Andhra Pradesh: Power Department Issues 627 Compassionate Appointments
Eligible dependants were now being given appointments within four months: Energy minister Gottipati Ravikumar
VIJAYAWADA: The state government has issued compassionate appointment orders to 627 dependants of electricity employees who died in service since the coalition government assumed office, energy minister Gottipati Ravikumar said on Wednesday.
At a programme at the Secretariat, Ravikumar handed over appointment orders to 27 eligible dependants of deceased APGenco employees. APGenco managing director Nagalakshmi was present.
Ravikumar said eligible dependants were now being given appointments within four months, with the government focusing on avoiding delays and providing livelihood support to bereaved families.
To address manpower shortages, 7,000 energy assistants would be trained and their services utilised. The government was also filling 629 Assistant Engineer posts despite legal challenges to the recruitment process, he said.
He said electricity charges had not been increased since the coalition government assumed office. New 132-kV, 220-kV and 400-kV substations, along with 33/11-kV substations and distribution transformers, were being established to improve voltage and reliability.
The minister said the state had moved to fourth place nationally in implementing PM Surya Ghar, with solar units planned for six lakh SC/ST families. Coal stocks and power plant repairs had also been strengthened to meet demand during El Nino conditions.