Amaravati, Oct 11 (PTI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday inaugurated a smart street vending market at Mypadu Gate in Nellore.

Set up at Rs 7 crore, the advanced market, constructed using modular smart containers, was inaugurated virtually by the CM, according to a press release.

"Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated the smart street vending market at Mypadu Gate in Nellore," the release added.

The market provides a permanent space for street vendors, helping them avoid operational challenges. It houses 120 shops across 30 modular containers, with each container accommodating four shops. The initiative aims to benefit women, differently-abled persons, and members of backward classes.

Addressing the vendors virtually, Naidu said the smart street vending market is an innovative step to develop street vendors into small entrepreneurs.

He highlighted that the NDA government has launched several initiatives to improve the living standards of the poor, including a target to develop one lakh women from DWCRA groups as entrepreneurs.

The CM also noted that the central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, introduced GST 2.0 reforms to benefit the poor and middle class.

"The GST reforms have brought down the prices of essential commodities, benefiting the poor," he said.

Naidu added that the prime minister will visit Kurnool district on October 16 to explain the benefits of the GST reforms to the public.

Meanwhile, YSRCP had accused Naidu of shutting government liquor outlets, encouraging illegal sales, and allowing spurious liquor factories to operate across the state. Responding to the allegations, Naidu said the state government would take strict action against illegal brewers and traders, adding that offenders from Mulakalacheruvu have already been arrested.

Further, he alleged that some individuals were spreading false narratives about the case "for political gain." He also announced that a government app will be launched to help verify the authenticity of liquor bottles using holograms.

The CM expressed surprise over objections to the development of new medical colleges under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

"Medical colleges developed under the PPP model will offer 110 additional medical seats and become operational in two years. If the government undertakes the development directly, it would take 20 years to complete," he said. PTI STH SSK