Claiming to have bailed out Andhra Pradesh from the economic crisis after he took over the reins three years ago, chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy said the state recouped well and the situation is improving.
The chief minister, who inaugurated an agriculture market yard in Suryapet Friday, said the economic crisis had forced the state government to take some tough measures.
“Everyone is aware under what circumstances I had assumed the charges. The government had to pay the interests on the bank loans it took under the ‘Pavala Vaddi’ scheme. Now, the state is recovering. A plethora of welfare schemes have been introduced and most importantly, interests on crop loans have been waived for the farmers,” Kiran Kumar Reddy said.
Power crisis till November if no rain
Admitting that the state is facing acute power crisis, he said in the past power was produced using water and coal in the state and now with the shortage of both, power has to be purchased from outside at `12.50 per unit. On an average 400-500 MW has to be purchased per day to meet the demands.
“Good rains in July and August will improve the power situation. But, we have to wait till November for the situation to improve, if the monsoon plays truant this time. As many as 3,000 MW of power is expected from various sources in November which will definitely improve the situation, he said.
Panchayat polls in June
“The job card holders have been ensured a daily wage of `149 under the NREGS. To save women from the clutches of private money lenders, the Stree Nidhi Bank has been set up and a `1,500 crore loan has been sanctioned to women SHG members.
Stating that 50 per cent seats are reserved for women in local body elections, chief minister said village panchayats elections will be held in June. He said that that special essential commodities package will available for people at `292 in addition to Rs 1 kg rice from Ugadi on April 11.
An additional 800 beds will be provided to children hospitals in the state to bring down the infant mortality rate (IMR).
Rs 600 crore for Fluoride affected villages
Around Rs 560 crore has been spent so far to provide drinking water to 500 fluoride affected villages, and now, another Rs 600 crore will be spent to extend the scheme to another 400 fluoride affected villages in Nalgonda district, he said, adding that another Rs 75 crore will be provided for the drinking water facilities in Suryapet. He announced that a Girl’s Junior College and a sports stadium will come up soon in Suryapet.
Ministers K Jana Reddy, N Uttam Kumar Reddy, V Sunita Lakshma Reddy and others were present.