VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has underscored the need to simplify governance by revising business rules wherever necessary.
“The Constitution itself has been amended several times for public welfare. Likewise, business rules should be evolved to serve citizens better,” he said, directing officials to clear files without any delay, cut down on redundant procedures, and ensure every department is brought under audit by March 2026.
Speaking at a high-level review meeting at the State Secretariat on Wednesday, Naidu laid out the NDA government’s reform agenda for the coming months, combining a frank assessment of past challenges with a roadmap for transparent, efficient, and people-centric governance. He stressed fiscal discipline, accountability across departments, and the use of technology to deliver services more effectively.
The Chief Minister pointed out that loans raised at unsustainable interest rate by the previous government had eroded Andhra Pradesh’s financial credibility.
CM calls for people-centric & performance-driven governance
“On an average, debts were raised at 12% interest. By rescheduling loans, and renegotiating terms with banks, we have already saved Rs 512 crore in the first year. By March, savings will reach Rs 1,000 crore, and overall, we expect to save Rs 7,000 crore per annum,” he explained, adding that prudent financial management would restore trust, and free resources for development.
Highlighting the push for digital governance, he said over 800 services are already available online, with plans to expand them to 1,200. A firm deadline of January 15 has been set for all government services to go digital, ensuring citizens need not visit offices for routine tasks.
He urged officials to adopt a constructive mindset, noting that results matter, but so does the conduct of officials. Citizens must feel respected, and satisfied with the way they are treated, he said.
Reviewing economic indicators, Naidu noted that AP had recorded a growth rate of 12.02% in the first quarter, and 11.28% in the second quarter of 2025-26, surpassing the national average of 8.70%. He set an ambitious target of 17.11% growth rate for the future.
He pointed to renewed investor confidence in the State, citing Google’s upcoming 1 GW AI data center in Visakhapatnam, and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella’s assurance of Rs 1.5 lakh crore investments. “AP brand, which was damaged earlier, has been restored. Investments are flowing in, creating jobs for our youth,” he highlighted.
He urged vigilance on public health, especially water supply, to avert disease outbreaks. He reviewed welfare schemes, noting pensions exceeding Rs 50,000 crore. Reaffirming no hike in power tariffs, he targeted reducing purchase costs to Rs 4 per unit. Concerned over delays in utilising Rs 1,171 crore in Central funds, he set a December 20 deadline. He said quarterly reviews will track agriculture, jobs, drinking water, and price stability, stressing prompt grievance redressal and performance-driven governance.