Chandrababu Naidu vows to put AP on Top 3 list

Srikakulam: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday vowed to take the state forward on a growth trajectory whether the Centre helped him or not in his endeavour.

Speaking at the 72nd Independence Day celebrations here after unfurling the nation’s tricolour and reviewing a ceremonial parade, the Chief Minister said his aim was to make AP one among the top three states in the country by 2022 on all economic parametres.

Not sparing the Centre for betraying the state by not implementing any of the assurances made in the AP State Reorganisation Act, the Chief Minister said that it was because of its step-motherly treatment that the state is facing several problems on various fronts.

Referring to lack of support from the Centre for construction of Amaravati, Naidu said that it had washed its hands off its responsibility by just releasing Rs 1,500 crore. He also was critical of the Opposition party for filing petitions in courts to prevent the progress of irrigation projects.

Naidu said that he was trying hard to ensure that AP occupies top position in happiness index. Progress and development would result in a happy state, he said, reiterating his resolve to put the state on the road to progress and prosperity.

He recalled introducing unemployment dole for youths, supporting the poor with Chandranna Bima and NTR Vydya Seva schemes. "We come out with a Vision 2050 concept for AP to grow to a state where it would be the best destination for investors in the world," he said.

Naidu focused on the Centre’s promises to North Andhra which included creation of a separate zone for railways with Visakhapatnam as its headquarters, tribal university for Vizianagaram and metro-rail project for Visakhapatnam. He said that he was wedded to the cause of giving a face lift to Srikakulam district.

The Chief Minister promised an outer ring road at a cost of Rs 150 crore for Srikakulam city and another Rs 100 crore for city's beautification scheme, completion of 25 minor irrigation projects in the district with an investment of Rs 1,500 crore, Rs 50 crore for development of Arasavalli Sun God in Sri Kurmam and Sri Mukhalingam temple, Rs 20 crore for development works at Kalingapatnam beach, Rs 15 crore for additional buildings for government degree college at Srikakulam.

Elaborating on the road ahead in creating of infrastructure facilities in the state, he said that his government was ensuring setting up of eight sea ports and six airports in various districts. "We are planning to improve road network across the state to trigger industrial development. We are also bringing in reforms in power sector and taking measures for improved productivity in agriculture,” he said.

Naidu said that after the division of the state, his government been organising Independence Day celebrations in different districts each year with a view to decentralising operations of the government.

The Chief Minister presented Indian Police Medals and other awards to police personnel. He also gave away awards to meritorious government staff.

Chief Secretary Dinesh Kumar, Director General of Police R P Thakur, Ministers K Kala Venkata Rao, district Collector Dhananjaya Reddy and others were present on the occasion.