Formulate action plan to supply PNG to every household, Andhra CM tells officials

The CM instructed officials to scale up PNG supply and proliferate electrical appliances (for cooking). Though 2.34 lakh PNG connections are available in the state, officials informed the CM that only 60,000 have been availed, prompting the latter to direct them to achieve 100 per cent coverage. Further, Naidu instructed officials to accomplish at least 10,000 PNG connections per district and also write a letter to the Centre for reviving Srikakulam-Kakinada pipeline. The CM called for formulating 'Natural Gas Policy for Promotion in Commercial Sector' by the next Cabinet meeting, observing that the current cooking gas crisis is an opportunity for the power sector and the utilisation of induction stoves and electric cookers as alternative options. Meanwhile, Naidu called for supplying cooking gas cylinders to educational institutions, hospitals, Anganwadi centres, Anna Canteens and hotels in the "order of priority". Officials apprised the CM that 1.8 lakh gas cylinders were supplied to households on average in the past five days and added that 14,444 tonne of gas stocks are available. Further, Naidu directed officials to furnish the details of crop losses due to the recent untimely rains by March 26. The CM said deploying technology is yielding good results in all realms, pointing to the rise in the number of visits to Tirumala. Powered by Artificial Intelligence, he said the waiting time for devotees had been reduced and 20 per cent more pilgrims could make darshan (visit to deity). According to the CM, Tirumala prasadam (consecrated food) quality has improved, darshan experience is better and there is a rise in the satisfaction of the devotees, among other improvements. Similarly, Naidu called on officials to integrate AI in other departments for better services, and other forms of using tech. PTI STH SA