metro india news  I hyderabad

At the Third Collectors’ Conference, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu made insightful observations on the shifting trends in per capita income across districts. The per capita income for the year 2022-23 stood at Rs. 2,19,234 in Sri Sathya Sai district, Rs. 2,33,521 in Anantapur district, and Rs. 1,93,763 in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district.

Traditionally, Anantapur has been regarded as a drought-prone and backward district, while Konaseema was expected to have a higher per capita income. However, significant growth in the horticulture sector has propelled Anantapur forward, demonstrating the potential of strategic sectoral focus in driving economic progress.

Chief Minister Naidu emphasised the need to replicate the best practices from high-performing districts in those that are still lagging. He directed officials to focus on implementing effective strategies that have proven successful in more developed areas.

The conference also highlighted a paradigm shift in Gross Value Added (GVA) projections for 2025-26. Contrary to general assumptions, the livestock and horticulture sectors are poised to contribute more to the state’s GVA than manufacturing, agriculture, and services.

Livestock is expected to contribute 11.41%, followed by horticulture at 10.36%, and manufacturing at 10.29%. Recognising this trend, the Chief Minister urged a renewed focus on these high-growth sectors, noting that livestock, in particular, not only generates higher revenues but also provides widespread employment opportunities.

With these insights, Andhra Pradesh is set to redefine its growth trajectory by leveraging the strengths of its districts, ensuring balanced and inclusive economic development across the state.

Delivering on Promises

Within nine months of assuming office, several promises have been fulfilled. Andhra Pradesh now offers the highest pension in the country at ₹4,000. The pension amount has been significantly increased from ₹200 in 2014 to ₹2,000, and now directly to ₹4,000. 

Disability pensions have been raised from ₹500 to ₹6,000, while kidney patients receive ₹10,000, and bedridden individuals are granted ₹15,000 under a humanitarian approach. To ensure awareness of these initiatives, the government conducts a ‘Service for the Poor’ program on the 1st of every month.

Vision for AP while 23% of funding for the state’s development comes from central and state assistance, the remaining 77% must be mobilised through private investments. Stressing the importance of Viability Gap Funding (VGF), he urged district collectors to bring in new projects, assuring that the government is willing to increase VGF where necessary.

The Chief Minister underscored the importance of wealth creation, stating that the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) is driven primarily by the Gross Value Added (GVA) sub-sector contributions. He directed collectors to focus on key sectors, including livestock, horticulture, manufacturing, fisheries, and aquaculture, to maximise income generation.

He further emphasised that collectors must demonstrate their leadership skills and adapt to the rapidly evolving economic landscape. “Reevaluate and strategise as districts once considered underdeveloped are now progressing rapidly. We need to keep pace with this transformation,” he stated.

In line with his commitment to capacity building, the Chief Minister announced plans to establish a premier institution for training and administration, similar to the Dr. MCR HRD Institute in Hyderabad, to nurture administrative excellence.