On March 8, 2020 Andhra Pradesh (AP) Chief Minister (CM) Yeduguri Sandinti Jaganmohan Reddy launched the NIGHA application at Tadepalli, Andhra Pradesh. The app is aimed at curbing the use of money and alcohol in the upcoming local body elections & launched in addition to the measures taken by State Election Commission & Police department in order to control the electoral malpractices.The app was developed by Department of Panchayat Raj.
Key Points:
i.About NIGHA App: Citizens can download the NIGHA app on their smartphones and it allows the people to upload photos and videos of distribution of money, alcohol or any other activity that violates MCC (Model Code of Conduct).
ii.The complaint registered through the app will be routed automatically to Central Control Room (CCR) & information will be shared with the officials concerned, actions will be taken.
iii.The State government had earlier brought an ordinance to make amendments to the AP Panchayat Raj Act to take strict actions against flow of money and liquor in elections.
iv.Irrespective of the party affiliation, if the candidate violates the MCC will be imprisoned to (2- 3 years) and disqualification in the election.
v.PV Ramesh, Special Secretary to AP CM, Gopal Krishna Dwivedi, Panchayat Raj Principal Secretary and Commissioner Girija Shankar were present during the occasion.
Other Events:
Dr A Mallikarjuna, Dr YSR Aarogyasri Healthcare Trust Chief Executive Officer (CEO), announced that the State Government (govt) cleared dues of Rs 144.22 crore to 750 network hospitals under the Dr YSR Aarogyasri scheme.
The State govt clears Rs 361 crore on February 5, 2020 and Rs 144.22 crores on March 6, 2020 to the network of hospitals.
About Andhra Pradesh (AP):
Capital- Amaravati.
Governor- Biswabhusan Harichandan.
State Dance- Kuchipudi.
State Tree- Neem Tree.
