CM directs ministers to enhance public engagement, governance

By DASI PURNA KARTHIK

On 06 Feb 2025 18:50:34

CM directs ministers to enhance public engagement, governance

• CM calls for increase in ministerial performance

• Clear pending funds Rs 900 crore under "Neeru-Chettu"

• "Thalliki Vandhanam" scheme to begin before next academic year

The Capital News

Amaravati: Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has urged his cabinet ministers to actively connect with the public and promote government schemes over the next three months. He emphasized their responsibility in the upcoming MLC elections. Addressing his ministers after the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet Meeting, he outlined key directives and expectations.

The Chief Minister called for an increase in ministerial performance, stating that while the past six months were satisfactory, complacency is not an option. Reviewing file clearances, he noted that he ranked third and urged ministers to improve efficiency within their departments.

He highlighted the importance of securing pending funds from Central departments in Delhi, given the recent central budget and the upcoming state budget in March. To enhance governance, the CM proposed appointing five officials from the Secretariat and one professional for each mandal, with special officers focusing on Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP).

He praised the positive public response to "WhatsApp governance" and frequent government surveys and encouraged further improvements. He assured that funds would be allocated for the "Thalliki Vandhanam" scheme before the new academic year and confirmed the timely completion of DSC appointments. Additionally, he instructed the Finance Minister’s committee to monitor inflation closely. On energy matters, the CM stressed the need to explore alternatives to increasing electricity charges.

He called for regular DRC meetings to track pending funds and emphasized balancing power generation through the Surya Gar and Kusuma schemes. He also highlighted positive global feedback on Andhra Pradesh's green and hydrogen energy initiatives at the World Economic Forum in Davos, reinforcing the state's growing reputation. During the Cabinet meeting, the CM instructed officials to clear pending funds under the "Neeru-Chettu" scheme, amounting to approximately Rs. 900 crore, before 2019.

He also called for settling outstanding housing dues from that period, acknowledging demands from activists and leaders. He urged in-charge ministers to prioritize these concerns during district visits. The meeting also focused on revenue generation.

The CM encouraged ministers to simplify bureaucratic processes for citizens and ordered strict monitoring of bogus passbooks and land registrations. Additionally, he announced a memorandum of understanding on renewable energy and stressed the importance of implementing it effectively.

He emphasized the need for a training institute for the Customs Department in Anantapur district to ensure continuous skill development for officials. Addressing concerns over the 14 percent commission on liquor sales, the CM instructed the ministerial sub-committee to reassess the policy and ensure that traders are not adversely impacted.