Vijayawada: Given that Andhra Pradesh is making strides in the power sector, Power Trade Corporation has evinced interest to offer power trade solutions to the state.
In this regard, Mr Deepak Amitabh, chairman, PTC, met Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday. “Since the state had been able to achieve power surplus within a year, we can offer power management services that would benefit the state’s exchequer,” Mr Amitabh said. He explai-ned that they research, analyse the market and then set the tariff rates.
Mr Naidu enquired about the mechanism adopted by the company to minimise T&C losses and determination of power tariff. He asked the delegation and officials to undertake an exercise to understand changing norms in the power sector. Meanwhile, Mr Naidu asked bankers to extend cooperation in strengthening horticulture and livestock in the state.
At a meeting with Suresh N. Patel, chairman and managing director of Andhra Bank and other members, Mr Naidu said that banks continue to ignore horticulture and livestock, though the allied sectors contribute greater GDP than agriculture. He stressed that there needs to be an increased focus on these sectors. This would control farmer suicides, he added.
Mr Suresh informed that Andhra Bank was the first bank in India to introduce overdraft via SMS and ATM for Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana. Meanwhile, Mr Naidu said that the Coast Guard force would be strengthened. Mr Naidu, in a discussion with SP Sharma, I.G. Coast Guard, regional headquarters, Chennai, assured a prospective plan to develop coastal and maritime Andhra Pradesh
Mr Sharma suggested Mr Naidu and Integrated Coastal Zone Manage-ment Authority, which will enhance the offshore and onshore management of theeconomic activity without disturbing the ecological sensitivity of the coastal areas. Mr Sharma presented a document to Mr Naidu elaborating on various aspects that can be undertaken for strengthening Coast Guards.
Mr Sharma also explained to the Chief Minister that their contingent provides inherent security system to the ports and assistance during the time of disasters. Responding to the suggestions, Mr Naidu stressed on the need to have an integrated approach for the strengthening of Coast Guards. Mr Sabarwal, DIG Coast Guards, Vizag, secretary (infrastructure) Ajay Jain, secretary to CM, Sai Prasad and others were present.
