Andhra government starts work from new capital Amaravati

Amaravati, the new capital of Andhra Pradesh, officially started functioning Wednesday.

•    The fifth block of the temporary state secretariat, constructed at Velagapudi near Vijayawada, was inaugurated and four departments of the state government were shifted there from Hyderabad.
•    The four departments that were shifted comprise Panchayati Raj and Rural Development, Health and Medical, Housing, and Labour and Employment departments. 
•    Panchayati Raj Minister Chintakayala Ayyanna Patrudu and Agriculture Minister inaugurated the offices under their respective ministries. Construction workers were seen giving final touches to the single-storey building.
•    Contrary to expectations, at least 200 employees from the four departments turned up for the inauguration ceremony and got the first glimpse of their new offices and workstations.
•    They left Hyderabad on morning in five new luxury buses of the state government. 
•    On reaching the secretariat at Velagapudi, they were welcomed by members of Andhra Pradesh Employees’ Association with bouquets and garlands.