Setting the agenda for development goals, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu asserted on Monday that hostile relations with the Centre should not become a hindrance for development in the State. States such as Tamil Nadu and Kerala had been at loggerheads with the Centre but they were marching ahead, and had registered considerable progress and development, he said.
“We have to learn from their experiences, and drive the State towards development. Andhra Pradesh should also be among the top performing States, though it has fallen out with the Centre,” he said addressing a teleconference on Neeru-Pragati.
Poverty index
Referring to the multidimensional poverty index, Mr. Naidu said that poverty had come down to 21% in the country from 51% in the last decade.
The poverty was 1% in Kerala and 6 % in Tamil Nadu.
In the case of Telangana and Karnataka, it was 14% and 11% respectively.
In Andhra Pradesh, the poverty stood at 13% compared to 16% in Gujarat and 17% in West Bengal. The poverty index shows that A.P. was faring well compared with Gujarat and West Bengal.
“We should not be content with this. A.P. has to further improve and bring down the poverty levels. AP should top south India with least poverty and highest rate of development,” he said.
