Latest news with #K.Vijayanand
The Hindu
2 days ago
- The Hindu
Chief Secretary stresses on coordinated efforts to make Andhra Pradesh drug-free
Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand has stressed the importance of coordinated efforts by various State and Central agencies to make Andhra Pradesh a drug- and ganja-free State. Speaking at the second quarterly Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) meeting held on Tuesday, Mr. Vijayanand said the Elite Anti-Narcotics Group for Law Enforcement (EAGLE), formed by the government, was actively working to curb ganja cultivation in tribal areas of North Andhra Pradesh. He said EAGLE officers were creating awareness among tribal communities and encouraging them to shift to alternative crops such as coffee and silver oak, while also providing them with the necessary training and support. Director General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta, who joined the meeting virtually, highlighted the need to strengthen inter-State check posts to curb drug and ganja smuggling. Inspector General of Police and EAGLE head Ake Ravi Krishna gave an overview of several operations including Operation Garuda, Operation Safe Campus Zone, Garuda 2.0, and Operation Chaitanya. These initiatives aim to curb the sale of unprescribed drugs in medical shops, check smuggling through trains, and eliminate ganja cultivation in Alluri Sitharama Raju district. Principal Secretary (GAD) Mukesh Kumar Meena, Special Chief Secretary (Medical and Health) Krishna Babu, Principal Secretary (Home) Kumar Vishwajeet, Visakhapatnam Range DIG Gopinath Jetty, EAGLE SPs Nagesh Babu and Rajan Kumar, and officials from DRI, NCB, and IB also participated virtually.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary directs APGENCO to fast-track power projects, improve efficiency
Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand has directed APGENCO to enhance operational efficiency, fast-track project implementation, and strengthen financial management to meet the State's growing energy demands. Chairing a high-level review meeting at Vidyut Soudha on Monday, Mr. Vijayanand emphasised close monitoring of thermal and hydel generation, maintaining adequate coal stocks, and resolving financial dues without delay. The Chief Secretary noted a 10% increase in thermal power generation by APGENCO and APPDCL in FY25, reaching 35,547 million units (MU), while hydel output registered a sharp 95% rise. While appreciating the improved performance, he underscored the importance of sustaining this momentum through systematic maintenance and benchmarking practices. Key projects under review included NTTPS Stage V (800 MW), RTPP Stage IV (600 MW), and SDSTPS Stage I (2x800 MW). He flagged procurement delays and manpower deployment gaps for immediate resolution. Progress of major hydel projects such as Polavaram (960 MW) and proposed pumped storage schemes was also assessed. The Chief Secretary instructed APGENCO to expedite preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), land acquisition, and statutory clearances to avoid future bottlenecks. Addressing financial challenges, Mr. Vijayanand directed finance teams to prioritise clearing dues and improving cash flow. He called for weekly monitoring, better inter-departmental coordination, and a result-oriented approach to ensure long-term energy self-sufficiency for the State.
The Hindu
17-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
17 Municipal Corporations will be declared as plastic-free by next October, says CS
Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand has said that steps are being taken to declare 17 Municipal Corporations as plastic-free corporations by next October and the drive is also under way in all government offices. During a video-conference with District Collectors on the implementation of various programmes on Thursday, Mr. Vijayanand said awareness should be created about the harm posed by single-use plastic items, and called upon the manufacturers to pay due attention to curb the menace. He said the government has launched the Swarnandhra P-4 Foundation program for eradicating poverty and eliminating economic inequalities in the society, and that the Collectors should strive to make it a success. Also, he stressed the need for proper implementation of the population policy, the draft of which was released a few days ago, given the consideration of population by the government as an asset. Adarsh Gram Yojana Mr. Vijayanand said that 1,027 villages have been selected under the Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana, of which 765 have already been declared as model villages as per the Village Development Plans. He directed the Collectors to work towards declaring the remaining 262 villages as model villages at the earliest. The Central government would provide ₹20 lakh as a gap-filling grant to each selected village for the creation of infrastructure. Drawing attention to the Rising and Accelerating MSME Performance program, the Chief Secretary said it was a World Bank-supported Centrally Sponsored Scheme and Collectors should make it a success.
The Hindu
11-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Central official discusses simplification of laws with Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary
Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand had a meeting with Manoj Govil, Secretary (Coordination) of the Union Cabinet Secretariat, on 'deregulation and compliance reduction for simplification of laws under ease of trade', at the State Secretariat on Friday. Mr. Govil, who is also a member of the Task Force Committee on Deregulation and Compliance Reduction under Ease of Trade, said Andhra Pradesh was at the forefront in making the required changes in laws in line with deregulation and compliance reduction. Steps are being taken to ensure benefits to the people by making changes, additions and simplifications in the old laws in tune with the Central government laws as part of ease of trade, he said. He suggested that the States should strictly adhere to the National Building and take appropriate measures for fire safety in multi- storey buildings. Mr. Vijayanand stated that the State government was taking steps towards deregulation and compliance reduction of various laws. Changes have been made to 76 laws. The government took the lead in bringing technology closer to the people and providing better services timely, espcially through WhatsApp governance through which 520 services have been made available, he said. Steps were being taken to make digital technologies available in every government department. The necessary clearances were being given in a time-bound manner through the single window system to achieve the objective of the Speed of Doing Business. Special Chief Secretary (Environment, Forest and Science & Technology) G. Anantha Ramu, Principal Secretaries Kumar Vishwajeeth (Home), S. Suresh Kumar (Municipal Administration), and Secretary N. Yuvaraj (Industries) and other senior officials took part in the meeting.
The Hindu
09-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
CII Partnership Summit to be held in Visakhapatnam on November 14 and 15
The 30th edition of the CII Partnership Summit is scheduled to be held in the city on November 14 and 15. Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand chaired a review meeting with officials at the State Secretariat on Wednesday, emphasising the use of digital platforms for registration and logistical arrangements. A follow-up meeting is planned for July 16, ahead of the Group of Ministers' review. The summit will feature roadshows, exhibitions, and the signing of several MoUs across sectors.
