
Andhra Pradesh’s economic growth remains a priority for Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who recently urged district Collectors to target a 15% increase in the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) for the 2025-26 fiscal year. This ambitious goal reflects the government’s commitment to economic recovery and sustainable development in the state.
Recent Economic Performance
From 2014 to 2019, Andhra Pradesh experienced a robust growth rate of 13.5%. However, this figure declined to 10.32% between 2019 and 2024. Fortunately, the government has effectively restored the growth rate to 12.02% for 2024-25. The Chief Minister highlighted that a mere 1% increase in growth can generate an additional Rs 15,000 crore in revenue, emphasizing the significance of achieving the set targets.
Long-term Economic Goals
Naidu set an ambitious long-term goal to create a Rs 308 lakh crore economy by 2047, aiming for a per capita income of Rs 54.60 lakh. He reaffirmed his commitment to rebuilding and developing Andhra Pradesh, emphasizing the need for sincerity and dedication among officials to overcome setbacks from previous governance.
Focus on Infrastructure and Welfare
The government is closely monitoring various initiatives, including 22 essential services to ensure public trust. Naidu announced ongoing infrastructure projects worth Rs 55,000 crore, such as national highways, which must be completed within two years. Collectors are urged to secure all necessary approvals proactively.
The Chief Minister criticized the previous administration for governance failures and public dissatisfaction. He pointed out that his coalition achieved a 93% strike rate in recent elections, indicating a strong desire for change and high expectations for the current administration.
Building a Sustainable Future
Naidu emphasized that effective governance hinges on three pillars: welfare, development, and self-reliance. Sustainable welfare initiatives require adequate revenue, which cannot rely solely on borrowing. He noted that the previous government left a debt burden of Rs 9.74 lakh crore, which must be managed responsibly.
In terms of education, Naidu announced plans to recruit over 16,000 government teachers, with the recruitment notification set for the first week of April. He aims to ensure a smooth hiring process, with appointments finalized before the new academic year.
Social Initiatives and Community Support
The government has made strides in social welfare, including the highest social security pension in the country at Rs 4,000. This amount has increased significantly from Rs 200 in 2014. Disability pensions have also risen dramatically, reflecting a humanitarian approach to governance.
Additionally, 204 Anna Canteens have been established to combat hunger among the poor, with ongoing inspections to ensure quality service. Under the Deepam-2 scheme, residents receive three LPG cylinders annually, further supporting low-income households.
The Chief Minister stated that the Polavaram project is back on track, with completion expected by 2027. Work on the capital city, Amaravati, has resumed, with financial assistance sought from institutions like the World Bank and ADB. This development aims to create a self-financed urban model that can be replicated in other projects, such as the Nakkapalli steel plant.
For more updates on Andhra Pradesh’s initiatives and ongoing projects, visit The Hans Bharat.