Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy and his Cabinet colleagues have now been permitted to sanction benefits to people whose applications are pending under the ongoing schemes and programmes.

They can also review the implementation of these schemes and undertake district tours, accompanied by officials in case they are not drafted for election work.

The Election Commission has relaxed the provisions of election model code, in respect of the States where polling has ended.

The Chief Minister and Ministers can convene meetings to review departmental activities along with officers.