Centre committed to develop new AP capital: Venkaiah Naidu

Urban Development minister M Venkaiah Naidu here today said that the Centre is committed to develop the new capital region of Andhra Pradesh.

Addressing a seminar on 'Make in India' initiative, organised by Andhra Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Naidu said the NDA government is committed towards developing the new capital and that it has sought department-wise estimates from the state government to allocate funds.

He said that the government is also studying the issues that evolved post bifurcation of the erstwhile state.

Centre is also considering the special status for Andhra Pradesh as specified in Andhra Pradesh Re-organisation Act, Naidu said, adding that other states who have also been demanding for the special status will to be convinced before implementing the special status to AP.

The minister attacked the previous UPA government for not doing proper homework before passing the Re-organisation bill.

As promised in the Act, foundation stone for IIM at Visakhapatnam has already been laid and very soon foundation stone will be laid for AIIMS near Vijayawada, he said.

Speaking on economic reforms, Naidu said economic reforms are the need of the hour and greater investments should be encouraged.

"The job of government is not to business but to create an environment to improve businesses and opportunities in the country. Government has to provide infrastructure, good governance and service in order to improve conditions for growth in business," he said.

He said that both public and private sectors should be encouraged to create competition for better service.

Pointing out at the gaps in promoting industries, he said gaps are needed to be filled with private investments and to boost investments, interest rates has to come down.