People will be disappointed if development is not coupled with welfare.: CM Naidu

AP’s Future in Districts’ Hands: CM Naidu Sets Vision at Collectors’ Conference

* We are here to find workable solutions. 
* Financial crunch; we are trying to rectify the damage done by the earlier government. 
* Met Union Finance Minister several times for the sake of the State. 
Amaravati, March 26, 2025: On the second day of the Third Collectors’ Conference, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu set forth an ambitious vision for the state’s economic growth and governance, urging district collectors to drive innovation, adopt modern technology, and facilitate investment for rapid development.

In his concluding remarks, the Chief Minister emphasised that Andhra Pradesh aims to achieve a per capita income of $42,000. To achieve this target, the state must grow at an annual rate of over 15%. He stressed that every district must play a crucial role in this growth by leveraging its unique resources and opportunities.

Over the two-day conference, CM Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the presentations of all 26 district collectors and provided strategic guidance. He advised them to regularly tour their districts, engage with stakeholders, and identify initiatives to boost per capita income. He underscored the importance of proactive leadership, stating that collectors must be innovators and motivators, ensuring that governance reaches the village level.

Highlighting the need for innovation and modern technology, the Chief Minister encouraged out-of-the-box thinking and efficient project preparation. He noted that funds are secondary to well-planned, technology-driven initiatives. CM Chandrababu Naidu also called for the swift implementation of the ₹7 lakh crore worth of investments attracted in the past nine months, urging collectors to facilitate project grounding, establish new townships around major investments, and promote local entrepreneurship under his ‘One Family-One Entrepreneur’ vision.

The Chief Minister reiterated the importance of efficient public service delivery, citing WhatsApp governance as a revolutionary tool enabling citizens to access services from their homes. He urged collectors to publicise and extend its benefits to every household. Law and order were also a key focus, with the Chief Minister maintaining a zero-tolerance stance on crimes against women and substance abuse. He directed officials to take firm action against any criminal activity in their respective districts.

Tourism development emerged as a major priority, with CM instructing collectors to devise district-specific strategies to harness the state’s immense tourism potential. He advocated for the construction of 5,000-star hotel rooms across zones in the next five years, stressing that tourism generates employment, boosts the economy, and enhances government revenue. He recalled past criticism of his vision for tourism-driven development, pointing out that even opposition leaders now recognise its importance.

In discussing economic and industrial growth, the Chief Minister acknowledged Andhra Pradesh’s 12.2% growth rate this year but called for focused efforts to uplift lagging districts like Srikakulam. He emphasised the need to develop Visakhapatnam into a key economic hub, Anakapalli as a defence industry centre, and ASR district as an organic farming hub. He also outlined significant infrastructure projects, including the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub, Moolapet Port, and key irrigation initiatives.

On agriculture and horticulture, Chandrababu Naidu highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s status as the leading horticulture state in the country. He called for stabilisation of market fluctuations, expansion of cold chain infrastructure, and introduction of a 100% subsidy on micro-nutrients for farmers. He also announced plans to seek central government support for a Mango Development Board and a Dry Port.

The Chief Minister stressed the importance of skilling initiatives, directing collectors to collaborate with institutions like IIM Visakhapatnam and IIT Tirupati to enhance employment opportunities. He mandated the organisation of job fairs every three months in all 175 constituencies to provide local and global placements.

Other directives included the completion of the Rayalaseema Steel Plant in record time, the promotion of oil palm cultivation, and the development of infrastructure in Rajamahendravaram ahead of the Akhand Godavari Pushkarams. CM Naidu also called for Kakinada to improve its hotel facilities and for Kadiam Nurseries to be transformed into tourism destinations.

Concluding his address, Chandrababu Naidu reminded collectors that ‘People-First’ is the guiding principle of governance. He directed special officers to visit districts regularly and assist collectors in implementing long-term solutions to public grievances. He reiterated that officers must not wait for change but must actively drive it, ensuring Andhra Pradesh’s transformation into a leading global economy.

Collectors Present District-Specific Action Plans

District Collectors presented their action plans in a revamped format with a shared objective of achieving over 15% growth in Gross District Domestic Product (GDDP) and Gross District Value Added (GDVA). Each presentation, based on a standardised template, highlighted district-specific challenges and development goals, followed by observations from Zonal in-charge officers and a summary by the Chief Minister.

Srikakulam aims for a 15.45% growth in agriculture, 16.64% in industry, and 15% in services. The district is promoting alternative crops and plans to develop 10,000 hectares of maize, pulses, and millets. With a rising demand for chemical engineers due to the booming pharma sector, diploma courses in Chemical Engineering have been introduced. AI tools training for government employees is also being implemented.

The district of Vizianagaram targets 15.64% growth in agriculture, 16.82% in industry, and 15.17% in services. The Bogapuram International Airport is 70% complete, with a five-star hotel under construction nearby. The Tarakarama Reservoir will be completed by June to supply 5 MLD of water to the airport. Drones will be deployed at all police stations, and a dialysis center is proposed for the government hospital. Efforts are underway to promote spiritual tourism and establish the district as a Mango Cluster Zone.

In Parvathipuram Manyam, the focus is on eliminating doli transportation in hilly areas by enhancing road connectivity. The district is promoting cashew and avocado farming, along with a 200% increase in red gram cultivation. Container health clinics are being set up to tackle anemia. The construction of the Tribal Engineering College is 60% complete, and tourism is being positioned as a key growth driver.

Anakapalli is divided into three zones, with a focus on leveraging Polavaram’s water supply and expanding the defence and knowledge clusters. IT & HRD Minister Nara Lokesh emphasised resolving long-pending issues affecting the fishing community.

Visakhapatnam plans to bring 200 hectares of fallow land under cultivation within a year. The land will be handed over for the metro project soon, and 15 master plan roads to Bhogapuram International Airport are in progress. ₹172 crore has been allocated for working women's hostels. A flavour map for Araku Coffee is being developed to enhance branding.

Discussions also covered Alluri Seetharama Raju, YSR Kadapa, Kurnool, Sri Satya Sai, Nandyal, Anantapur, East & West Godavari, Kakinada, Konaseema, Eluru, Prakasam, Nellore, Chittoor, Tirupati, Annamayya, Krishna, NTR, Guntur, Bapatla, and Palnadu, highlighting their respective growth strategies and sectoral focus areas.