A.P. CM sets target of 15% growth rate for State in Collectors’ Conference-OxBig News Network

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu addressing the third Collectors’ Conference in Amaravati on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu set forth an ambitious vision for the State’s economic growth and governance in the valedictory of the Collectors’ Conference, while urging the officers to drive innovation, adopt modern technology, and facilitate investment for rapid development.

In the same vein, Mr. Naidu subtly warned the Collectors that he would ‘expose’ them if they failed to sort out certain issues in their grasp.

Delivering his speech, the Chief Minister emphasised that Andhra Pradesh (AP) aimed at achieving a per capita income of $42,000, and called for efforts to increase the growth rate to 15%.

He stressed that every district must play a crucial role in achieving this goal by leveraging its unique resources and opportunities.

He advised the Collectors to regularly tour their districts, engage with the stakeholders, and identify initiatives to boost the per capita income and underscored the importance of proactive leadership. 

Mr. Naidu exhorted the Collectors to adopt out-of-the-box thinking.

He noted that funds were secondary to well-planned, technology-driven initiatives. He stressed the need for concerted efforts for grounding investments of ₹7 lakh crore garnered in the last nine months.

WhatsApp governance

He reiterated the importance of efficient public service delivery, citing WhatsApp governance as a ‘revolutionary tool’ enabling citizens to access services from the convenience of their homes.

The Chief Minister wanted ‘zero-tolerance’ for crimes against women and substance abuse, and directed officials to take firm action against any criminal activity in their respective districts.

On the tourism front, he suggested that 5,000 star-hotel rooms should be created in the next five years, stressing that the tourism sector generates employment, boosts the economy, and enhances government revenue.

He said that Visakhapatnam should be developed into a key economic hub, Anakapalli as a defence industry centre, and ASR district as an organic farming hub. He outlined significant infrastructure projects, including the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub, Mulapet Port, and key irrigation projects. 

The District Collectors presented their action plans in a revamped format with a shared objective of achieving over 15% growth in Gross District Domestic Product and Gross District Value Added. Mr. Naidu ordered that the Collectors should constantly improvise on their plans to reach the goals.