V-P moots strengthening of major PSUs

Visakhapatnam: Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu said that the ONGC, HPCL and GAIL were the flagship companies of the Indian economy and they should be strengthened further. 

The Vice-President convened a meeting with Chairman and Managing Directors of ONGC, GAIL and HPCL here on Friday. Addressing the key officials of three major energy players, he urged the top managements of these organisations to ensure that there was greater utilisation of petroleum and natural gases in power generation in the industrial and transport sectors. With the maximum utilisation of natural gases and petroleum products, the product cost of power and other products would come down. 

“The Central government is aiming to reduce 10 per cent of crude oil imports by 2022 and fuel and natural gas companies should develop and expand their capacities. The ongoing development projects must be completed within the time frame and they should also expand their activities,” Venkaiah Naidu told the ONGC, GAIL and HPCL officials.

Speaking about Andhra Pradesh, the Vice-President said that after the bifurcation, the state government incurred huge losses and to strengthen the state’s exchequer, the HPCL, ONGC and GAIL have to cooperate with the state government. 
 
The Vice-President suggested to  lay a gas pipeline from Vijayawada to Krishnapatnam and also gas pipelines to Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and Tirupati smart cities.  He also directed the HPCL management to complete its expansion works by 2020.

Meanwhile, Vice-President M Venkaiahnaidu said that morals are utmost important for a happy married life. While participating in Srinivasa Kalyanam performed by Tirumula Tirupati Devasthanams priests at Maganti Rabindranath Chowdhury Kakatiya Convention Centre here on Friday, he spoke about ‘Vasudaika Kutumbakam’ that means the whole world is one family. The Vice-President called upon the people of Visakhapatnam not to encroach the roads and keep Visakhapatnam as Swachh Visakha. 
 
Later, the Vice-President also visited Andhra University English Medium School and inaugurated the computer lab and RO plant in the school. Speaking on the occasion, the Vice-President stressed the need to bring more changes in the educational system. He advised the teachers to explain the importance of the education while shaping the young minds. He also advised the them to train students in moral values.