Vijayawada: The state government has constituted a Group of Ministers (GoM) to oversee action being taken to address incidents related to attacks on temples that occurred between 2019 and 2024, and to monitor preventive measures and responses to any possible future incidents or stampedes.Endowments minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, home minister Vangalapudi Anitha, and revenue minister Anagani Satya Prasad will serve as members of the GoM. The endowments secretary has been appointed as the convenor of the committee and tasked with coordinating its meetings. The additional director general (law and order) and the endowments commissioner have been directed to assist the GoM by providing necessary inputs.Interestingly, the formation of the GoM follows a series of incidents, including the recent stampede at a private temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district. The GoM has been specifically asked to review and oversee the actions taken concerning attacks on temples during the previous YSRCP regime. The government has also instructed the GoM to monitor measures aimed at preventing and managing future incidents such as stampedes. However, the order does not mention the three major incidents that occurred after the NDA returned to power in the 2024 elections.Meanwhile, the government has appointed health commissioner G Veerapandian as the special officer for the upcoming Godavari Pushkarams (2027). He has been directed to implement the decisions of the Group of Ministers and the policies formulated by the group of secretaries to ensure the smooth conduct of the event.The government has also constituted a high-level committee comprising the secretaries of 11 key departments, including endowments, irrigation, municipal administration, revenue, youth advancement, panchayat raj, energy, transport, finance, and the director general of police (DGP). This committee has been instructed to act in coordination with the GoM and follow its directions regarding preparations for the Godavari Pushkarams.
