullapudi Nageswara Rao, Sunkara Sambasiva Rao, and others, emphasizing the united stance of the Kapu community in achieving social justice and recognition.

AP Cabinet Clears Mega Irrigation, Tourism & Green Energy Plans

Oct 04, 2025 | 548 Views

Amaravati, October 3, 2025: Hon’ble Minister for Information, Public Relations & Housing, Sri Kolusu Parthasarathi, briefed the media at the Publicity Cell in the AP Secretariat on the decisions taken during the 31st e-Cabinet meeting chaired by Hon’ble Chief Minister Sri N. Chandrababu Naidu. The Cabinet approved several major proposals in the Water Resources sector, including amendments to the AP Farmers Management of Irrigation System Act, 1997 by removing the two-child norm for committee members, reflecting the state’s declining fertility rate (1.6). Administrative approvals worth over ₹200 crores were cleared for irrigation projects such as the HNSS lift schemes, flood damage repairs, strengthening of dams, and drinking water supply works to Tirupati and Tirumala. In the Transport sector, the government ratified the scheme to provide ₹15,000 annual financial assistance to nearly 2.9 lakh auto, taxi, and cab drivers, amounting to ₹436 crores, to be implemented immediately. In Tourism, the Cabinet endorsed the inclusion of Caravan Tourism and Homestays/B&Bs in the AP Tourism Policy (2024–29) to promote alternative travel experiences, especially in temple towns lacking large hotels. Urban development received a major push with approval of ₹10,319.93 crores for 281 AMRUT 2.0 projects and formation of an SPV for Amaravati’s capital region development. The Cabinet also cleared proposals related to land management, endowment reforms, and support for cooperative marketing federations to clear farmer dues. In the Energy sector, decisions included promotion of Green Hydrogen initiatives, exemptions for green ammonia projects in Kakinada, and amendments to strengthen renewable energy policies. Overall, the 31st e-Cabinet outlined a comprehensive roadmap spanning irrigation, infrastructure, tourism, welfare, energy, and agriculture, aimed at accelerating Andhra Pradesh’s growth, welfare delivery, and sustainable development goals.

Vijayawada Utsav: 3,000 Artists Carnival Aims for Guinness Record

Oct 03, 2025 | 531 Views

Vijayawada, October 2: In a spectacular celebration of art, culture, and devotion, the city of Vijayawada is set to witness a historic moment during the “Vijayawada Utsav”, organized by the Society for Vibrant Vijayawada with support from the Andhra Pradesh government. Marking the spirit of Dussehra, Member of Parliament Kesineni Sivanath has initiated a special carnival aimed at securing a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. The carnival will feature over 3,000 artists dressed in traditional Dussehra attire, presenting a vibrant showcase of cultural diversity. From Nasik drums, Pothurajus, Kalika dances, Lambadi folk, Gusssadi performances, Kerala drums, Veeranatyam, Kathakali, Puliveshalu (Tiger Dance), Kolatam, Garadi, Yaksha performances, and tribal arts—the event promises to mesmerize spectators with a colorful and grand procession. Starting from Vijayawada Municipal Stadium and culminating at Benz Circle, the carnival will run between 5 PM and 7 PM. The highlight of the evening will be the grand chariot procession carrying Goddess Kanaka Durga, accompanied by traditional music, dance troupes, and devotional pageantry. This spiritual centerpiece is expected to elevate the cultural richness of Vijayawada’s Dussehra celebrations, blending devotion with festivity. Adding further prestige to the event, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan will attend as chief guests. Their presence, along with the massive participation of artists and citizens, is expected to make Vijayawada Utsav a memorable cultural milestone, placing the city prominently on the global cultural map.