AP to equip all anganwadis with induction stoves

Visakhapatnam: In a major step towards energy efficiency and women's welfare, the Andhra Pradesh govt has decided to provide energy-efficient induction stoves to all Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) across the state under the Union govt's national efficient cooking programme. The move comes amid a global LPG supply crisis and aims to promote modern, safe and sustainable cooking solutions.Under Phase I, Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) supplied 11,400 induction stoves. Following govt orders, EESL has now begun delivering the remaining 44,346 stoves, ensuring 100% coverage of AWCs. Officials said the initiative sets a national benchmark in proactive women-welfare programmes while supporting environmental sustainability.PS Pradyumna, secretary to the chief minister, said chief minister Chandrababu Naidu approved the proposal, which is being implemented by the women development and child welfare department with support from EESL under the Union ministry of power. The programme aligns with the Union govt's 'Go Electric' campaign and the Bureau of Energy Efficiency's national efficient cooking initiative.Naidu recently expressed strong support for clean cooking technologies in the presence of Union minister Manohar Lal Khattar, stressing their role in reducing environmental impact and improving quality of life. Pradyumna described the project as a milestone in Andhra Pradesh's journey towards energy efficiency, women's empowerment and sustainable development, while also contributing to India's climate commitments.Energy-efficiency experts have praised the move. Akhilesh Kumar Dixit, CEO of EESL, called it a bold step towards protecting the environment and safeguarding women's interests, adding that Andhra Pradesh has emerged as a role model for other states by consistently adopting innovative technologies.