For Telugu-speaking communities in the U.S., the relationship with America remains deep-rooted, as waves of professionals continue to migrate from the Telugu states in India in search of career opportunities. With the upcoming presidential elections, Telugu Americans are expressing their hopes for significant policy changes under the next U.S. administration—whether it be led by Kamala Harris or Donald Trump. Foremost on their agenda are reforms to the H-1B visa program and improvements to the Green Card application process.

One Indian-American professional highlighted specific concerns, especially about family inclusions in visa programs: “There’s a technical issue with both H-1B visas and Green Cards. Under an H-1B, an entire family is included—the spouse and children—but in the Green Card process, each person counts towards the quota. Solving this technical issue alone could quadruple the number of Green Cards granted to Indians,” he explained. Another major issue facing the community is the presence of undocumented immigrants, he added. “The government is letting in more undocumented immigrants, providing them with housing and resources, whereas instead, they could be offered work permits to help contribute to the economy.”

Rising inflation has become another major concern for many Telugu Americans. “The prices of essential goods, which typically remain stable here, have nearly doubled in the past four years,” noted one resident. Beyond domestic policy, many feel that the U.S. should adopt a more restrained approach in foreign conflicts to avoid economic strain. “America’s involvement in global conflicts does not benefit the economy. Staying out of these conflicts would help save resources,” he added.

For Telugu Americans, cultural preservation remains another key priority. Regardless of which party comes to power, they hope the next administration will ensure the freedom to express their traditions, language, and spiritual practices in the U.S. “The importance of Telugu culture, language, and the arts should be recognized globally. We hope the administration will support and encourage artists and cultural programs,” said another Telugu-American professional.

Issues such as abortion rights also weigh heavily on the Telugu American community, with many fearing a potential ban on abortion under a Trump-led government. The community is also concerned about the impact of inflation on their everyday lives. While Telugu Americans have relatively low citizenship rates compared to other Indian sub-groups, they closely follow the election results, aware of the significant impact these policies could have on their future in the U.S.

Anantapur ( Journalist File ) : The 108 ambulance service, a vital emergency healthcare resource in the united Anantapur district, is teetering on the brink of collapse, according to alarming reports. Oversight by the management contractor, AEMS, has led to severe operational deficiencies that jeopardize the lives of patients relying on these emergency services. Claims have surfaced that the contractor is running numerous ambulances without adequate insurance coverage, with over 30 vehicles reportedly in such disrepair that they should have been decommissioned long ago.

Background of the 108 Ambulance Service

The 108 ambulance service was launched during the Congress government's tenure as a means to provide essential emergency medical services across the state. It was designed to ensure timely access to healthcare for all, especially in rural areas. The subsequent TDP government also maintained the service effectively, providing robust oversight and ensuring its smooth operation. However, in the past five years, the contractor AEMs has been accused of systematically dismantling the operational integrity of this critical service.

Current Operational Status

At present, 63 ambulances are actively providing services under the 108 scheme in Anantapur. In addition, 63 vehicles operate under the 104 service, which offers mobile medical assistance primarily in rural settings. There are also 12 ambulances involved in the Family Doctor initiative, while 38 vehicles are designated as Mother and Child Express ambulances. All these vehicles were procured by the government and entrusted to the contractor for management and operation.

Despite the government allocating significant funds—reportedly millions of rupees monthly for each vehicle’s operational costs, which include fuel, salaries for drivers, assistants, and supervisors—AEMs has shown gross negligence in vehicle maintenance. Strikingly, the contractor has failed to establish even the most basic facilities, such as a mechanic shed for repairs. Instead, vehicles are often serviced on the roadside, with repairs being conducted in a small room of an unused agricultural market office in Rapthadu.

Safety Concerns and Neglect

The situation has reached a critical point where many ambulances are operating without insurance—a shocking lapse that raises serious questions about liability in case of accidents or emergencies. Furthermore, some of these ambulances have exceeded 500,000 kilometers of use, far beyond the safe operational limits recommended for emergency vehicles. This neglect not only puts patients’ lives at risk but also reflects poorly on the governance and accountability of the contracting process.

Reports indicate that drivers and other personnel have not received their salaries for the past three months, exacerbating the already precarious situation. Such delays in payment can lead to demoralization among staff, ultimately affecting their performance and the quality of service provided to patients.

Call for Investigation and Accountability

In light of these grave concerns, there is an urgent need for authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the operations of AEMs. The potential for discovering numerous discrepancies and violations regarding the management of these life-saving services is high. Without immediate action, the 108 ambulance service may continue to deteriorate, endangering the very citizens it was meant to protect.

The state government must prioritize the restoration and improvement of the 108 ambulance service in Anantapur. This involves not only ensuring that vehicles are adequately maintained and insured but also that the staff is compensated fairly and promptly. The health and safety of the community depend on the efficacy of this critical service, and immediate corrective measures are essential to safeguard the lives of the vulnerable populations relying on it.