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New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Chhattisgarh government announces eight big decisions
In a Cabinet Meeting chaired by Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai at his Civil Lines residence office today, following significant decisions were taken: 1. Cabinet approved a major decision to extend certain educational benefits to communities that have been technically excluded from the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes lists. Accordingly, students belonging to the Dihari Korwa, Baghel Kshatriya, Sansari Oraon, and Pabia/Pavia/Paviya communities will be eligible to receive state-funded scholarships and stipends equivalent to those granted to Scheduled Tribes. Similarly, students of the Domra caste will be granted benefits equivalent to those for Scheduled Castes. These communities will also be allowed hostel and ashram admissions within approved seat limits. 2. With the objective to promote renewable energy and provide economic benefits to electricity consumers, the Cabinet has approved state financial aid for the installation of rooftop solar plants under PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. Through the Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL), beneficiaries will receive both central and state financial support depending on plant capacity (1kW, 2kW, 3kW and above). For example: * For a 1kW system: Total aid of Rs 45,000 (Rs 30,000 from Centre + Rs 15,000 from State) * For a 3kW or higher system: Total aid of Rs 1,08,000 (Rs 78,000 from Centre + Rs 30,000 from State) Similar benefits are proposed for Housing Societies and Residential Welfare Associations. The subsidy amount will be provided to CSPDCL in advance for disbursal to beneficiaries. Targets have been set for installation of 60,000 solar plants in 2025–26 and 70,000 in 2026–27, with respective budgetary implications of Rs 180 crore and Rs 210 crore. CSPDCL will be the implementing agency, and a dedicated bank account will be opened for transparent management of subsidies. Priority for state aid will be given to those whose grid synchronization occurred on or after 1 April 2025. 3. In a landmark move for wildlife conservation and eco-tourism, the Cabinet has approved formation of Chhattisgarh Tiger Foundation Society under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. This self-financed society—on the lines of a similar body functioning in Madhya Pradesh since 1996—will work towards protecting the rapidly declining tiger population in Chhattisgarh (currently estimated at 18–20). It will raise funds through voluntary contributions and will not place any additional burden on the state exchequer. The society will undertake direct conservation efforts, promote eco-tourism through local community involvement, and encourage environmental education, research, and training—creating opportunities for employment while preserving biodiversity. 4. Cabinet has approved the merger of Vivekananda Institute of Social Health, Welfare and Services, Chhattisgarh (VISHWAS)—an allied organisation of the grant-in-aid educational institution Ramkrishna Mission Ashram Narayanpur—into the parent Ashram. 5. In a move to promote horticultural education, the Cabinet has approved the transfer of 100 acres of government land (out of a total 94.290 hectares) in Belgaon, under Saja Tehsil of Bemetara district, free of cost to the Horticulture Department for the establishment of a Horticulture College under the Horticulture University. 6. Cabinet has approved the proposal to transfer ownership of the 'JashPure' brand—under which women's self-help groups in Jashpur district produce traditional items such as herbal and mahua tea—to the state government or the Chhattisgarh State Industrial Development Corporation (CSIDC) to expand market reach and boost marketing efforts. The move is expected to promote agro and food processing units, increase demand for local raw materials, and generate more employment opportunities for tribal women. The trademark transfer will not impose any additional financial burden on the state. 7. Acknowledging the supreme sacrifice of martyred police personnel, the Cabinet has amended Clause 13(3) of the Unified Revised Guidelines–2013 for compassionate appointments. Now, in cases where a police officer is martyred in Naxalite violence, any eligible family member (male or female) may opt for a compassionate appointment in any department across any district or division of the state. Previously, such appointments were generally restricted to the same department or office where the deceased was employed. 8. To ensure systematic exploration and infrastructure development of minor minerals in the state, the Cabinet has approved the draft notification for the establishment of State Mineral Exploration Trust (SMET). Modeled after the National Mineral Exploration Trust of the Government of India, SMET will receive an additional 2% of the royalty revenue from all minor minerals. The fund will be utilized for high-tech exploration, infrastructure development, information systems, logistical support, and human resource development in the mining sector. (This is a press release by the Chhattisgarh government.)
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
CM to attend renewable energy workshop on June 13
Visakhapatnam: The citywill host the South Zone Regional Workshop organised by the ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE) on June 13. Chief minister Chandrababu Naidu, Union minister Prahlad Venkatesh Joshi and others from Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, and Karnataka will participate in the event. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Representatives from MNRE, power distribution companies, and members of the National Solar Energy Federation of India will also be in attendance. From Andhra Pradesh, energy minister Gottipati Ravikumar, special chief secretary of the energy department K. Vijayanand, NEDCAP VC & MD M. Kamalakar Babu, APEPDCL CMD Prithvi Tej Immadi, APSPDCL CMD K. Santosh Rao, and APCPDCL CMD P. Pullareddy, among others, will attend. The workshop will primarily discuss the implementation of govt schemes like PM SuryaGhar and PM KUSUM, and the importance of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydropower. MSID:: 121782266 413 |
Hans India
07-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Development through focus on priority sectors: JC
Rajamahendravaram: East Godavari Joint Collector S Chinna Ramudu stressed the need for holistic development by focusing on priority sectors and encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs, aligning with the State government's vision. He made these remarks while presiding over the District Consultative Committee (DCC) and District Level Review Committee (DLRC) meeting held at the Collectorate on Friday. The meeting also marked the launch of the Annual Credit Plan for 2025–26 and the first quarterly review of the current financial year. Reviewing last year's achievements, the Joint Collector stated that notable progress was recorded across banking and development schemes. 'In the agricultural sector, the district achieved 120% of the set target, while in other priority sectors, 113% of the goal was met,' he said, noting that East Godavari had outperformed the previous financial year. Special attention was given to financial support for Self-Help Groups (SHGs). For FY 2025–26, the district has set a target of disbursing Rs 820 crore in loans to 1,36,618 farmers. Additionally, loans amounting to Rs 863 crore under the MUDRA scheme and Rs 269 crore for the animal husbandry sector have been planned. Officials noted that surveys are being conducted to identify viable livelihood sectors for women SHGs under a real-time framework, enabling banks to extend financial assistance accordingly. The Joint Collector also stressed the importance of loan disbursement for grounding PM Surya Ghar solar units. He urged bankers to take the initiative, noting that beneficiaries from socially disadvantaged groups can avail subsidies under the scheme. 'This is one of the top-priority programmes of the Central Government,' he added. Deputy Regional Head of Union Bank A Manoj, NABARD DDM Chakradhar Ravuri, LDM DV Prasad, along with other district officials and bankers, were present at the meeting.
Hans India
01-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Welfare of poor at the core of my mission, avers Naidu
Cheyyeru (Konaseema District): Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has affirmed that the coalition government is deeply committed to the welfare and uplift of the poor, with improving the standard of living of underprivileged citizens at the core of his mission. 'There is no greater satisfaction than serving the poor,' he said, during a public address at a pension distribution programme held on Saturday in Cheyyeru village of Katrenikona mandal, Dr. BR Ambedkar Konaseema district. Recalling the legacy of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) founder NT Rama Rao, Naidu said, "NTR initiated the pension scheme for the poor, and the present coalition government has enhanced it significantly, providing Rs 4,000 per beneficiary now." Declaring the coalition as a 'government for the poor,' the Chief Minister listed out the range of welfare measures under way, including the Mega DSC recruitment, free distribution of three cooking gas cylinders annually, and Anna Canteens offering meals at just Rs 5. 'The goal is to ensure no poor person sleeps hungry,' he said, while urging MLAs, MPs, and local representatives to engage closely with villages and participate in pension distribution to better understand the public's needs. Naidu announced that in its first year, the coalition government disbursed Rs 34,000 crore towards pensions alone. He promised that if conditions permit, pension amounts would be further increased. Criticizing the previous YSRCP government, he said widow pensions were neglected, whereas this administration resumed pensions for 71,380 beneficiaries immediately upon taking office. He also introduced an automatic transfer mechanism for pensions to widows in the event of a spouse's death. The Chief Minister noted that over 64 lakh people in the state received pensions akin to employees on the first day of every month. The southern state gave welfare pensions more in terms of value and volume than richer states such as Maharashtra and Telangana. Compared with wealthier states, he noted that Maharashtra and Telangana provide only Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,500 respectively, while Andhra Pradesh leads with Rs 4,000. He declared that pensions were distributed a day in advance this month and even delivered at workplaces for MGNREGA daily wage earners. The Chief Minister said that five lakh people in the state were engaged in work-from-home jobs and noted that Rs 1,200 crore had been allocated for road repairs. Currently, 203 Anna Canteens were operational across the state. He mandated 10,000 solar connections per constituency and warned MLAs of the political consequences of non-compliance. Referring to the Deepam-2 scheme, under which three free cooking gas cylinders are offered to eligible beneficiaries, the CM noted that he would deposit money into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries once in four months to make it easy to avail the scheme. Likewise, Naidu called on SC and ST communities to avail solar power scheme (PM Surya Ghar) to generate power on their rooftops and stand a chance of avoiding electricity bills completely, along with the possibility of selling excess power to the grid. Under this scheme, the TDP supremo highlighted that SC and ST communities will get 100 per cent subsidy, BCs Rs 98,000 subsidy for 3 kw solar power system and Other Castes (OCs) Rs 78,000 subsidy. 'Every mother will receive 'Thalliki Vandhanam' funds for each child,' he said. The Chief Minister further announced that the Annadata Sukhibhava scheme would be launched in June, followed by a free bus travel scheme for women starting on August 15. He called on all the poor to stand with the government and sustain this for their bright future. Within two months, all government services would be accessible via WhatsApp Governance, he added. Chandrababu Naidu recalled the 1996 cyclone in Konaseema and recalled his involvement in relief efforts. He reiterated his government's commitment to delivering social justice. He criticised political actors for vandalising Ambedkar statues and alleged that such divisive politics had pushed Konaseema behind Anantapur in terms of development. Referring to Konaseema district, Naidu advised the local farmers to incorporate inter-cropping of cocoa or fodder grass in their 90,000 acres of coconut orchards to increase their income. Moreover, Naidu said he wants to be the eldest son of every family in the state, and work towards creating wealth in Andhra Pradesh. He announced that a new welfare calendar would be released soon. The CM also promised to implement 'Annadata Sukhibhava' (Rs 20,000 financial aid to farmers per annum) in three installments soon. Lastly, Naidu accused the previous government of using the door-to-door ration delivery system as a front for rice smuggling, claiming that mafia and criminal empires operated under the guise of politics. Before the public meeting, CM Naidu went to the MGNREGA work site in Cheyyeru and distributed pensions. Earlier, the CM was received warm welcome by minister Vasamsetty Subhash, district collector Mahesh Kumar, Joint Collector Nishanthi, MLAs Vegulla Jogeswara Rao, Nimmakayala Chinarajappa, Bandaru Satyananda Rao, Deva Varaprasad, Aithabattula Ananda Rao, Datla BucchiRaju, and others.
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
3 lakh rooftop solar connections by end of June
Vijayawada: The chief secretary K Vijayanand has directed the authorities of power distribution companies and non-conventional Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh Limited (NREDCAP) to collectively achieve the target of providing three lakh rooftop solar connections by the end of June. He said that each discom is assigned with a target of 75,000 connections, while NREDCAP will also execute 75,000 connections. Vijayanand took stock of the progress of the rooftop solar connections targets and progress with the senior officials here on Thursday. He instructed that a detailed action plan be submitted immediately for effective monitoring of the progress. He said that he would review the progress on a weekly basis and emphasised the importance of creating widespread public awareness about the PM Surya Ghar, Muft Bijli Yojana. He advised officials to take up targeted outreach activities. The chief secretary said that the state is leading India's clean energy transition by actively promoting rooftop solar installations. He said that chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu set an ambitious target of installing 20 lakh rooftop solar units by the end of 2025 and it should be achieved at any cost. He also stressed the need to widely publicise PM Surya Ghar among SC and ST beneficiaries as setting up two-kilowatt rooftop units will be entirely free for them as per the scheme. He also urged to create awareness among Backward Class (BC) households, as govt is offering a total subsidy of 80,000, comprising 60,000 from the Centre and an additional 20,000 from state govt towards the total rooftop solar installation cost of 1.2 lakh under the PM Surya Ghar scheme. He directed that one model village should be developed in each district making a total of 26 villages statewide as demonstration sites for effective implementation of the scheme. He also stressed the need for discoms and NREDCAP to coordinate with banks to establish formal tie-ups specifically for the execution of these model villages. Vijayanand said that state received about 12.1 lakh registrations on the PM Surya Ghar portal. APEPDCL received 85,711applications and APCPDCL recorded 5.3 lakh registrations while APSPDCL registered 5.9 lakh applications. He asked the discoms CMDs to put in all-out efforts to achieve the set PM Surya Ghar targets before the scheduled timelines, emphasising the importance of timely and efficient execution. The chief secretary said that around 5.9 lakh SC/ST households have been identified for coverage under this initiative, with a projected rooftop solar capacity of 1,174 MWp and an expected annual power generation of 1,743 million units. "Each eligible household will be provided with a 2 kWp rooftop solar system, which is to be commissioned within six months from the issuance of the letter of award (LOA). The systems will also be maintained at no cost to the beneficiaries for a period of five years", he added. Prudhvi Tej, CMD/APEPDCL, K Santosha Rao, CMD/APSPDCL, and P Pulla Reddy CMD/APCPDCL were present at the review meeting.
