AP Current Affairs 27-08-2025

“Smart Street Vending Markets: Andhra Pradesh’s Push for Inclusive Urban Development”

Context

Andhra Pradesh govt has announced the establishment of Smart Street Vending Markets in seven major urban local bodies: Anantapur, Kurnool, Tadepalli-Mangalagiri, Ongole, Srikakulam, Vijayawada, and Kadapa.

Initiative aims to strengthen urban livelihoods, enhance city convenience, and ensure dignity for vendors.

Key Highlights

Scheme Linkage:

Part of Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas (MEPMA).

Implemented through Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihood Mission (DAY-NULM).

Objectives:

  • Formalize and modernize street vending.
  • Provide sustainable livelihoods.
  • Ensure orderliness and convenience in cities.

Salient Features

  1. Investment & Cost:
    • Estimated cost: ₹1.8 crore to ₹9 crore per unit.
    • Shop capacity: 200–400 shops per market.
  2. Pilot Cities:
    • Anantapur, Kurnool, Tadepalli (MTMC), Ongole, Srikakulam, Vijayawada, Kadapa.
  3. Revenue Streams for ULBs:
    • Shop rentals.
    • Digital advertisements.
    • Surplus solar energy sales.

Benefits / Significance

  • For Vendors: Assured dignity, regulated spaces, better earning opportunities.
  • For Citizens: Safer, congestion-free urban markets with easy access.
  • For Government/ULBs: Self-sustaining revenue model, reduced subsidy dependence.
  • For Economy: Boosts local economy, improves employment, fosters urban inclusivity.

About MEPMA:

  • The Government of Andhra Pradesh has established “Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas (MEPMA)” on 01.09.2007 with an objective to promote, strengthen and nurture self-sustainable institutions of the poor in Urban Areas with Governing body headed by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and Executive Committee headed by Secretary, MA & UD, Andhra Pradesh.
  • The Department is nodal for implementation of all Central and State Government programmes in particular to Poverty Alleviation and Self-Help Movement in urban areas of Andhra Pradesh.

 

Krishna Water Reaches Kuppam through Handri-Neeva Sujala Sravanthi (HNSS) Project

Context

  • After nearly four decades since conception, water from the Krishna River has finally reached Paramasamudram Tank in Kuppam constituency, Chittoor district, via the HNSS Project.
  • CM N. Chandrababu Naidu will perform Jala Harathi at Paramasamudram on August 30, 2024.

Key Highlights

  • Project Route:
    • Water released into Handri-Neeva canal at Malayalapalli (Nandyal) on July 17.
    • Travelled via Jeedipalli reservoir (Anantapur), Adavipalli reservoir (Chittoor), branched towards Punganur.
  • Infrastructure:
    • Kuppam branch canal built at a cost of ₹697 crore, covering 143 km (from Punganur branch canal to Paramasamudram).
  • Beneficiaries:
    • Water to irrigate 6,300 acres in Kuppam and Palamaner constituencies.
    • Drinking water supply for ~3 lakh residents across 8 mandals.
  • Future Plan: Govt plans to fill 110 village tanks with Krishna water.

Background

  • HNSS Scheme:
    • Conceived in 1987 by CM T. Rama Rao for irrigation and drinking water needs of Rayalaseema.
    • Work launched in 2007 under CM Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy.
    • Post-2014 bifurcation, progress slowed; major push given in 2015–16 under Chandrababu Naidu, awarding ₹486 crore package to Ritwik Company.

Significance

  • Agriculture: Strengthens irrigation in drought-prone Rayalaseema.
  • Drinking Water: Solves long-pending water scarcity in Kuppam region.
  • Infrastructure Development: New aqueducts and reservoirs strengthen connectivity.

 

 

 

Naidu Urges Banks to Support Start-Ups, Infrastructure, and Amaravati Financial District

Context

  • CM Chandrababu Naidu called on banks and financial institutions to play a proactive role in Andhra Pradesh’s economic transformation.
  • Focus areas: Agriculture, MSMEs, primary sectors, start-ups, SHGs, and women entrepreneurs.
  • Vision: Develop Amaravati as a financial district with banks setting up offices in the capital.

Key Highlights

  • Bankers’ Committee Meeting: 232 state-level banks participated.
  • Government’s Assurance: Land will be allotted for banks to set up offices in Amaravati.
  • Support for Entrepreneurs:
    • Promote One Family – One Entrepreneur
    • MSME parks in all 175 constituencies.
    • Special push for women entrepreneurs (target: 1 lakh women entrepreneurs by March 8, 2026).
  • Bank Lending:
    • Total loans disbursed: ₹2,47,919 crore across sectors.
    • Sector-wise allocations:
      • Agriculture: ₹94,666 crore
      • MSMEs: ₹49,831 crore
      • Other sectors: ₹1,02,278 crore
      • Tenant farmers: ₹985 crore

Background

  • The CM earlier promoted the slogan “One family, one software engineer”, which has now evolved into “One family, one entrepreneur.”
  • The initiative ties into AP’s strategy of self-reliance, boosting employment generation, and fostering start-up culture.

Significance

  • For State Economy: Promotes Amaravati as a financial hub, attracting investments.
  • For Entrepreneurs: Provides institutional backing for start-ups and MSMEs.
  • For Women Empowerment: Encourages women to participate in entrepreneurship and SHGs.
  • For Farmers: Direct support to tenant farmers ensures inclusivity.