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.