Naidu aims high for Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh aims to be the number one state in the country by 2029. The state will be giving more thrust on economic development.

On the occasion of the Independence Day celebrations at Srikakulam district on Wednesday, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said, "Our aim is to make Andhra Pradesh the number one state in the country by 2029 by paying special attention to economic development. We could achieve double-digit growth within these four years even though we have incurred a huge loss due to state bifurcation."

Naidu elaborated on various steps undertaken by his government in various fields for the upliftment of the people, especially the marginalised section.

Focusing on the primary sector of the economy, he spoke about agriculture sector and waiving loans of the farmers up to Rs 24,500 crore. He also mentioned about the increased NREGA labour incentives, new welfare schemes along with an unemployment allowance of Rs 1000 for the jobless youth in the state.

Expressing commitment to the welfare of the marginalised section, Naidu promised to take steps to include Vaddera and fishermen communities in the Scheduled Tribes and washermen community in the Scheduled Castes.

Education and health sectors were also stressed upon with the chief minister announcing setting up of free dialysis centres in areas where kidney diseases are predominant and developing digital and virtual classrooms.

However, Naidu accused the central government of non-cooperation and hurdles in the path of development. He also criticised the Congress for bringing development to a standstill during the ten years of rule by the Congress led UPA I and UPA II.