Will ensure comprehensive development of Rayalaseema region, says Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu

The Chief Minister highlights his government’s dedication to rejuvenating the local economy and improving the livelihoods of different strata of people, focusing on youth empowerment

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday unveiled an ambitious initiative to transform Rayalaseema into a hub for horticulture and IT, while according equal importance to agriculture, technology, and infrastructure growth.

Addressing a public meeting at Sambapalle village in Annamayya district, Mr. Naidu highlighted his administration’s dedication to rejuvenating the local economy and improving the livelihoods of different strata of people, focusing on youth empowerment.

Mr. Naidu blamed the previous YSRCP government for turning the Rayalaseema region into a desert during its five-year term. “But, we could salvage the region from backwardness within six months of coming to power,” he said.

Push to IT

Mr. Naidu reaffirmed the coalition government’s support to the IT industry, underlining its importance in creating job opportunities for the youth.

The Chief Minister said the government would give a boost to the “Work from neighbor home” initiative, aimed at providing IT employment in the rural areas without necessitating a move to the urban centers.

He said the services of the local software professionals would be utilised for the State’s development. With the new IT investments, they would soon have job opportunities available closer to home.

Horticulture hub

The Chief Minister said his vision was to transform Rayalaseema into a premier horticultural center, utilising its favorable climate to cultivate diverse crops. Recognising the economic hardship faced by the farmers, he highlighted the need for stable support prices and irrigation initiatives to promote sustainable agricultural growth.

Mr. Naidu pointed out that access to water was crucial for maximising Rayalaseema’s agricultural capabilities, he promised to expedite irrigation projects. He maintained that effective irrigation infrastructure could transform Rayalaseema into a thriving agricultural region, akin to Konaseema in coastal Andhra Pradesh.

Mr. Naidu envisaged a comprehensive development plan, which included increasing solar energy production to ensure consistent electricity for rural households, reinforcing governance via e-Governance services, utilising WhatsApp-based platforms for citizen interaction, and facilitating industrial investments in Kopparthi and Orvakal, aimed at creating two million jobs over the coming years.

Reinforcing his dedication to social welfare, Mr. Naidu underscored the slew of programmes introduced by his government.

“Andhra Pradesh will soon experience considerable economic growth, aspiring for a 58% increase in per capita income by 2047,” he said, adding that strategic investments in IT, agriculture, and renewable energy would position the State as a model.

Recalling his administration’s past successes in transforming Hyderabad into a global IT hub, he assured that Amaravati would become an internationally recognised capital under the coalition government.

Earlier, the Chief Minister held an interactive session with the IT professionals from Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and other parts of the country, most of whom were currently under the ‘work from home’ pattern. Several youth narrated their success stories in the IT field, coupled with their efforts in agriculture.

Published - February 01, 2025 07:50 pm IST