VIJAYAWADA: In a bid to rejuvenate Andhra Pradesh and restore its damaged image from the previous administration, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has underscored the vital role of bureaucrats, especially District Collectors, in achieving these goals.
During the first District Collectors conference of the TDP-led NDA government at the State Secretariat on Monday, Naidu emphasized that the state’s citizens have granted an unprecedented mandate, coupled with high expectations from the government.
“We have a unique opportunity to make Andhra Pradesh a key player in India’s quest to become the world’s leading economy by 2047,” Naidu declared. He also announced that the Vision Document for ‘Viksit Andhra Pradesh 2047’ will be revealed on October 2, 2024.
Naidu instructed Collectors to develop vision documents for their districts and demonstrate tangible changes within 100 days. He also introduced the ‘Pedala Sevalo’ (in service of the poor) program, which requires officials to engage with the community on the first of each month to better understand local issues. “The need of the hour is simple and effective governance,” Naidu asserted.
Encouragement for Bureaucrats:
Naidu’s address served as a motivational speech for the bureaucrats, whom he described as the backbone of effective administration. He noted that Andhra Pradesh’s bureaucrats once held prestigious positions nationally and internationally but saw their reputation decline significantly over the past five years.
Referring to the tradition of Collectors Conferences he established in 1995 for improved coordination, Naidu expressed disappointment that his predecessors did not continue this practice. He recalled the previous Chief Minister’s controversial action of demolishing Praja Vedika after a Collectors Conference, which Naidu viewed as a symbol of destructive governance.
Naidu warned against false reporting and stated that officials making mistakes would face consequences. Without naming Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, he criticized attempts to spread false propaganda against the government, particularly concerning alleged political murders in the state.
Economic Vision and Governance:
Naidu recalled how the 1991 economic reforms set the stage for transformative changes in India and highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s advantages in technology due to its expertise in Mathematics and English. He praised the previous initiatives such as BOT (Build Operate Transfer) and PPP (Public Private Partnership) and introduced the new P4 model (Public Private People Partnership) as a way to address poverty by focusing on the needs of the bottom 20% of the human development index.
He encouraged the AIS officers to develop innovative solutions to improve living standards and quality of life, emphasizing that while there will be no political victimization, wrongdoing will not be tolerated. He urged Collectors to work diligently, think globally, and embrace innovative approaches.
Support from Deputy Chief Minister:
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan echoed Naidu’s sentiments, acknowledging the struggle and pain that led to the NDA’s victory. He stressed the importance of Collectors in revitalizing state institutions and pledged the government’s support for effective and accountable governance.