Andhra Pradesh CM meets PM Modi in Delhi; discusses critical developmental projects for the state

New Delhi [India], October 7 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi on Monday to discuss key developmental projects for the state. A major item on the agenda was the pending flood relief funds.
Chief Minister Naidu has also requested a meeting with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The discussions with the Railway Minister are expected to focus on advancing critical railway projects, particularly finalising the "Bhumi Puja Muhurta" (groundbreaking ceremony) for the much-anticipated Vizag Railway Zone, which is seen as a significant step towards improving the region's transportation and infrastructure.
Naidu is also likely to raise the issue of the proposed merger of the Visakha Steel Plant with the Steel Authority of India. Additionally, he will address topics related to World Bank funding for Amaravati, the state's capital, and the release of funds for the Polavaram project.
This visit is viewed as an important effort to bolster Andhra Pradesh's development initiatives, particularly by securing central support for infrastructure projects and international funding opportunities.
Earlier, on October 2, the Andhra Pradesh CM launched the country's first-ever skill census pilot project in the Mangalagiri constituency, aiming to assess skill levels through a door-to-door survey. The census is currently being conducted in the Mangalagiri Assembly constituency and Thullur Mandal.
A total of 1,61,421 families are being surveyed, including 1,35,914 households in Mangalagiri and 25,507 in Thullur, with 675 enumerators carrying out the process. Staff from village secretariats, the Skill Development Department, the Centre for Development and Advancement of People (CDAP), and the NYK department are involved, under the supervision of the Skill Development Headquarters.
The primary aim of the Skill Census project is to identify youth skills and provide necessary development to enhance employment opportunities. The government has committed to creating 2 million jobs in both the public and private sectors over the next five years and is taking significant steps in this direction. These include linking industries with polytechnic colleges, creating job opportunities in ITI colleges, and organising monthly job fairs in each district.
The Skill Census will gather data on unemployment, skills, age, and preferred job locations, helping to formulate a comprehensive strategy to improve employment prospects.