PNS | Vijayawada
The Union Ministry of Power has agreed to extend support to the Andhra Pradesh government in its efforts to promote energy efficiency under the “Navaratnalu- PedalandarikiIllu” project. With a visionary goal of making Andhra Pradesh a frontrunner in energy efficiency, the government has expressed its strong commitment to spearhead this ambitious initiative.
During a review of the Jagananna Colonies housing scheme, Ajay Jain, the Special Chief Secretary of Housing, expressed the department’s keen interest in leveraging the services of EESL. EESL, a joint venture of highly reputed national power utilities PSUs of the Government of India, is globally renowned for its expertise. The EESL has shown preliminary agreement to implement global energy efficiency standards in every household covered by this groundbreaking scheme.
Jain further highlighted that Andhra Pradesh stands as the only state in the nation to have taken such innovative steps, demonstrating an unprecedented commitment to reducing electricity bills and promoting sustainable development practices among its beneficiaries.
The Housing Department, entrusted with the successful implementation of the “Navaratnalu- PedalandarikiIllu” project, reports commendable progress with the construction of 20.45 lakh houses already underway out of the sanctioned 21.3 lakh. The government is determined to complete approximately 5 lakh houses by the end of July 2023. Beneficiaries have expressed immense satisfaction with the allocation of house plots and the government’s approval of their housing requests.
In the current financial year, the total expenditure under the PMAY (U) scheme, including beneficiary payments and material procurement, has reached an impressive amount of Rs 2201 Crore. Ajay Jain emphasized that Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is not only focused on providing 24-hour quality power supply in Jagananna colonies but also on facilitating the use of highly efficient electrical appliances.
It is noteworthy that Andhra Pradesh has set itself apart by allocating substantial funds for infrastructure, establishing its position as a leader in housing programs for economically weaker sections, and serving as an unprecedented example for the entire country. The Andhra Pradesh government’s housing program promises a brighter and more prosperous future for its deserving beneficiaries. The review meeting was attended by Managing Director of the Housing Development Corporation, Lakshmisha, Joint Director Siva Prasad, and senior officers from EESL, namely Animesh Mishra and Nitin Bhutt.
