Growing sins have increased income of temples, says Chandrababu Naidu

Calls upon DMs to develop competitive spirit, use FY2017 as base year for competition among districts in development indicators

Attributing 'growing sins' to the increased income of the temples, Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu said that the the income of temples has grown by 27%.

"People are committing sins and to get rid of them they are going to temples and offering money," the Chief Minister remarked, during his inaugural address at the two-day conference of district collectors on Wednesday.

At the same time, he pointed out that the sale of liquor is going down, which is one of the reason of reduced income of the state.

"More people are taking (Sabarimala) Ayyapa Swamy 'deeksha' and abstaining from liquor consumption for 40 days. To that extent, our liquor sales are going down," he observed, albeit in jest. 
 

 

Asking the district Collectors to develop a "competitive spirit", Naidu said 2016-17 financial year should be taken as the base year for competition among districts in various development indicators.

"Your focus should be on inclusive growth and balanced development. Also, strive to achieve at least 80% satisfaction among people (in service delivery). Only then, you work will be appreciated. There is a correlation between your work and people's satisfaction," Chandrababu noted.

"Andhra Pradesh is a two-year baby. Our aim is to become one of the top three (states) in India by 2022 and number one by 2029. We have a 'Vision-2050' by when we aim to become the number one investment destination of the country. Let us all take responsibility and work together," the Chief Minister told the Collectors and top bureaucrats.

State Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu pointed out that there were disparities between districts in terms of performance and different sectors like agriculture, industry and services.

"If we set this right, the overall growth will improve. We have targeted a growth of 15% in 2016-17 fiscal. Education, health and individual economic status are key elements in achieving the growth rate," Yanamala said.

He asked the Collectors to concentrate on these three elements apart from other sectors.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary Satya Prakash Tucker said that for the first time in the country, AP has prepared estimates of Mandal Domestic Product, analysing sector-wise performance of each mandal in the state.

The Chief Minister released the MDP report and a book on performance appraisal and district economic scenario in the state.

Another book on sustaining momentum of inclusive double-digit growth was also released.

Deputy Chief Ministers K E Krishna Murthy (Revenue), N China Rajappa (Home), Chief Commissioner of Land Administration Anil Chandra Punetha, ministers and top bureaucrats also attended the conference.