District Collector M. Abhishikth Kishore on Thursday urged parents to participate in the Mega Parent-Teacher Meeting (PTM) 4.0 scheduled for Friday, while outlining transport and infrastructure arrangements for the inauguration of the Bhogapuram International Airport.
Addressing a press conference, the Collector said that the Mega PTM would be held from 9 a.m. to 12.45 p.m. in 594 schools and 11 colleges across the district. Around 71,360 school students and 7,166 college students, along with their parents, are expected to participate. The meetings would provide an opportunity for parents and teachers to discuss students’ academic performance, participation in sports, cultural activities and other aspects of their overall development.
The Collector said the State government had released ₹345 crore under the ‘Talliki Vandanam’ scheme for about 2.32 lakh students in the district through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). He said that the government aimed to ensure the financial assistance reached every eligible beneficiary before the Mega PTM. Beneficiaries facing payment-related issues could register grievances through digital assistants at Swarna Gramam and Swarna Ward centres, while payment status could also be verified through the LEAP app.
In regards to preparations for the Bhogapuram International Airport inauguration, Mr. Kishore said Aero Express buses would operate every 30 minutes from dedicated lounges in the city to the airport. The government has allotted 100 buses to the district, including 20 electric buses which are already available. The fleet would be expanded based on demand. He further added that discussions were under way with GMR to permit app-based cab services, including Ola and Uber, from the airport.
The Collector said around 50,000 people from the district are expected to attend the Prime Minister’s programme. He clarified that only the Prime Minister’s aircraft would use the airport on the inauguration day and that commercial flight services would commence on a date to be announced separately.
Mr. Kishore said the Prime Minister would also lay the foundation stone for the ASIP Technologies semiconductor project under the India Semiconductor Mission on August 1.
Elaborate arrangements were also being made for the Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina on July 28 to accommodate an estimated five lakh to 10 lakh devotees, while measures were being taken to ensure that pension distribution on August 1 was not disrupted, he added.
Published - July 23, 2026 07:03 pm IST