Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday underscored the pivotal role of district collectors in the success of government initiatives, urging them to adopt a people-centric approach and deliver their “best performance.” Addressing newly appointed collectors of 12 districts through a video conference, the Chief Minister outlined his vision for effective governance and accountability.

Naidu, who has spent 15 of his 30 years in public life as Chief Minister, said this round of appointments was made after an intensive selection process. “Never before have I exercised such caution in appointing collectors. We started governance amid challenges a year ago, and people have placed immense hopes on us. It is now your responsibility to fulfill those expectations,” he told the officers.

The Chief Minister stressed that rules alone should not dictate administration. “Work with a humanitarian approach. Be accessible to the public, stay connected with them daily, and uphold the principle that CM means ‘Common Man’. Only then will both you and the government earn respect,” he advised.

Calling the new appointees his team, Naidu urged them to show innovation and competitiveness. “You must compete not just with yourselves but also with other districts. I want Andhra Pradesh to remain number one among all states, and I expect the same spirit of determination from you,” he said. He asked collectors to monitor welfare hostels, safeguard government assets, and instill transparency and inspiration among their subordinates.