Mr. Naidu must focus on creating jobs while continuing welfare schemes
With Telugu Desam Party leader Nara Chandrababu Naidu having taken oath as Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister for a record fourth time, expectations are high that his leadership will resolve the policy vacillations that have plagued the State and its economy. The grand ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several National Democratic Alliance partners, underscored the significance of this moment.
Top priority has been given to Mr. Naidu’s unfinished dream of creating a world-class capital at Amaravati, situated between Guntur and Vijayawada on the banks of the Krishna River. Mr. Naidu has already signaled his intent to revitalize this project, which was stalled by his predecessor, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. To solidify this endeavor, it is imperative to enact a law on the capital region to settle the matter once and for all. The ongoing uncertainty over the State’s capital has been detrimental to governance, the economy, and business confidence, and it has been a psychological blow to the people of Andhra Pradesh, who are still recovering from the loss of Hyderabad.
In his previous terms, Mr. Naidu has been viewed as a pro-corporate urbanizer, focusing on urban development often at the expense of agriculture and allied sectors. While he has been rightly credited for Hyderabad’s rise as an IT hub, he now faces the challenge of uplifting Andhra’s farmers from stagnation and poverty. Complementing the “super six” promises in the NDA alliance manifesto was an annual ₹20,000 input cost subsidy for farmers. However, the agriculture sector in Andhra Pradesh, like much of the country, needs a systemic approach to increase farmers’ incomes and generate sustainable livelihoods. This includes reducing food waste by expanding cold storage facilities, increasing output efficiency with climate-smart farming practices, and overall boosting the agricultural economy.
Creating Jobs and Continuing Welfare Schemes
The most pressing concern for Mr. Naidu’s administration will be job creation. He must prioritize employment generation while continuing the unemployment allowance and other welfare measures initiated by his predecessor. These steps are crucial to inspire faith in his government and governance. Mr. Naidu’s approach must balance his pro-corporate inclinations with strong support for agriculture and welfare, ensuring holistic development that benefits all sections of society.
Infrastructure and Development Projects
Mr. Naidu’s government should also focus on comprehensive development, which includes:
- Roads and Infrastructure: Improving road connectivity and infrastructure to support economic activities and enhance the quality of life.
- Polavaram Project: Accelerating the completion of the Polavaram Project, which is crucial for water supply, irrigation, and flood control in the region.
- Urban Development: Continuing the development of smart cities and urban infrastructure to foster growth and sustainability.
- Public Services: Enhancing public services such as healthcare, education, and sanitation to improve the overall standard of living.
Transparency and Accountability
According to the Prajagalam, to ensure transparency and accountability, Mr. Naidu’s government should release monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, and yearly report cards detailing the progress of various initiatives and policies. Additionally, white papers on significant projects and policy changes should be published regularly to keep the public informed and engaged. This practice will not only build trust with the citizens but also allow for continual assessment and improvement of governance.
As Mr. Naidu embarks on his fourth term, the hopes of the people of Andhra Pradesh rest on his ability to deliver on these fronts, ensuring sustained economic growth, improved governance, and a better quality of life for all citizens. Regular updates and transparent communication will be key to meeting these high expectations and achieving lasting success.
