Prakasam must lead in education and healthcare: Lanka Dinakar

Ongole: Prakasam district should emerge as a leading district in education and healthcare to achieve the goals of Viksit Bharat and Swarna Andhra, said 20-point programme implementation (Viksit Bharat-Swarna Andhra) chairman Lanka Dinakar. Addressing officials at a review meeting held on Tuesday, Dinakar said measurable progress in the education and healthcare sectors would determine the success of the development vision. He directed officials to implement govt schemes with a result-oriented approach and ensure that the benefits reach every eligible person.Dinakar, along with the district collector P Rajababu, reviewed the implementation of key programmes, including healthcare, education, Viksit Bharat Rozgar and Aajeevika Guarantee Mission (rural), AMRUT 1.0, AMRUT 2.0, Jal Jeevan Mission, PM Surya Ghar and PM-KUSUM. Dinakar instructed officials to prepare a comprehensive action plan for the Viksit Bharat Rozgar and Aajeevika Guarantee Mission (rural), scheduled to begin on July 1. He stressed the need to create durable rural assets, improve groundwater recharge, promote village digitalisation, strengthen horticulture infrastructure and generate sustainable livelihood opportunities.He said transparency should be maintained in employment guarantee works through proper KYC verification and genuine wage earners’ interests should be protected. Dinakar called for strengthening National Health Mission programmes and expanding coverage under Ayushman Bharat – PM Jan Arogya Yojana and Dr NTR Vaidya Seva. He directed officials to focus on reducing maternal and infant mortality rates and improving preventive healthcare services.DMHO explained that 25,735 pregnancies were registered in 2025-26, with 6,205 identified as high-risk pregnancies and provided specialised care. The district achieved 100 percent institutional deliveries, with 22,668 deliveries conducted at healthcare facilities. Emphasising the importance of education, Dinakar said quality schooling was the foundation for human resource development. He reviewed measures such as Talliki Vandanam, Dokka Seethamma Mid-Day Meal Scheme, PM SHRI Schools and Mana Badi – Mana Bhavishyathu.Dinakar directed officials to ensure full implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission and AMRUT projects. He said a safe drinking water supply to every household should be achieved by 2028. He also instructed officials to prepare tourism development plans for the Kothapatnam–Pakala coastal region, promote industries and ensure environmental compliance in granite mining activities. Dinakar said coordinated efforts in education, healthcare, employment, infrastructure and welfare programmes would help Prakasam district contribute significantly towards Viksit Bharat and Swarna Andhra.