No hike in electricity charges in near future: CM Naidu

After the weekly cabinet meeting on Thursday, he engaged in informal discussions with ministers, urging them to focus on welfare schemes for the next three months. He stressed the importance of active campaigning by ministers for the MLC elections.

Naidu highlighted the need to discuss the implementation of the Talliki Vandanam scheme ahead of the new academic year.

He advised his ministers to prioritize the Matsyakara Bharosa programme scheduled for April and tasked officials with formulating effective strategies for the Annadata Sukhibhava scheme, which aimed to support farmers.

Naidu indicated that the state would add Rs 14,000 to the sum of Rs.6,000 provided annually by the central government to farmers. Financial assistance from the state would be provided to them in three phases, alongside the central dole. He called for filling of DSC posts before the reopening of schools after the summer vacations.

Reassuring citizens, the chief minister clarified that there would be no increase in electricity charges in the near future. “With comprehensive power management, electricity rates would ideally decrease.” He wants collectors and electricity SEs to expedite the implementation of the PM Suryaghar and PM KUSUM schemes.

The chief minister also emphasized the need for continued monitoring of the government’s attempts at creation of 750,000 jobs as part of electricity reforms and called for regular assessments of investments to ensure that job creation aligned with economic needs.

As schools prepare to reopen, the CM mandated the completion of DSC recruitments. Officials must take necessary steps to curb fraudulent registrations, he said.

Minister Nara Lokesh explained the changes to the food (lunch) menu to the students under the Dokka Seethamma midday meal scheme. He referred to alterations in the menu based on children's preferences across different regions.

Lokesh urged minister Nadendla Manohar to collaborate on the effective execution of the Dokka Seethamma midday meal programme. He confirmed that the necessary high-quality nutritional Sanna (thin) variety rice is available through the civil supplies department for this scheme.