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Time of India
10-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Real-time governance, IVRS to monitor sanitation services in ULBs
1 2 3 Vijayawada: In a major move to improve sanitation and urban living standards, the Andhra Pradesh govt launched a statewide sanitation enhancement initiative under the Positive People Perception Tracking (PPT) framework. This ambitious programme is integrated into the Real Time Governance System (RTGS) and aims to improve citizen satisfaction by setting concrete performance benchmarks for sanitation services across Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). Principal secretary of municipal administration and urban development(MAUD) S Suresh Kumar announced that the initiative would rely on real-time citizen feedback collected through the Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS). This digital feedback mechanism will help monitor service quality and ensure accountability at every level of urban governance. Sanitation satisfaction targets were set for all municipalities and corporations. Municipal Corporations are expected to achieve at least 80% satisfaction in door-to-door garbage collection, 75% in garbage dump clearance, and 75% in drain de-silting. For the 77 municipalities, the targets are slightly adjusted—garbage collection and dump clearance must reach 70%, while drain de-silting must meet an 80% benchmark. For Nagara Panchayats, the IVRS feedback system will be rolled out from September 2025. To implement the initiative effectively, ULB Commissioners were instructed to take proactive and visible measures. These include routine field inspections, public awareness campaigns, route rationalisation for sanitation staff, and quick resolution of complaints. Garbage dumps are to be cleared within 24 hours of identification, and before-and-after photographic documentation will be used to ensure transparency. Drains in flood-prone zones are being prioritised for regular de-silting and maintenance, with signage marking cleaned areas. All operations must strictly follow the Manual Scavengers Prohibition and Rehabilitation Act, 2013. "The govt is firmly committed to making Andhra Pradesh's cities cleaner, healthier, and more citizen-friendly," said Suresh Kumar, reaffirming the administration's dedication to evidence-based governance and people-centric service delivery.

The Hindu
10-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Municipal dept. prepares action plan to improve citizen satisfaction in urban bodies of A.P.
The Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) Department has prepared an action plan to improve citizen satisfaction with sanitation services across all the 17 urban local bodies in the State. The action plan is part of the Positive People Perception Tracking (PPT) framework, operational under the State's Real Time Governance System (RTGS), and it utilises Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) technology to collect real-time citizen feedback on urban services, said MA&UD Principal Secretary S. Suresh Kumar, in a statement released to the media. The department has set targets for 17 urban local bodies and 77 municipalities in the State, with regard to door-to-door garbage collection, garbage dump clearance and drain de-silting. While for the corporations, the target for garbage collection is 80% or more, garbage dump clearance is 75% or more and de-silting is 75% or more. For the municipalities, the targets for the same are 70%, 70% and 80% respectively on the three indices. For the remaining Nagara Panchayats, IVRS feedback collection will commence from September, Mr. Suresh Kumar said. To meet these targets, the Municipal Commissioners in urban local bodies have been directed to initiate comprehensive measures, in conjunction with field inspections and close supervision by municipal functionaries. Explaining the targets, the Principal Secretary said the Commissioners should ensure 100% daily coverage across all households and establishments, launch awareness campaigns encouraging residents to cooperate with the sanitation staff, enforce fixed route plans and timings for public health workers, clear reported dumps within 24 hours of identification, and install 'Cleaned Within 24 Hours' boards, among others. While the above mentioned directions were given with regard to garbage collection and clearance, the department has issued a slew of directions to the Commissioners to keep surface drains clean and obstruction-free, priority being given to flood-prone and high-density zones. Some of the important directions include ensuring workers are equipped with safety gear and tools, completion of monsoon preparedness in advance, ensuring full compliance with the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 during sewer and septic tank maintenance and resolution of all drain-related grievances within 24 hours of the registration of complaints. Mr. Suresh Kumar said any lapse will be viewed seriously and that a State-level monitoring mechanism is in place to track performance and enforce accountability.


Hans India
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Govt to get feedback on sanitation in ULBs
Vijayawada: In a decisive step towards enhancing urban living standards, the Municipal Administration & Urban Development (MA&UD) Department of Andhra Pradesh has unveiled a state-wide action plan aimed at significantly improving citizen satisfaction with sanitation services. This initiative forms a key part of the Positive People Perception Tracking (PPT) framework, operational under the state's Real Time Governance System (RTGS), said S Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary to Government, Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department. The initiative utilises Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) technology to collect real-time citizen feedback on urban services, with a renewed focus on sanitation. Following a high-level review chaired by the Chief Secretary on June 30, 2025, the government has set ambitious yet achievable satisfaction targets for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), prioritising accountability and timely service delivery. The department of municipal administration and urban development has set satisfaction targets for 17 municipal corporations and 77 municipalities. These targets are on door-to-door garbage collection, garbage dump clearance and desilting drains. For the remaining Nagara Panchayats, IVRS feedback collection will commence from September 2025, said Suresh Kumar. To meet these targets, ULB Commissioners have been directed to initiate immediate and comprehensive measures, in conjunction with field inspections and close supervision by municipal functionaries, he added. The department of municipal administration has made it clear that strict adherence to these protocols is non-negotiable, and any lapse will be viewed with seriousness. State-level monitoring mechanisms are already in place to track performance and enforce accountability. This initiative reflects the Andhra Pradesh Government's steadfast commitment to building cleaner, healthier, and more responsive urban environments, driven by citizen feedback and evidence-based governance, said Suresh Kumar.


The Citizen
28-06-2025
- The Citizen
WATCH: Lisa Alves remembered by Meyersdals's Plato Plaas Toe runners
Meyersdal-based running club Plato Plaas Toe (PPT) braved the early morning and freezing temperatures of -1°C on June 27 to honour and remember a fellow runner who tragically lost her life. Lisa Alves was killed in a hit-and-run incident on May 10 while running with friends. On Thursday morning, around 200 runners gathered at Plato Coffee, located at the Blue Crane Ridge Shopping Centre in Meyersdal, to pay tribute to her under the theme #BeSafeBeSeen. The #BeSafeBeSeen campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of visibility and road safety for runners. Each participant received a VIZI Belt, generously donated by Jonsson Workwear, symbolising their commitment to staying visible and taking necessary precautions on the road. The morning began with a brief welcome message, followed by a printed prayer that was recited in unison. A powerful 30-second round of applause then echoed in Lisa's memory. 'This morning reminded us that while we may run as individuals, we move as a family. Lisa's memory will live on in every step we take and in every reflective belt we wear,' said Natasha Donnelly, co-organiser of the PPT social run. Runners were joined by officers from Fox Security and members of the Brackendowns CPF, who stood in solidarity with the group. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!


Al Etihad
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Emirati, UK artists unite at Kensington Palace for gala concert by Abu Dhabi Festival, PPT
9 June 2025 20:19 ABU DHABI (WAM)Abu Dhabi Festival, in collaboration with the Peace and Prosperity Trust (PPT), premiered an extraordinary gala concert with Emirati and international artists at the prestigious Kensington Palace on June 6, marking a significant milestone in the 'Abu Dhabi Festival Abroad' special performance also highlights the festival's mission to build cultural capacities and foster global collaboration through co-production was the culmination of an intensive three-week UK Artist Residency Programme, supported by the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) in partnership with the Peace and Prosperity Trust (PPT).During the residency, Emirati artists engaged in rigorous training, rehearsals and seminars with esteemed instructors across prestigious musical venues. The resulting performance presented a repertoire that blended Emirati traditions with global influences and underscored the vital role of cultural exchange in shaping artistic conversations and inspiring new creative the heart of the evening was the world premiere of Ruins of Time, a powerful new composition exclusively commissioned by ADMAF from acclaimed Emirati composer Ihab Darwish, recognised for bringing the UAE's cultural identity to global audiences through programme also featured mezzo-soprano Fatima Al Hashimi performing masterpieces by Saint-Saëns, Mozart and Jule Styne, and baritone Ahmed Al Hosani presenting celebrated works by De Curtis and Bizet, alongside international musicians from the concert was conducted by Toby Purser, Artistic Director of the Peace and Prosperity Trust. Together, they shone a spotlight on the immense talent emerging from the UAE and its meaningful contribution to the international creative landscape. The concert followed the success of the Abu Dhabi Festival's pioneering 'Arts @ Embassies' cultural diplomacy initiative, held on May 22 at the UAE Embassy in three exceptional Emirati artists took part in a panel discussion where they shared their artistic journeys and heartfelt reflections on heritage, identity, innovation, and discovery – narratives that are helping shape the future of music. The panel reaffirmed the power of the arts as a platform to foster dialogue, promote understanding, and strengthen cultural ties between the UAE and the Al Khamis-Kanoo, Founder of ADMAF and Founder of Abu Dhabi Festival, remarked that the Kensington Palace Gala Concert — held under the patronage and in the presence of HRH Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, in partnership with the Peace and Prosperity Trust — and the 'Arts @ Embassies' panel discussion, presented as part of the Abu Dhabi Festival Abroad programme, mark the beginning of a new chapter in cultural diplomacy between the UAE and the said, 'This world premiere performance by composer Ihab Darwish, mezzo-soprano Fatima Al Hashimi, and baritone Ahmed Al Hosani, reflects our vision to promote knowledge exchange, cultural dialogue, and the global presentation of Emirati artistic and musical achievements, consolidating the UAE's position as an incubator of creativity and a destination for innovators.'She added, "In parallel with this historic co-production, we also presented the fourth annual edition of our pioneering cultural diplomacy initiative, 'Arts @ Embassies.' As part of the programme, we organised a panel discussion featuring the three exceptional Emirati artists, moderated by Emirati filmmaker and producer Noor Kanoo, to highlight their journeys and experiences in composition and music.'"Culture enhances the depth and strength of diplomatic relations and adds momentum to them. The arts are the bridge that unites us, creating bonds that transcend borders. Therefore, our presentation of Emirati artists within the UK Artist Residency Programme - supported by the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) in partnership with The Peace and Prosperity Trust - allows art itself to lead the way."This is one of many successful partnerships that ADMAF has established with British cultural institutions for more than two decades, built on the foundation of cooperation and the long-standing friendship shared by the UK and the UAE,' she Khouri, Founder of the Peace and Prosperity Trust (PPT), stressed the uniqueness of the concert at Kensington Palace, noting it was the first-ever collaboration of PPT with the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF).'Not only is it the first time that Emirati artists have collaborated with PPT artists, but it also marks the world premiere of a composition by Ihab Darwish, created especially for this occasion. I was truly amazed that what started with a modest concept, a musical fusion between opera and Arabic music, has grown into a unique cultural brand, gathering its own audiences and practitioners,' he added, 'In the past, the repertoire was often chosen to mirror the needs and purposes of the concerts, but tonight's concert is a showcase for six artists, all at different stages of their careers, from a vast range of backgrounds and musical styles, and with no artistic agenda per se, except to produce music to the best of their abilities.'"This concert comes at the end of three weeks of coaching and training which the Emirati singers underwent with renowned professional artists. It is the result of a visionary idea made possible by Huda Al Khamis-Kanoo, when she met a couple of years ago with The Duke of Gloucester and me.'Through the universal language of music, the collaboration between the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation and The Peace & Prosperity Trust unites their vision of promoting Emirati culture on a global stage. This partnership also plays a vital role in raising the international profile of Emirati artists, fostering their professional growth and expanding their exposure to new and diverse audiences around the Kensington Palace concert and the 'Arts @ Embassies' talk in the UK signal a new chapter in a long-standing journey of exchange and mutual respect between ADMAF and the UK. Since 2007, ADMAF has initiated and supported a wide range of collaborative programmes, inspired by the vision of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose legacy of cultural exchange continues to shape the Festival's mission.