Ponnala assurance to Jalayagnam contractors
0 commentsThe impact of recession seems to be taking its toll on Jalayagnam, the flagship programme of the state government. The government which claims to have a track record of making timely payments to contractors during last five years is forced to go slow in the last six months.
Between January and May, about Rs 1,800 crore worth of works have been done while the payments made were around Rs 1,680 crore. The slow down in payment has affected the progress of works and at some places the contractors are reported to have stopped works.
In view of this, the chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy on Tuesday held a review meeting with major irrigation minister P Lakshmaiah. He asked Lakshmaiah to talk to the contractors and see that the schedule of the works was maintained.
Later talking to media, Lakshmaiah said the state government had never delayed payments to the contractors in the last five years but due to the impact of global slowdown there has been some problem in clearing the bills on time. He appealed to the contractors not to stop work or slow down the pace. "There may be some delay but it will be paid, the contractors need not worry about it," he said and sought their cooperation.
The minister said that the state government was making all-out efforts to get more funds from the Centre, both by trying to make them agree to take up seven irrigation projects as national projects and also to get bigger share under the accelerated irrigation benefit programme (AIBP).
He said, the chief minister will submit a detailed report on the progress of irrigation projects to the prime minister Manmohan Singh during his visit to New Delhi on June 18 and will urge the Centre to take up seven irrigation projects as national projects.
The state government had already sent proposals to the Centre recommending that Polavaram, Pulichintala, Pranahita-Chevella, Dummugudem tailpond and Kantalapalli Sujala Sravanthi, Devadula and Yellampalli projects be taken up as national projects.
According to sources, the Centre had already examined the proposal of Polavaram project but no decision has been taken yet.The review meeting also decided to speed up diversion of Budameru water diversion works in consultation with Vijayawada Thermal Power Station, problem of inundation at Vizag airport, construction of flood banks on Vamasadhara, Nagavalli and Godavari rivers etc.
Meanwhile, the chief minister re-allocated the portfolio of A P Water Resources Development Corporation hitherto held by Sunitha Laxma Reddy to Lakshmaiah. This portfolio includes AP Irrigation Development Corporation, lift irrigation, ground water development, WALAMTARI.
Pressure on Chiranjeevi To tie-up with TDP
0 commentsThough some leaders are trying to put pressure on him on having a truck with the Telugu Desam Party in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Cor porat ion elections, the Praja Rajyam party president Chiranjeevi is refusing to budge. His categorical statement that the three major parties in the State - Congress, Telugu Desam and the PRP could not join hands in any combination is seen as an answer to the leaders who are trying to pull the party toward the Telugu Desam.
Right from day one, Chiranjeevi was firm in his opinion that his party would not join the fronts which have Congress, Telugu Desam and the BJP.According to sources close to Chiranjeevi, he does not want to play second fiddle in the front led by the Congress or the Telugu Desam.
He wants the party to maintain its own identity and if possible form its own front minus Congress and the TDP. Chiranjeevi has already ruled out any truck with the Telangana Rashtra Samiti. If possible, he may incline towards a front with likeminded parties like Lok Satta, CPI or CPM.
However, leaders like Kotagiri Vidyadhara Rao and few others who came from the TDP are trying their best to push the PRP towards it.
Right from day one, Chiranjeevi was firm in his opinion that his party would not join the fronts which have Congress, Telugu Desam and the BJP.According to sources close to Chiranjeevi, he does not want to play second fiddle in the front led by the Congress or the Telugu Desam.
He wants the party to maintain its own identity and if possible form its own front minus Congress and the TDP. Chiranjeevi has already ruled out any truck with the Telangana Rashtra Samiti. If possible, he may incline towards a front with likeminded parties like Lok Satta, CPI or CPM.
However, leaders like Kotagiri Vidyadhara Rao and few others who came from the TDP are trying their best to push the PRP towards it.
YSR vows to ensure more transparency
0 commentsChief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy has said development programmes and welfare schemes will be implemented in more transparent manner. Speaking to mediapersons at Tirupati airport this evening, the Chief Minister said the Handri Niva Sujala Sravanthi (HNSS) would turn the barren lands of Chittoor district into lush green fields.
The irrigation project works are going on at a brisk pace.He said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would lay the foundation stone soon for the Rs 6,000-crore NTPCBHEL power project at Mannavaram near Srikalahasthi.
Reddy said he would meet the Prime Minister in a week to finalise the programme.When a reporter asked for his comment on the resignation of Chittoor Congress MLA CK Babu, the Chief Minister shot back saying `who told you that he resigned’ and left.
Later, the Chief Minister attended the marriage of Housing Minister Silpa Mohan Reddy’s daughter at Urban Hatt and went to Tirumala. He was accorded a rousing welcome by Congress activists at the airport.
Ministers Galla Aruna Kumari, P Ramachandra Reddy and Gade Venkat Reddy, Tirupati MP Chinta Mohan, TTD Chairman DK Audikesavulu Naidu and others were also present.
The irrigation project works are going on at a brisk pace.He said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would lay the foundation stone soon for the Rs 6,000-crore NTPCBHEL power project at Mannavaram near Srikalahasthi.
Reddy said he would meet the Prime Minister in a week to finalise the programme.When a reporter asked for his comment on the resignation of Chittoor Congress MLA CK Babu, the Chief Minister shot back saying `who told you that he resigned’ and left.
Later, the Chief Minister attended the marriage of Housing Minister Silpa Mohan Reddy’s daughter at Urban Hatt and went to Tirumala. He was accorded a rousing welcome by Congress activists at the airport.
Ministers Galla Aruna Kumari, P Ramachandra Reddy and Gade Venkat Reddy, Tirupati MP Chinta Mohan, TTD Chairman DK Audikesavulu Naidu and others were also present.
TRS emergency State Executive Committee meeting
0 commentsThe emergency State Executive Committee meeting of the Telangana Rashtra Samiti(TRS) was held today even as party dissidents made a vain bid to ’capture’ the ’Telangana Bhavan’, the party state headquarters.
The meeting, held under the chairmanship of Party president K Chandrasekar Rao, resolved to constitute a Political Affairs Committee to chalk out strategy for strengthening the party and the Telangana movement ahead of the local body elections in Hyderabad, party senior leader N Narasimha Reddy said while briefing newspersons about the ongoing meeting.
Party dissidents, led by former TRS MP Ravindra Naik, made a vain bid to storm the ’’Telangana Bhavan’’, with agitated party activists forcibly preventing them from entering the party office. In the melee, Mr Naik’s shirt was torn.
Ahead of the crucial meeting, five TRS rebel leaders -- J Balakrishna Reddy, A Chandrasekar, B Som Reddy, Yennam Srinivas Reddy and Ms Uma Devi -- were placed under suspension yesterday for alleged ’’anti-party’’ activities.
The meeting, held under the chairmanship of Party president K Chandrasekar Rao, resolved to constitute a Political Affairs Committee to chalk out strategy for strengthening the party and the Telangana movement ahead of the local body elections in Hyderabad, party senior leader N Narasimha Reddy said while briefing newspersons about the ongoing meeting.
Party dissidents, led by former TRS MP Ravindra Naik, made a vain bid to storm the ’’Telangana Bhavan’’, with agitated party activists forcibly preventing them from entering the party office. In the melee, Mr Naik’s shirt was torn.
Ahead of the crucial meeting, five TRS rebel leaders -- J Balakrishna Reddy, A Chandrasekar, B Som Reddy, Yennam Srinivas Reddy and Ms Uma Devi -- were placed under suspension yesterday for alleged ’’anti-party’’ activities.
AP CM seeks central funds for Arogyasri
0 commentsAs part of the tight rope walk, specially since the chief minister has decided not to levy any new taxes or increase the water or power tariff, the state government is now trying to find new ways to cut down on its expenses.
As part of this exercise, the chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy on Sunday wrote a letter to the Centre, asking it to advise the Planning Commission to provide financial support to Aarogyasri scheme and take it up as a centrally-sponsored scheme, on a 70:30 cost-sharing basis as a special case.
The chief minister, who would be visiting New Delhi on June 18, will take up the matter with the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the Union minister for health and family welfare Gulam Nabi Azad. Reddy will explain to the Union health minister how the Aarogyasri scheme has been successful in providing emergency medical help to the poor people.
The state government is spending a total of Rs 1,725 crore per annum under these schemes: Rs 1,350 crore under Aarogyasri I and II, Rs 250 crore for 104 health services and Rs 125 crore for 108 emergency ambulance services. The state also spends Rs 975 crore as premium for Aarogyasri healthcare insurance.
In his letter, Reddy requested the prime minister to depute a central team to study the scheme in depth. CM is of the opinion that this scheme may be extended throughout the country. This scheme, he said, has been acclaimed at Geneva in Forum for Health on the sidelines of World Health Assembly by the World Health Organization.
Reddy said Aarogyasri scheme was a unique technology-led intervention that directly empowers the rural poor. So far more than 3 lakh patients were treated in hospitals at a cost of over Rs 900 crore, and as a byproduct around 18 lakhs patients have been screened, he added.
As part of this exercise, the chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy on Sunday wrote a letter to the Centre, asking it to advise the Planning Commission to provide financial support to Aarogyasri scheme and take it up as a centrally-sponsored scheme, on a 70:30 cost-sharing basis as a special case.
The chief minister, who would be visiting New Delhi on June 18, will take up the matter with the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the Union minister for health and family welfare Gulam Nabi Azad. Reddy will explain to the Union health minister how the Aarogyasri scheme has been successful in providing emergency medical help to the poor people.
The state government is spending a total of Rs 1,725 crore per annum under these schemes: Rs 1,350 crore under Aarogyasri I and II, Rs 250 crore for 104 health services and Rs 125 crore for 108 emergency ambulance services. The state also spends Rs 975 crore as premium for Aarogyasri healthcare insurance.
In his letter, Reddy requested the prime minister to depute a central team to study the scheme in depth. CM is of the opinion that this scheme may be extended throughout the country. This scheme, he said, has been acclaimed at Geneva in Forum for Health on the sidelines of World Health Assembly by the World Health Organization.
Reddy said Aarogyasri scheme was a unique technology-led intervention that directly empowers the rural poor. So far more than 3 lakh patients were treated in hospitals at a cost of over Rs 900 crore, and as a byproduct around 18 lakhs patients have been screened, he added.
PM must make AP his first visit: YSR
0 commentsAndhra Pradesh is lucky for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, feels chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy. Firmly believing that the PM’s visit to AP, first to any state after assuming office in 2004, augured well for the party and the country, the chief minister has written to Manmohan Singh urging him to visit Andhra Pradesh first again in his second stint.
"While the state progressed in all sectors on expected lines, the Centre too extended its cooperation liberally to the state in the past five years. This happened because of the importance the prime minister attached to the state, the chief minister feels," a senior official told.
Rajasekhara Reddy has already written two letters and is likely to meet the PM to make the same request next week.
According to sources, the chief minister wants Manmohan Singh to lay the foundation stone for the prestigious Rs 6000 crore public sector unit of NBPPL near Srikalahasti in Chittoor district.
Recalling how the PM’s first ever state visit immediately after the 2004 polls, laid the path for development, the chief minister requested him to lay the foundation stone for the power equipment manufacturing unit to be set up jointly by the two PSU majors.
The state government won the project after facing stiff competition from states like Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan.
The chief minister also requested the PM to participate in a kisan rally, being planned for his arrival, as the culmination of the farm loan-waiver campaign in the state. The rally will take place at Kadapa while a public interaction with self-help members at Tirupati is also planned.
Apart from these programmes, the chief minister has requested the prime minister to lay the foundation stones for the international airport at Tirupati, and the proposed airport at Kadapa.
The chief minister is expected to meet Singh next week.
"While the state progressed in all sectors on expected lines, the Centre too extended its cooperation liberally to the state in the past five years. This happened because of the importance the prime minister attached to the state, the chief minister feels," a senior official told.
Rajasekhara Reddy has already written two letters and is likely to meet the PM to make the same request next week.
According to sources, the chief minister wants Manmohan Singh to lay the foundation stone for the prestigious Rs 6000 crore public sector unit of NBPPL near Srikalahasti in Chittoor district.
Recalling how the PM’s first ever state visit immediately after the 2004 polls, laid the path for development, the chief minister requested him to lay the foundation stone for the power equipment manufacturing unit to be set up jointly by the two PSU majors.
The state government won the project after facing stiff competition from states like Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan.
The chief minister also requested the PM to participate in a kisan rally, being planned for his arrival, as the culmination of the farm loan-waiver campaign in the state. The rally will take place at Kadapa while a public interaction with self-help members at Tirupati is also planned.
Apart from these programmes, the chief minister has requested the prime minister to lay the foundation stones for the international airport at Tirupati, and the proposed airport at Kadapa.
The chief minister is expected to meet Singh next week.
Telugu Desam men in PRP push for Kutami
0 commentsThe Praja Rajyam is heading towards a serious intra-party conflict with a section of leaders pushing the party towards a tie-up with the Telugu Desam for the GHMC elections.
The Prajya Rajyam’s former TD ministers, Mr Devender Goud and Mr K. Vidyadhara Rao, who lost the elections, are pushing for the alliance with the Mahakutami, which now does not have the TRS.
Mr Rao told the media there is nothing wrong in coming to an electoral understanding with the TD in order to prevent a Congress monopoly in the city.
When journalists when reminded him about the policy of by the PR chief, Mr K. Chiranjeevi, of opposing both the Congress and the TD, Mr Rao said there is nothing wrong in changing the policies for its survival. Mr Goud also endorsed the view.
Party MLAs are fuming over the statements. One PR legislator said, “What do the so-called seniors know? They lost the polls that is why they are talking irresponsibly.”
Asked about the proposal, Mr Chiranjeevi said no decision had been taken.
According to insiders, Mr Chiranjeevi has called a meeting of party seniors on Saturday to discuss various issues including tie-ups with other parties. The meeting is expected to be stormy and some leaders have decided to oppose any tie-up with the TDP.
Sources said that former MPs will say it is better for the party to lead an allaince of small parties like the CPI(M) and the CPI instead of playing a ‘B’ team in an alliance with the TD.
The Prajya Rajyam’s former TD ministers, Mr Devender Goud and Mr K. Vidyadhara Rao, who lost the elections, are pushing for the alliance with the Mahakutami, which now does not have the TRS.
Mr Rao told the media there is nothing wrong in coming to an electoral understanding with the TD in order to prevent a Congress monopoly in the city.
When journalists when reminded him about the policy of by the PR chief, Mr K. Chiranjeevi, of opposing both the Congress and the TD, Mr Rao said there is nothing wrong in changing the policies for its survival. Mr Goud also endorsed the view.
Party MLAs are fuming over the statements. One PR legislator said, “What do the so-called seniors know? They lost the polls that is why they are talking irresponsibly.”
Asked about the proposal, Mr Chiranjeevi said no decision had been taken.
According to insiders, Mr Chiranjeevi has called a meeting of party seniors on Saturday to discuss various issues including tie-ups with other parties. The meeting is expected to be stormy and some leaders have decided to oppose any tie-up with the TDP.
Sources said that former MPs will say it is better for the party to lead an allaince of small parties like the CPI(M) and the CPI instead of playing a ‘B’ team in an alliance with the TD.
K Chandrasekar rao admits mistakes
0 commentsThe Telangana Rastra Samiti president, Mr K. Chandrasekhar Rao, admitted for the first time before the media, that he committed some mistakes while selecting party candidates in come constituencies.
His admission comes at a time when a few TRS leaders have revolted against his leadership and even formed the Telangana Vimochana Samiti (TVS). Some other leaders in the party also chose to openly criticise him. The TRS chief appeared before the media on Friday evening after completing constituency wise review meetings with his party leaders.
“I agree I committed a few mistakes in running the party. I also erred in selection of the candidates. I am here to rectify those mistakes and take the party forward,” the TRS chief told a media conference.
He also appealed to those leaders who left the party recently to come back and work for the cause of a separate Telangana state.
“I am openly extending an invitation to all those who left me to come and rejoin the party. Let us all work together,” he said.
He admitted Mr Teegala Ravinder Gowd, the Karimnagar zilla parishad chairman, who left the party and contested on a Praja Rajyam ticket.The TRS chief said that a particular section of the media was spreading false news to malign him.
His admission comes at a time when a few TRS leaders have revolted against his leadership and even formed the Telangana Vimochana Samiti (TVS). Some other leaders in the party also chose to openly criticise him. The TRS chief appeared before the media on Friday evening after completing constituency wise review meetings with his party leaders.
“I agree I committed a few mistakes in running the party. I also erred in selection of the candidates. I am here to rectify those mistakes and take the party forward,” the TRS chief told a media conference.
He also appealed to those leaders who left the party recently to come back and work for the cause of a separate Telangana state.
“I am openly extending an invitation to all those who left me to come and rejoin the party. Let us all work together,” he said.
He admitted Mr Teegala Ravinder Gowd, the Karimnagar zilla parishad chairman, who left the party and contested on a Praja Rajyam ticket.The TRS chief said that a particular section of the media was spreading false news to malign him.
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