Non-performance can't be tolerated, CM Naidu tells collectors

VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu urged district collectors to network and share experiences, emphasising that the government functions as a single entity. Speaking on the second day of the District Collectors’ Conference on Thursday, he advised collectors against working in isolation, highlighting the importance of collaboration and awareness of each other's initiatives. The conference, which began at 8:30 a.m., concluded after nearly 14 hours of discussions at 10:55 p.m.

Summarising the conference, CM Naidu said, “It has been a long day, covering 13 hours of discussions. It was a wonderful experience. The role of Collectors and employees is crucial in the reconstruction of our State, which has faced significant challenges. Change must be visible. We don’t need red carpets, but governance must be effective. Quick responses to public grievances are essential. You must revisit after three months to address the issues discussed during this two-day conference.”

The Chief Minister emphasised the need to transform Andhra Pradesh into a "knowledge state." He instructed Collectors to conduct monthly reviews, share innovative ideas, and prioritize public satisfaction. “Ultimately, this is political governance, and we must satisfy the people. I will be available 24/7. Non-performance cannot be tolerated, and I will review your work every six months. By 2047, Andhra Pradesh and Telugu must stand at the top,” he stated.

Naidu also called for job creation and industrial promotion, advocating for the "one family, one entrepreneur" concept. He directed all departments to publish job creation statistics on their respective portals. Additionally, he urged officials to leverage Union Government programs for maximum benefits. He reminded Collectors to focus on creating 175 parks, one in each constituency, with farmers as partners.

Discussing IT development, Naidu revealed plans to establish large-scale IT parks. He instructed Collectors to identify land for these projects, specifying 200 acres each for IT parks in Madhurawada and Kapuluppada in Visakhapatnam, and another 200 acres in Mangalagiri. He also announced plans for an electronic manufacturing cluster in Kopparthi, Kadapa, and called for 500 acres to be identified for a similar cluster in Tirupati.

Highlighting land pooling, Naidu cited examples such as the ArcelorMittal Steel City and the upcoming Ramayapatnam BPCL project, advocating for farmers to be treated as partners in development. He mentioned ongoing discussions with NMDC and Union Minister Kumaraswamy about supplying iron ore in slurry form through pipelines for ArcelorMittal’s requirements.

Naidu urged Collectors to be proactive and diligent in erasing the negative reputation earned by the State during the previous regime, which he claimed had driven away investors. “Hard work is required to restore confidence and attract investment,” he stressed.