AP will be role model in power sector, says CM

VIJAYAWADA : Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed the officials to reduce the electricity transmission and distribution (T&D) losses at least by one per cent this year.

“We have succeeded in reducing the transport and distribution losses from 10.51 per cent to 9.82 per cent last year and now we have to focus on reducing the same by another one per cent by the end of this year,” he said.

While holding a review meet with the Energy department officials and Power Minister K Kala Venkata Rao at the Interim Government Complex in Velagapudi on Friday, the Chief Minister directed them to submit an action plan for reducing the electricity transmission and distribution losses.

Stating that a national-level meeting of energy ministers of all the States will be organised in Vizag on April 27 and 28, he said all the states will study the achievements of Andhra Pradesh in power sector after the meeting.Suggesting to the officials to link solar, wind, hydro and thermal power projects after making a proper study, he wanted the officials to set up smart power grids in various parts of the State.

Zero tolerance to corruption

The chief minister warned of stern action against those resorting to fleece farmers for providing new electricity connections for residences and agriculture motors. He said the government through IVRS will take feedback from public and will punish those indulging in corruption.

When the officials informed that several junior lineman posts are lying vacant in rural areas, the Chief Minister gave nod to the officials for recruiting the needed workforce through outsourcing.

Call centre to redress issues With an objective of resolving people’s problems swiftly, the Chief Minister decided to launch a call centre on April 20.

Directing the officials to complete the civil works of the call centre by April 19, he said the call centre will become completely operational by May 1. The call centres mainly focus on dealing with the issues related to PDS, Chandranna Bhima, pensions, scholarships, loans, housing etc.

He said by taking feedback from the people over the implementation of the government schemes, the call centres will come in handy to improve the government schemes. A total of 1,345 staff in different cadres will discharge duties in the call centre christened as Citizen Experience Management Centre.