Naidu wants AP to be drought-proof state

Hyderabad, Feb 22 (INN): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu stressed on drought-proofing the state by next year.

Delivering keynote remarks on 'Transforming Governance for Inclusive and Sustainable Double Digit Growth' at the two-day collectors' conference here in Vijayawada on Monday, Naidu pointed out that the government's efforts such as cascading and desiltation of tanks were effective in Rayalaseema. He said that the Pattiseema lift irrigation project on Godavari river is a major initiative to link Godavari with Krishna river, thereby solving the water woes of parched regions in the state. In order to drought-proof the state, the Chief Minister said, seven projects will be taken up on a priority basis. He said effective utilisation of water resources and their conservation was very essential keeping in view water needs.

Stating the government is at the forefront to make agriculture a viable profession, the Chief Minister said that the government plans to reform the sector by setting up Farmers Producers Organizations. He explained that the government has brought in a unique convergence in MNREGA funds by utilizing the funds for cement roads, Farm Ponds (Panta Sajivini) and dry spell mitigation.

Stating that officials are accountable for every work they take up, the Chief Minister said that every unit of work should be measured and linked to development. He also suggested that officials should mark their priorities rightly and balance welfare and development in order to create a sustainable economy. 'There is no point in development if there is no public satisfactions,' he said.

All the development happening in our state should be result-oriented, he said. He directed the officials to work for achieving public satisfaction and long-term sustainability. 'There will be no compromise on welfare during the budget' he added.

Later, Principal Secretary (Finance) Dr. P. V. Ramesh spoke on 2016-17 Fiscal. He said that the budget would be drafted in an easy and comprehensible way for every person. 'Each department in the government was asked to submit budget proposals. Unlike previous years, we are planning for a monthly allotment of finances for the departments,' he added.

Deputy CM Nimmakayala Chinarajappa, ministers Acchan Naidu, Devineni Umamaheswara Rao, Kamineni Srinivas, Palle Raghunatha Reddy, Ayyanna Patrudu, Kollu Ravindra, Peethala Sujatha, Paritala Sunitha, Bojjala Gopala Krishna Reddy, Manikyala Rao, advisors, collectors, principal secretaries, HODs and other officials were present.