Associated Press Interior Secretary Anitha Express IRE does not follow fire safety in buildings

Vangalapudi Anitha | Image source:

Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha expressed anger at fire department personnel for not complying with the Indian Building Code (NBC) about fire safety.

The minister asked why no appropriate inspection was conducted by senior officials of the department and why no Objection Certificate (NOC) was issued.

Ms Anitha said: “GO.44 should enforce NBC rules when NOC is issued. Fire department officials should access buildings, structures and complexes before NOC is issued.”

The interior secretary reviewed the performance of the fire department at the state headquarters on Tuesday.

She reviewed the use of funds issued under the 15th Finance Committee, provided insurance and benefits for employees, built a new fire department, and purchased fire equipment in the state.

The Minister of Home Affairs directed Chief Secretary Kumar Vishwajeet to take a 7.3 crore rupees utilization measure issued under the 15th Finance Committee, which modernizes the fire protection plan.

“Measures will be taken to recruit about 1,200 vacancies at fire stations in the state,” the Home Secretary said.

Special Secretary Vijay Kumar, Fire Service Director Murali Mohan, Venkata Ramana, G. Srinivasulu, District Fire Officer D. Niranjan Reddy, E. Swamy, Maq Jeelani and M. Bhopal Reddy and other officials participated in the competition.