Goal is to provide quality healthcare at grassroots-level: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in a webinar from Delhi with various Central and State officials, focusing on investments in the economy and reforms in the power sector as part of the Union Budget discussions.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister outlined plans to transform India into a $5 trillion economy as part of the “Vikasit Bharat 2047” initiative. He stated that the Central government’s goal is to provide quality healthcare services at the grassroots-level and stressed that efforts are underway in this direction. He also highlighted that the Union Budget has allocated significant funds for educational policies incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and has prioritised health tourism promotion.
K Vijayanand, Chief Secretary, noted the need to provide appropriate incentives to enhance inter-State transmission capacity in the State. He mentioned that planned renewable energy capacities and green hydrogen projects could be integrated effectively. He described the power sector as the backbone of the nation’s infrastructure, essential for economic growth and improved quality of life. Vijayanand stated that enhancing the capacity, reliability and efficiency of the power grid across States is crucial for power sector reforms. He pointed out that while electricity production has increased a hundredfold since independence, continuous reforms are necessary to meet the growing demand. He called for increased investments in modern transmission infrastructure to reduce transmission losses and enhance grid stability.
To ensure the financial stability of distribution companies (DISCOMs), he stressed the importance of addressing high losses, improving billing capabilities and ensuring timely tariff revisions.
He noted that expanding renewable energy capacity is vital to achieve climate goals and diversify energy resources and emphasised the need to strengthen India’s clean energy transition.
Additionally, he highlighted the importance of increasing public-private partnerships in the energy sector. He urged the promotion of energy conservation and smart metering initiatives under consumer participation. Ultimately, he stated that Andhra Pradesh is committed to leveraging this opportunity to benefit both the State and the nation by driving sustainable development, reducing transmission losses and supporting economic growth.
Transco CMD Keerthi and other officials also attended the meeting.