Districts in A.P. to be ranked on basis of attarcting investments, job creation

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has ordered the ranking of districts on the basis of attracting investments and delivering on ‘Speed of Doing Business’ parameters, saying that roadmaps should be prepared for each district to attract investments.

“The unique strengths and resources in each district should be identified and steps taken to realise their potential. The performance of the Collectors will be henceforth reviewed to a significant extent based on investments attracted, jobs created, and the rise in per capita income in the respective districts,” the Chief Minister said, while addressing the Collectors’ Conference at the Secretariat in Guntur district on Thursday.

Mr. Naidu said deliberations could be held with prospective entrepreneurs at the district level and the necessary supports be extended to them. He called for focus on employment generation, noting that jobs for the youth would result in higher per capita income. 

Land allotments and permissions to industries should be given on a war footing, he said, and instructed the Collectors to ensure that the industries got the required water supply. He advised that if major industries were not coming to districts, the Collectors should instead focus on tourism, IT or agriculture sectors based on the district’s strengths. 

Mr. Naidu observed that while the police had become people-friendly, the Forest Department was rigid in its attitude, given the numerous complaints of lack of cooperation even when the Collectors issued directions for various development works. He specifically referred to the objections purportedly raised by the Forest Department to creation of infrastructure in the tribal areas of some districts. 

He ordered the forest officials to sort out the issues with the Collectors or to meet him for guidance. Officials should think practically instead of hampering development by their actions. 

Electronics City

Mr. Naidu revealed plans to establish an Electronics City near Hindupur and told the Collectors to make the most of ​Ratan Tata Innovation Hubs. He lauded the introduction of AI-assisted medical diagnostic systems and stressed the need for greater usage of low-cost med-tech tools as part of the efforts to achieve the desired outcomes in the healthcare sector. 

Further, Mr. Naidu directed the officials to prepare a plan for checking tax evasion by duly adopting AI, which helps in ensuring everyone pays their fair share without the need for manual intervention.

Referring to the education sector, he wanted the syllabus be updated regularly in consultation with institutions such as the NCERT.