NDC team, on study tour in State, confers with Chief Secretary

A 16-member delegation from the National Defence College (NDC), New Delhi, led by M.V. Patel, called on Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary G. Sai Prasad at the State Secretariat on Tuesday as part of their academic study tour.

The delegation, which undertakes annual study visits across various States, is currently touring Andhra Pradesh to examine developmental initiatives and infrastructure growth. As part of the visit, the team will tour key locations, including Visakhapatnam Smart City projects and the capital city development works in Amaravati.

During the interaction, the delegation sought details of the challenges faced in building the new capital, Amaravati, and the measures taken to overcome them.

Mr. Sai Prasad explained that the government was taking significant steps to build a world-class, modern capital city with advanced infrastructure. Despite financial constraints arising from the State’s bifurcation, he said the government had been mobilising substantial funds with the support from the Centre to develop Amaravati.

He further noted that infrastructure development, including roads and essential civic amenities, was progressing rapidly. Emphasising balanced regional development, he said the government was focusing on growth across all regions of the State.

Highlighting connectivity, the Chief Secretary said that Andhra Pradesh had airports in Visakhapatnam, Rajamahendravaram, Vijayawada, Tirupati, Kurnool and Kadapa, with the Bhogapuram International Airport expected to be operational soon. He added that the State was expanding port infrastructure and undertaking major road and railway projects under the PM Gati Shakti initiative.

Earlier, Mr.Patel said that the NDC conducts a 47-week National Security and Strategic Studies course annually, beginning in January and concluding in December. As part of the curriculum, participants travel extensively across India and abroad to understand political, social, economic, and strategic environments.

He said the course focuses on areas such as economic security, science and technology, global issues, international security dynamics, and India’s strategic neighbourhood, with participants interacting with key policymakers to gain deeper insights.

The delegation included senior officers from the Armed forces and civil services, who were part of the ongoing academic programme.