Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has set a target of reaching double digit Gross State Domestic Production (GSDP) growth by a couple of years commencing from the coming financial year despite many hurdles, including deficit finance, Hudhud cyclone, drought, non-granting of special category status to the State and so on.
Replying to Motion of thanks on Governor’s address in the Assembly on Wednesday, Naidu said the people in the proposed capital region gave 33,000 acres of land voluntarily with confidence on him and TDP. He also promised that he will do justice to all farmers, who reposed faith in him and gave land for construction of new capital. He also said he was ready to extend additional compensation if they ask.
Regarding farmers’ loan waiver, the Chief Minister informed the House that he would clear all the loans taken by farmers up to Rs 1.5 lakh as decided by his government despite the State’s poor financial condition. Similarly, DWCRA loans taken by women would also be cleared as soon as possible. He reiterated that his government was committed to the welfare and well-being of the people of the State.
The Chief Minister reiterated that his government is launching seven missions to focus on sector-specific needs which will help in speeding the process of development in the State. He said in the last financial year, Andhra Pradesh suffered with multi-dimensional problems, including deficit rainfall of 36 per cent far below normal rain fall. Besides, the State bore the brunt of the dreaded Hudhud cyclone, which destroyed assets worth Rs 69,000 crore and there were inevitable financial setbacks from after- effects of bifurcation of the State. He also said he was trying to convert the crisis into opportunity and reconstructing the State from gross root level. He pointed out that the State was under Congress rule in the last decade and suffered due to rampant corruption at all levels. He also gave a clear message that he would not allow any corrupt practice and warned that he would bring necessary laws also to prevent the malady.
Chandrababu Naidu said the long coast of the State will yield economic benefits if the government developed infrastructure facilities along the sea such as international ports. He also said the State government was planning to construct ports and international and national airports.
The Chief Minister said the State government has identified some 40 sectors as growth engines to boost State’s economy, such as paddy, cotton, fisheries and so on. He said his government’s first priority was the welfare of farmers and his focus would be mainly on health, education, skill development and creation of employment opportunities to everyone in the State. He also said both the Telugu speaking States should go together for development. He also felt it was not possible to grow unless both Telugu speaking states co-operate with each other. (NSS)