The Sampadak Express News Desk
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday directed officials to act to prevent any rise in prices of essential commodities across the State, citing the impact of El Niño on prices nationwide. According to The Hindu, he issued the instructions while reviewing departmental performance at a Real-Time Governance Society (RTGS) meeting.
Mr. Naidu asked departments to closely monitor the prices of rice, red gram, onions, edible oil and sugar so that higher costs do not fall on consumers. He enquired about sales of government-supplied rice through rythu bazaars and told officials to explore offering fine-quality rice at subsidised prices through these markets during festivals such as Deepavali and Sankranti. He also called for increased onion supplies to avoid difficulties for ordinary consumers.
Emphasising reliable public utilities, the Chief Minister directed that robust measures be in place to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply under all circumstances. He additionally stressed the need to maintain smooth sand supplies statewide.
Reviewing implementation of the PM Surya Ghar rooftop solar scheme, Mr. Naidu urged faster installation of panels on residential buildings. Noting that Andhra Pradesh currently ranks fourth nationally in the programme, he asked officials to improve the State’s standing. The State needs about nine lakh additional rooftop connections to meet its target, and he instructed departments to prepare and execute an accelerated action plan.
Mr. Naidu called for full use of technology in governance and for prompt rectification of any deficiencies identified through monitoring systems. He pressed for stronger coordination among departments, saying concerted efforts are necessary to improve delivery of public services.
Chief Secretary G. Sai Prasad and senior officials from various departments attended the review meeting, where the Chief Minister set timelines to expedite rooftop solar installations and directed price and supply monitoring of key food staples through rythu bazaars and other channels.
