Developments on the industry and economic fronts got sidetracked by agitations and bifurcation issues that the State faced, Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy said here today.
“The three years have been the most difficult times and the continues challenges posed by bifurcation have overshadowed the Rs 1.3 lakh crore investment proposals, 75 new industries, over 1.52 lakh new jobs to youth and many welfare schemes,” Reddy said on the occasion of completing three years in office.
As the 16th and young Chief Minister of the State, Reddy said “I have forcefully presented the case for a united Andhra Pradesh to the Congress High Command. I have explained to loss to both Telangana and Seemandhra regions, if they go ahead with the bifurcation”.
Asked if he was defying the decision of the high command and putting forth the case after a final decision was taken, the Chief Minister said I am trying to bring pressure and convincing the Cong (I) high command to change their decision. “I am speaking only 25 per cent of the issues in public that I have put for the to the leadership”, he stated.
During the last three years several welfare schemes like fee reimbursement and scholarships to students, pavala vaddi to self help groups, health cards, Rs 1 rice, bangaru thalli girl child promotion and Amma Hastham schemes have benefitted large sections of the population.
Despite the difficulties, the State economy is vibrant and revenues to the tune of Rs 40,000 crore to Rs 45,000 crore are being generated. This fiscal the target is to increase it to Rs 75,000 crore. The Mee Seva scheme has done 3.25 crore transactions so far with a average of one lakh a day has set a new benchmark, he added.
On the complex problems posed by repeated cyclones, drought and floods, Kiran Kumar said that the government was helping the farmers with crop loans, interest waiver, hike in input subside from Rs 4000 to Rs 10,000 per hectare. The state administration is geared to meet the fresh threats from the coming cyclone as well, he added.
Somasekhar.m@thehindu.co