Andhra Pradesh introduces induction cooking at 11,000 Anganwadi centres

Visakhapatnam: Under the national efficient cooking programme (NECP), Andhra Pradesh has introduced energy-efficient induction stoves and compatible utensils in 11,400 Anganwadi Centres (AWCs). Plans are underway to extend this initiative to all 55,607 AWCs across the state. According to state officials, induction cooking is 30% more energy-efficient than traditional LPG methods, resulting in significant energy savings. By reducing reliance on LPG, this shift will also decrease carbon emissions.To expedite the implementation of the NECP and finalise the action plan for supplying induction stoves and utensils to Anganwadis, A Surya Kumari, principal secretary of the Andhra Pradesh women and child welfare department, along with director Venu Gopal Reddy, will meet with a three-member technical team from EESL, New Delhi, on April 7. The team includes senior executives Animesh Mishra, Nitin Bhatt, and Nikhilesh Katariya.The NECP was launched a few months ago in Andhra Pradesh by chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, in the presence of Union minister for housing, power, and urban development, Manohar Lal Khattar. The initiative has now garnered national attention.Anil Malik, secretary of the Union ministry of women and child development, praised Andhra Pradesh's efforts at a national conference held in Udaipur, Rajasthan. "Having studied best practices from 12 major states, the partnership between the AP govt and Energy Efficiency Services Ltd. serves as a national role model for implementing the NECP on a saturation basis. The women and child welfare department of the Andhra Pradesh govt has taken the lead in eliminating fossil fuels from cooking at AWCs. All other states will have to follow suit sooner or later," said Malik.As part of a broader study on energy efficiency initiatives across various states, Milind Deore, scretary, and Ashok Kumar, deputy director general of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), have appreciated the efforts of the Andhra Pradesh State Energy Conservation Mission."The launch of the NECP marks a significant milestone in Andhra Pradesh's journey towards sustainability and energy efficiency. These programmes not only support India's climate action commitments but also positively impact the lives of women, children, and economically disadvantaged families. The BEE plans to showcase Andhra Pradesh's model to encourage the adoption of energy-efficient programmes across key sectors," they said.The BEE and ministry of power have appreciated the sustained efforts of AP chief secretary K. Vijayanand and principal secretary Surya Kumari, women and child welfare department, in promoting clean cooking solutions through advanced technologies.