AMARAVATI, September 4: The Andhra Pradesh Government has announced a schedule for completing the process of ward delimitation in 39 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and municipal corporations across the State.

The Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department has fixed different deadlines for completing the delimitation exercise in various municipalities and municipal corporations.

The delimitation process in Vijayawada, Tirupati, Kurnool, Anantapur, Chittoor, Parvathipuram, Salur, Narsipatnam, Ramachandrapuram, Jaggayyapeta, Macherla, Vinukonda, Sattenapalle, Markapuram, Chirala, Proddatur, Rayachoti, Rayadurg, Puttaparthi, Badvel, Nagari, Puttur, Kadiri, Yerraguntla, Jammalamadugu and Palamaner has been scheduled to be completed by September 3, 2026.

For Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC), Eluru, Machilipatnam, Pedana, Pithapuram, Ongole, Guntur, Kadapa, Dharmavaram, Tadipatri and Nandyal, the department has set September 8, 2026 as the deadline for completing the ward delimitation process.

The delimitation exercise in Chilakaluripet and Nellore municipal corporations has been given a deadline of September 15, 2026.

The ward delimitation exercise is an important step in determining the boundaries and composition of municipal wards and is expected to facilitate the subsequent electoral and administrative processes in the urban local bodies.

The Municipal Administration Department has directed the concerned authorities to complete the exercise within the prescribed timelines. 

Special leave for radiographers, workload reduction for nurses and incentives for paramedical staff

AMARAVATI, September 4: The Andhra Pradesh Government has issued a series of orders aimed at addressing long-pending service-related issues faced by contract employees in the Health and Medical Education departments.

The measures follow representations made by the Contract Employees’ Joint Action Committee (JAC) to Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav. Responding positively to their demands, the Minister directed officials to examine the issues and take appropriate action.

Following his directions, Health Department Secretary Veerapandian and Health and Family Welfare Commissioner Chakradhar Babu conducted reviews with the concerned officials. Subsequently, orders were issued providing relief to contract employees working in various healthcare institutions.

Special leave for radiographers

The government has provided a special benefit to contract radiographers and radiographic technicians who are exposed to radiation as part of their duties.

Eligible personnel working in X-ray and radiology departments of teaching hospitals will be granted 30 days of mandatory special leave after completing every 11 months of service, according to the orders.

The special leave will not be deducted from their regular leave account.

Staff deployment in PHCs

The government has also addressed the shortage of personnel and duty adjustments in Primary Health Centres (PHCs).

Officials have been instructed to utilise available staff based on local requirements. The services of Male Nursing Orderlies (MNOs) and Female Nursing Orderlies (FNOs) may be utilised during the day, while Sanitary Attendants and other support staff, as required, may be deployed during night hours.

The government has particularly emphasised using such personnel to support staff members assigned to night duties.

Steps to reduce nurses’ workload

Measures have also been introduced to reduce the burden of continuous 12-hour duties on nurses working in PHCs.

Where three nurses are posted at a PHC, duties should be adjusted through a rotation system even when one nurse is on leave. The government has directed officials to ensure that a nurse is not burdened with a continuous 12-hour duty during the daytime.

The available services of Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) should also be effectively utilised to facilitate duty adjustments, the orders stated.

Clinical training for students at PHCs

The government has also permitted DMLT and B.Sc. MLT students to undergo clinical training at PHCs.

Under the guidelines, students undertaking six- or 12-month clinical training can undergo a one-month training programme at PHCs and Urban Primary Health Centres (UPHCs).

District Medical and Health Officers will identify and allot training centres to eligible students.

Incentives under NTR Vaidya Seva Trust

Another significant decision relates to incentives provided through the Dr. NTR Vaidya Seva Trust (NTRVST) for surgeries and medical procedures.

The government has directed that eligible contract paramedical employees who participate in surgeries and procedures should receive a prescribed share of the incentives along with doctors, based on their respective cadres.

Staff nurses, operation theatre technicians, anaesthesia technicians, laboratory technicians, pharmacists and other eligible supporting personnel are to be included in the incentive system according to the applicable norms.

The Health and Family Welfare Commissioner has also directed that details of surgeries conducted each month, the personnel who participated and the incentive amounts payable to them should be displayed on the notice board.

The latest orders are expected to provide relief to a large number of contract healthcare employees while also improving staff utilisation and service delivery at government health facilities across the State. 

AMARAVATI, September 4: National-level experts have praised the innovative and comprehensive measures being implemented by the Andhra Pradesh Government to control and eliminate malaria in the State.

The expert teams appreciated the State’s efforts in disease surveillance, early detection and management of cases, expansion of healthcare services in tribal areas, community participation and coordination between the government and private healthcare sectors.

The experts specifically noted the use of the Chief Minister’s Dashboard, AWARE system, drone technology, feeder ambulances, ‘Friday–Dry Day’ campaign, Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) and distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) as notable initiatives.

Malaria programmes reviewed in four States

As part of preparations for the National Strategic Plan for 2027–2032, national-level expert teams are reviewing malaria control programmes in Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Odisha.

The expert teams visited Andhra Pradesh from September 1 to Friday and conducted field-level assessments in Alluri Sitharama Raju district, which has a relatively high malaria burden, and Dr B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district, where the incidence is comparatively low.

During the visit, the teams examined healthcare services available at health centres, case detection and treatment mechanisms and measures being taken to prevent and control malaria.

Review meeting with Health Commissioner

Following the four-day field visit, the expert teams held a review meeting with Health and Family Welfare Commissioner Chakradhar Babu and other officials at the APICC office in Mangalagiri on Friday night. Several experts also participated virtually.

Prof. Dr Kamini Mendis, Dr Nirmal Jo, Dr Lokesh Kori, Dr Arya Rahul, Dr P.K. Sen, Dr Pranab J. Bhuyan and Dr Badri Thapa were among those who participated in the discussions.

The experts appreciated the use of the Chief Minister’s Dashboard for monitoring disease surveillance and the AWARE system for assessing the status of malaria cases and tracking their management.

They noted that Andhra Pradesh was making effective use of technology in public health programmes to strengthen disease surveillance and control measures.

Drone services in tribal areas

The expert teams examined the use of drone-based technology to support diagnosis and treatment in remote and difficult-to-reach tribal areas.

The deployment of feeder ambulances to transport patients from remote locations to nearby hospitals was also appreciated. The experts observed that such measures could help bridge gaps in access to healthcare services in geographically difficult areas.

‘Friday–Dry Day’ initiative appreciated

The teams also appreciated the ‘Friday–Dry Day’ initiative, under which potential mosquito-breeding sites are identified and eliminated while awareness is created among the public about malaria, dengue and other vector-borne diseases.

The distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) in malaria-prone areas and efforts to educate communities on their proper use were also highlighted by the experts.

Experts suggest further strengthening of programme

The expert teams observed that the comprehensive approach adopted by Andhra Pradesh was contributing to improved malaria control outcomes.

They recommended further strengthening early diagnosis, timely treatment, disease surveillance and mosquito-control measures. They also called for greater community participation and improved coordination among different government departments.

The experts stressed the need to continue focusing on extending healthcare services to remote areas and ensuring early detection and timely treatment of malaria cases. 

AMARAVATI: The Andhra Pradesh government has taken up a statewide programme to modernise village ponds with the twin objectives of conserving water resources and improving the environment and quality of life in rural areas.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), 105 ponds across the State are being developed at an estimated cost of nearly ₹50 crore, an initiative being pursued with the support of Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan. Work on 26 ponds has already been completed and the facilities have been opened to the public.

The modernisation programme aims to increase the water-holding capacity of ponds, strengthen irrigation resources and improve groundwater levels. The government is also seeking to transform the ponds from mere water bodies into recreational and community spaces that provide residents with facilities for exercise and leisure.

As part of the programme, pond bunds are being strengthened and facilities such as walking tracks, entrance gates, solar lighting, seating benches, children's parks and open-air gyms are being developed. Landscaping and beautification works are also being taken up around the ponds.

Development works have already been completed at several ponds in Anantapur, Palnadu, Sri Sathya Sai, Chittoor, Kurnool, Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore, Kakinada and Guntur districts.

Among the ponds that have been developed are Vedulla Cheruvu in Kuppam constituency of Chittoor district, Panduru Cheruvu in Kakinada Rural constituency, Vengalayapalem Cheruvu in Guntur district, Gudishelapalli Cheruvu in Anantapur district, Vinjamur Cheruvu in Nellore district and Palasamudram Cheruvu in Sri Sathya Sai district.

Officials expect the increased storage capacity of the ponds to help recharge groundwater in surrounding areas. Better availability of water could benefit farmers by strengthening irrigation resources, while the development of green spaces around the water bodies is expected to contribute to environmental conservation.

The government has also stressed the importance of maintaining quality standards while expediting the works. Officials have been directed to regularly monitor the progress and ensure that construction and development works meet the prescribed standards.

The authorities have been instructed to complete the remaining works by the end of September and make the facilities available to the public.

The government said Mr. Pawan Kalyan expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Centre's support through centrally sponsored schemes and to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for facilitating implementation of the programme in the State. He also thanked Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Minister of State Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar for their support.

The pond modernisation programme is being positioned as an integrated initiative combining irrigation, groundwater conservation, environmental protection, rural infrastructure and public health.

AMARAVATI, May 6: The Andhra Pradesh government on Wednesday dismissed 51 doctors serving under the Director of Medical Education (DME) for remaining absent from duty without authorisation, Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav announced, warning that the state would brook no further negligence in public medical institutions.

The dismissed doctors include eight Associate Professors, 41 Assistant Professors, and two Tutors — several of whom had been absent from their posts for periods ranging from one year to as long as six years. The action was taken under Rule 3 of the Andhra Pradesh Civil Services (Conduct) Rules (Violation) — 1964, which empowers the government to treat prolonged unauthorised absence as deemed resignation.

"Show-cause notices were issued and adequate time was given to respond. Despite that, there was no response from these individuals," Satya Kumar Yadav said. "Those who are negligent in discharging their duties or who remain absent without authorisation will face strict action. There is absolutely no question of tolerating irresponsibility."

Absent for years, some since 2020

Among the Associate Professors dismissed, one attached to Andhra Medical College had been absent since February 7, 2020 — a period of over five years. Among the Assistant Professors, one had not reported for duty since August 22, 2022. The dismissed doctors belong to government medical colleges spread across the state, including those at Kadapa, Anantapur, Ongole, Tirupati, Vijayawada, Kakinada, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Rajamahendravaram, Eluru, Nellore, and Markapur.

Of the two Tutors dismissed, one had been absent for seven years — among the longest periods of unauthorised absence recorded in the exercise.

Charge memos bring eleven back to duty

The crackdown has already produced results in some cases. Eleven doctors who had been absent for under a year returned to duty after the DME issued charge memoranda. However, 33 others — comprising two Associate Professors and 31 Assistant Professors — have yet to report despite receiving notices, and face dismissal if they fail to join within the stipulated deadline.

In the Professor category, three individuals who had been absent for extended periods are expected to face similar punitive action shortly. Of five Professors served notices, two have since returned to duty.

Impact on patient care cited as primary concern

Officials noted that the prolonged absence of faculty from teaching hospitals had a direct and measurable impact on the quality of medical services available to patients. Many of the absentees had reportedly pursued private engagements while remaining on government rolls — a practice that had gone largely unchecked during the previous administration.

Following directions issued by the Minister, DME officials compiled detailed lists of absentees from across all government medical colleges before initiating formal proceedings under the applicable service rules.

The government has simultaneously indicated that vacancies arising from these dismissals will be filled promptly under its Zero Vacancy Policy, ensuring that the affected institutions are not left short-staffed in the interim.

With 33 more doctors yet to report and action pending against three Professors, further dismissals in the coming weeks appear likely.

AMARAVATI, April 20: A total of 377 doctors have joined primary health centres (PHCs) and teaching hospitals across Andhra Pradesh as Medical Officers and Civil Assistant Surgeons, with women accounting for 232 of the new recruits — or 61.53 per cent of the total intake — Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav announced on Monday.

Of the newly joined doctors, 282 have taken charge as Medical Officers in PHCs while the remaining 95 have joined teaching hospitals as Civil Assistant Surgeons.

Recruitment process

The AP Medical Services Recruitment Board had issued a notification on behalf of the Director of Public Health to fill 630 Medical Officer posts on a permanent basis, against which 4,984 applications were received. Following scrutiny under prescribed rules, online counselling was conducted to fill 611 posts — excluding those reserved under the sports quota — from a finalised selection list. Of those called for counselling, 482 candidates registered their preferences.

234 posts to be filled shortly

However, 129 candidates did not exercise their options, and 105 others who received postings did not report for duty, leaving 234 posts vacant. The Director of Public Health has requested the Recruitment Board to furnish a fresh merit list of remaining eligible candidates from the original selection list drawn up under last year's notification. A revised list will be prepared in accordance with reservation rules and other applicable norms, and fresh online counselling will be conducted shortly. The coalition government has been taking continuous steps to ensure zero vacancy in public health posts, the Minister said.

District-wise distribution

Among the districts, Krishna, Nandyal, Palnadu, and Srikakulam recorded the highest intake, with 16 Medical Officers joining PHCs in each district. Kadapa, Eluru, and Konaseema districts saw 15, 14, and 13 doctors join respectively, while West Godavari, Alluri Sitarama Raju, Anantapur, and Prakasam each received 12 new PHC Medical Officers.

In teaching hospitals, Kadapa led with 25 Civil Assistant Surgeons reporting for duty, followed by Kakinada and Kurnool with 13 each. Across tribal areas of the State, 37 doctors have joined service.

AMARAVATI, April 20: The Andhra Pradesh government has formulated a comprehensive skill development programme as part of a broader population management policy aimed at addressing the economic barriers to childbearing, Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav announced on Monday.

The skill development component forms one of the five pillars of the State's new population stabilisation policy, which was designed to encourage couples to voluntarily opt for higher fertility by creating an enabling socio-economic environment.

Fertility rate concern

Expressing concern over the State's current total fertility rate (TFR) of 1.50 — well below the replacement level of 2.10 required for a stable population balance between the young and the elderly — Mr. Satya Kumar Yadav said the government had drawn up a holistic policy to reverse the trend. The overarching goal of the programme is to achieve a $2.40 trillion State economy, which would be facilitated by a stabilised population structure, he said.

Targets set for 2035

Under the skill development plan, the government has set the following targets to be achieved by 2035: extending digital literacy to 95 per cent of the population; providing need-identified skill training to 75 per cent of the workforce; ensuring employment for over 80 per cent of trained persons; offering certificate courses to one lakh persons in childcare and elder-care services; and increasing women's participation in the labour force by 25 per cent.

Industry-aligned training

The Minister stated that training programmes would be tailored to the requirements of industries investing in the State, with a specific focus on information technology, green energy, electronics, and quantum computing. He noted that 610 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and related agreements signed at Visakhapatnam, entailing investments exceeding ₹13 lakh crore, would guide the identification of skill requirements. Industrialists and investors would be given due representation in the design of training curricula, he added.

Three-tier framework

The skill programmes would operate across three levels, Mr. Satya Kumar Yadav explained. Foundational courses would be introduced from Class VI, with the aim of building capabilities from a young age. Existing workers of varying age groups would receive training to enhance their productivity. Centres of Excellence would also be established to cater to higher-end skill requirements.

Emphasising that learning was not confined to those under 25, the Minister said older persons would also receive training in various domains so that all age groups could contribute to social and economic development.

The Minister appealed to citizens to make the most of the opportunities that would be created under the programme.

AMARAVATI, April 16: In a significant policy decision aimed at correcting the imbalance between the supply of nursing graduates and actual demand in the State, Health Minister Sri Satyakumar Yadav on Thursday announced that henceforth only applications received in response to official government notifications would be considered for the establishment of new nursing educational institutions in Andhra Pradesh. Unsolicited or suo motu proposals will no longer be entertained, the Minister made clear.

The announcement was made following an extensive review meeting on nursing education held at the AP Secretariat in Velagapudi, which lasted nearly two hours. The Minister clarified that an exemption to this policy would be extended to proposals pertaining to tribal areas.

Background to the Decision

Officials apprised the Minister at the review that the State currently has 691 nursing educational institutions, which collectively produce approximately 32,000 nursing graduates every year. Despite this, around 6,000 nursing seats have been going unfilled annually for the past several years, pointing to a significant oversupply. Between 2014 and the present, as many as 243 nursing colleges and schools have been sanctioned, all of them on the basis of suo motu proposals submitted by various institutions and approved by successive governments.

In a departure from this practice, the present alliance government last year invited applications from interested organisations for the establishment of nursing institutions in various parts of the State based on assessed need. In response, approximately 345 applications were received and are currently under consideration by a High Power Committee. It was against this backdrop that the Minister announced the new policy decision.

Minister Satyakumar Yadav discussed the finer points of the decision to disallow suo motu proposals with High Power Committee Chairman and retired High Court Judge Sri Upnaka Durga Prasada Rao.

Nurses Must Be Trained to Meet Evolving Demands

The review meeting also deliberated on employment opportunities in the health sector in the context of the State government's target of generating 20 lakh jobs by 2029. The Minister noted that the health sector alone holds the potential for over one lakh employment opportunities, and that appropriate reforms in nursing training could enable large-scale job creation.

Satyakumar Yadav stressed the need to incorporate emerging areas of healthcare into nursing training curricula, particularly geriatric care, child care services, and mental health services, given the rapidly growing demand in these specialisations. State Nursing Council Registrar Smt. Sushila informed the meeting that steps would be taken to launch a Post Graduate Residency Programme in these specialisations in government nursing institutions shortly.

Committee to Review Nursing College Fees

The question of revision of annual tuition fees in nursing institutions also figured prominently in the discussions. Representatives of nursing institutions pointed out that fees were last revised nearly a decade ago in 2017, and that rising inflation since then had made the running of colleges increasingly difficult, necessitating an upward revision. The Minister announced the constitution of a committee under High Power Committee Chairman and retired High Court Judge Sri Durga Prasada Rao to examine the matter scientifically and submit a report, on the basis of which the fee revision would be considered.

The meeting was attended by Health Department Principal Secretary Sri Saurabh Gaur, Director of Medical Education Dr. Raghunandan, State Nursing Council Registrar Smt. Sushila, other senior officials, and representatives of the Nursing Colleges Management Association.

Amaravati: BJP Andhra Pradesh State President P.V.N. Madhav on Tuesday welcomed the Central government's approval to establish a regional office of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) in Amaravati, describing it as a long-overdue recognition of the demands of the State's fishing community. He conveyed the gratitude of the people of Andhra Pradesh to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the decision.

Longstanding Demand Finally Heard

In a statement issued here, Madhav said it was heartening that the Central government had acknowledged the aspirations of millions of fisherfolk in Andhra Pradesh who had been pressing for this facility for years. The establishment of an NFDB regional office, he said, would provide fresh momentum to the State's fisheries sector and bring institutional support closer to those who need it most.

AP's Aquaculture Clout Recognised

Madhav pointed out that Andhra Pradesh is a significant contributor to the country's foreign exchange earnings through aquaculture, and argued that the sanction of this office reflected Prime Minister Modi's foresight in recognising the State's strategic importance to the national fisheries economy. The decision, he said, was a fitting acknowledgement of Andhra Pradesh's pre-eminent role in the sector.

Boost to Technical Support and Marketing

The BJP State president said the regional office would streamline access to technical assistance, marketing opportunities, and the adoption of modern practices for fisherfolk across the State. This, he added, would translate into tangible benefits for coastal communities and contribute meaningfully to the overall economic development of Andhra Pradesh.

Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh Department of Medical, Health and Family Welfare on Tuesday categorically refuted allegations of irregularities in the recent recruitment of 611 Civil Assistant Surgeons (CAS) conducted through the AP Medical Services Recruitment Board, dismissing a published news report as factually incorrect.

Following directions from Health Secretary Saurabh Gaur, senior officials conducted a detailed review in consultation with Board authorities and concluded that no malpractice had occurred in the recruitment process.

Technical Errors Addressed Promptly

Upon scrutiny of the published allegations against official records, the department acknowledged that minor technical discrepancies in mark computation had surfaced, but maintained these were rectified promptly upon receipt of representations from candidates. In one instance, a candidate's Covid-19 service experience had been incorrectly entered; once corrected and appropriate marks awarded, the candidate's position in the merit list was revised accordingly.

Roster Implementation Found Compliant

The department stated that the roster had been implemented without any deviation from prescribed norms. Doubts raised over the selection of a Scheduled Caste category candidate were examined and found to be consistent with applicable category rules. Official records confirmed that marks assigned to candidates on the merit list were computed strictly on the basis of service, seniority, and other established criteria.

On the question of non-local candidates, the department clarified that the 40 per cent Open Category seats carry no domicile requirement under existing rules, and selections were made accordingly. Candidates who submitted their mark lists belatedly were also considered in accordance with past precedent.

Sports Quota Posts to Be Filled Shortly

Responding to concerns that certain roster points remained unfilled, the department explained that appointments under the Sports Category had been deferred pending requisite approvals, and that these vacancies would be filled in due course.

The department further noted that adequate representation had been ensured for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Backward Classes, with records indicating that a significant proportion of selections were drawn from reserved categories.

Zonal Rules Not Applicable to State-Level Posts

On the posting of doctors outside their home zones, the department clarified that CAS positions are State-level posts and are therefore not governed by zonal regulations, making inter-regional postings entirely consistent with service rules. It further asserted that no additional marks were awarded to any candidate, and that no other applicant had been prejudiced as a result.

The department stated that since assuming office, the coalition government has prioritised transparency in the health sector, undertaking large-scale recruitments free from external interference. It cautioned that unsubstantiated allegations risk misleading the public and undermining the credibility of an administration committed to integrity and accountability. The department urged the media to publish a factual clarification in the interest of accurate public information.

Over 33% of target beneficiaries inoculated so far; vaccination centres to remain operational through May, says Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav

AMARAVATI : The Central government has dispatched an additional 1,90,890 doses of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to Andhra Pradesh, reinforcing the state's ongoing drive to protect adolescent girls against cervical cancer, Health and Medical Minister Satyakumar Yadav announced on Monday.

The fresh consignment follows an earlier batch of 1,90,800 doses supplied last month under the first instalment of the Central government's HPV vaccination initiative, taking the total doses received by the state to 3,81,780. The vaccine is being administered to girls in the 14 to 15 age group as part of a targeted public health intervention aimed at preventing cervical cancer.

Mr. Yadav said authorities were taking steps to distribute the newly arrived doses to districts in proportion to the number of eligible girls in each area. He confirmed that vaccination centres across the state would continue to function without interruption through May, and added that the completion of Class X public examinations was expected to further accelerate the pace of inoculation as school-going girls became more accessible.

Over One Lakh Girls Vaccinated So Far

According to data compiled from village and ward secretariats, there are approximately 3.45 lakh girls in the state who have completed 14 years of age but have not yet turned 15 — the designated target group for the current phase of the drive. Of these, 1,14,512 girls, representing 33.19 per cent of the total, had received the vaccine by Monday afternoon.

Among the districts, Kurnool recorded the highest number of beneficiaries at 6,785, followed closely by Nellore at 6,726, YSR district at 6,725, and Anantapur at 6,655. At the other end of the spectrum, Polavaram district reported the lowest coverage with 669 girls vaccinated, followed by Alluri Sitarama Raju district at 1,063, Sri Sathya Sai at 2,769, and Anakapalli at 2,959.

Cold Chain Infrastructure and Safety Protocols

The vaccine is being administered at 1,645 primary and urban health centres across the state that have been identified as having adequate cold chain storage facilities. Health officials said girls were being observed for 30 minutes after receiving the shot as a standard precautionary measure, and that no adverse reaction cases had been reported thus far.

In keeping with Central government directives, 500 doses from the first consignment were separately dispatched to Yanam. Officials noted that Andhra Pradesh was among the states in the forefront of implementing the Central guidelines on HPV vaccination, describing the initiative as a critical step towards reducing the burden of cervical cancer.

Mr. Yadav reiterated that the HPV vaccine was both safe and effective and urged parents to ensure that eligible girls in the target age group availed themselves of the free vaccination at the nearest health centre before the current drive concluded.

Guntur, April 3: The conferment of legal status on Amaravati as the permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh has brought an end to the prolonged uncertainty among government employees, the Guntur district president of the AP Non-Gazetted Government Officers (NGGOs) Association said on Friday.

Addressing a press conference at the NGGOs Home in Guntur, district president Ghantasala Srinivasarao said that nearly 40,000 employees working in Heads of Departments (HODs) and their families had finally emerged from the shadow of doubt that had lingered over the question of the State capital's location. "This decision has restored confidence and brought a sense of stability among the workforce," he said.

Expressing gratitude to both the Central and State governments for establishing a permanent capital and giving the State a distinct identity, Mr. Srinivasarao also welcomed the release of ₹7,358.33 crore in arrears to employees, teachers, and pensioners at the close of the financial year, describing it as a significant measure to ease their financial burden.

The released amount comprises ₹1,847.83 crore under the General Provident Fund (GPF), ₹3,411.03 crore towards gratuity, ₹1,800 crore for leave encashment of retired employees, and ₹223.47 crore as additional surrender leave for police personnel. He said these payments would contribute meaningfully to employee welfare.

Mr. Srinivasarao commended the efforts of Association state president Alaparthi Vidyasagar and general secretary D.V. Ramana, noting that the government's constructive approach and the ongoing coordination between the administration and the union had yielded tangible benefits for employees.

State vice-president Sheikh Nagoor Sharif said that ₹1,847.83 crore under GPF had already been credited to accounts, and payments of ₹76 crore under Group Insurance had been completed. He added that the decision on Amaravati as capital, along with the release of arrears, would contribute to the State's development and administrative stability.

Among those present at the event were district co-president Ch. Rambabau, vice-president B. Durgarao, joint secretaries Jani Bhasha, B. Krishna Kishor, K. Narasimharao and K. Vijay, Guntur City secretary Ch. Kalyan Kumar, city vice-presidents Sambasiva Rao, Murali Krishna, Ankamma Rao and Srinivasarao, Pattipadu president K. Seshagiri Raju, and Amaravati secretary Sheikh Kareem.