AP Unveils Efficient Cooking Scheme Amid High Hopes

Vijayawada: As part of the Government of India’s 'Go Electric' initiative, the launching of the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has launched the National Efficient Cooking Programme (NECP) with high hopes of making it another big hit after gaining praise from Central authorities for its role in popularising energy efficiency technologies. NECP was launched recently in the presence of Union Minister for Housing, Power and Urban Development Manohar Lal Khattar. The Women and Child Welfare Department in the State has taken the lead in eliminating fossil fuels from cooking at Anganwadi Centers (AWCs) to expedite the implementation of NECP and finalise the action plan for supplying induction stoves and utensils to Anganwadi

Meanwhile, Anil Malik, Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development, praised Andhra Pradesh's efforts at the national conference held in Udaipur (Rajasthan). Having studied best practices from 12 major States, Malik described the partnership between the Andhra Pradesh Government and Energy Efficiency Services Ltd. (EESL)—a joint venture under the Ministry of Power as a national role model for implementing NECP on a saturation basis.

He stated that “all other States will have to follow suit sooner or later. With support from the Union Government, Andhra Pradesh has initiated the adoption of energy-efficient cooking using induction stoves and compatible utensils in 11,400 AWCs in the first phase. Plans are underway to expand this initiative to all 55,607 AWCs across the State.

Among others, Surya Kumari, Secretary, Women & Child Welfare Department, along with Director Venu Gopal Reddy, is scheduled to meet on Monday the three-member technical team from EESL in New Delhi. The team includes senior executives Animesh Mishra, Nitin Bhatt, and Nikhilesh Katariya. As part of a broader study on energy efficiency initiatives across various States, Milind Deore, Secretary and Ashok Kumar, Deputy Director General, Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) GOI have appreciated the efforts of several State Designated Agencies (SDAs) of States especially Andhra Pradesh and SECM SDA.

The launch of NECP marks a significant milestone in Andhra Pradesh’s journey towards sustainability and energy efficiency. These programs not only support India’s climate action commitments but also positively impact the lives of women, children, and economically disadvantaged families. The BEE has plans to showcase Andhra Pradesh’s model to encourage the adoption of energy-efficient programs across key sectors.