VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has emphasised that Andhra Pradesh must set benchmarks in governance, welfare and industrial growth, urging officials to deliver development at speed and make the State a model for innovation.
He said every district should compete in performance, every programme should be owned collectively, and every initiative should raise people’s living standards.
Addressing the 7th District Collectors’ Conference at the Secretariat on Thursday, the Chief Minister reminded officials of the financial burden inherited from the previous regime - Rs 9.74 lakh crore debts, diversion of Rs 10,000 crore from 94 Centrally sponsored schemes, and Rs 1.30 lakh crore unpaid bills. The administration had overcome these challenges and restored systems with collective effort, he said.
Naidu outlined the Welfare-Development-Wealth Creation cycle, explaining that prosperity cannot be achieved without development, and welfare cannot be sustained without wealth.
He highlighted the Super Six schemes that provide security and assurance, and the P4 initiative that raises economic standards. He noted that 26 new policies have built national and international trust in Andhra Pradesh.
On industrial growth, he highlighted MoUs worth Rs 23 lakh crore with a potential to generate 24 lakh jobs. Citing investments in green energy, hydrogen and ammonia, he said Andhra Pradesh is becoming a hub for data, AI, and quantum technologies. Global giants like Google and ArcelorMittal have already entered the State.
“Every day we are signing agreements, every week we are laying foundations. Even air conditioners that cool the nation in summer are now being manufactured in our State,” he said. He added a personal anecdote. “In college days, riding a Royal Enfield was a matter of pride. Today, we have brought the Royal Enfield company itself to Andhra Pradesh.”
The Chief Minister directed Collectors to cleanse revenue records by March 2027, ensure zero-error documentation, and complete roads, bridges, and lift irrigation projects to meet public expectations. He stressed that quarterly Collectors’ Conferences are “exams” for ministers and officials, and that complaints must be resolved 100%.
“Public relations are as important as public delivery. Motivate last-mile employees, and they will perform brilliantly,” the Chief Minister said.
‘Strive for result-oriented governance, AP’s performance must become a benchmark’
Naidu pointed to reforms in the power sector, reducing purchase costs by 30 paise per unit, with another 30 paise reduction planned. For the first time, true-down adjustments were achieved. He highlighted awareness campaigns that encouraged online tax payments, and advertisements featuring government school SSC toppers to showcase parity with private institutions. Demand-driven agriculture and aquaculture are being promoted to strengthen rural economies.
Naidu insisted that Andhra Pradesh’s performance must become a benchmark in every sector. Districts and Collectors should compete in development, and best practices should be replicated statewide, with the conceivers designated as nodal officers.
He mandated field visits - Secretaries (3 days), HoDs (6 days), Collectors (8 days) - under the principle of “Seeing is Believing.” He urged effective use of social media, data-driven decision-making, and result-oriented work.
“Office tells you data, field tells you truth. Speed of delivering governance is not a slogan - governance decides the speed of growth. Files should not move, results should move,” he said.
The two-day conference was attended by ministers, senior officials, and district collectors. Sessions reviewed welfare delivery, infrastructure progress, industrial expansion, and innovative governance practices.
On the occasion, Naidu dedicated the Business Reformer of the Year Award, which he received recently, to the entire Andhra Pradesh team of officials, stating that it was a collective achievement.