Hyderabad, Apr 29 (UNI)Andhra Pradesh Minister for Information and public Relations, Mr Mohd Ali Shabbir today said the water problem has been easing in the state following good monsoon last year and the initiatives taken up by the state government.

Briefing newsmen about the decisions of the cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, Shabbir said while 8,200 petitions were received in the 'Praja Padham' programme of the government during 2004-05, only 1,226 petitions were received during this year's programme.

He said the government had already sanctioned Rs 36 crore for resolving these problems and 50 percent of the problems were already resolved and the rest would be tackled in three months.

The Minister said of the 16,632 villages, 15,799 (95%) were already covered by yesterday and the rest would be completed today, the last day of the +Praja Padham+ programme.

Referring to the Employment Guarantee Scheme, the Minister said already 30 lakh job cards were issued.

On power supply, the minister said the government had successfully provided seven hours of power to 24 lakh pump sets even during the Rabi season.

He said the Chief Minister had directed all the ministers to be available in their officeson all Mondays and Tuesdays as their absence was causing administrative problems.

UNI JRK VV PAG1754