Gummadi Sandhya Rani takes charge, signs first file

This order, she said, would help protect and ensure the health and well-being of the students at the social welfare schools in the state.

Sandhya Rani said she put her first signature on the file to reinstate the ANM system at the ashram schools which was abolished by the previous YSRC government.

She said highest priority will be accorded to providing health, education and drinking water for people living in tribal areas. Steps will also be taken to prevent malnutrition among these people. Efforts would also be made to develop the road infrastructure in tribal areas, she said.

The minister said the government will reintroduce feeder (two-wheeler) ambulances in the tribal areas where there is no road access. “Due to the apathy of the previous YSRC government, people living in tribal areas were forced to carry patients on makeshift dolis. The government will introduce feeder ambulances and this can be used to transport patients to hospitals.”

She said the government will open more pregnant women hostels. “We will initiate steps to prevent deaths due to malnutrition among children, pregnant women and tribals. We would organise a total cleansing of the ITDA and ICDS projects so as to provide better services to women and tribals.

She said necessary steps would be taken to resolve grievances pertaining to Anganwadi workers.