Lack of political awareness among local people and apathy of ‘outside’ political leaders elected from Visakhapatnam are responsible for the backwardness of north Andhra, according to CPI(M) Polit Bureau member B.V. Raghavulu.
At a seminar on “North Andhra backwardness – reasons –solutions”, organised by the CPI(M) as part of its forthcoming 21st All India Mahasabha to be held in the city, here on Friday, he also attributed the disinterest and lack of concern among the local people for the region remaining backward despite having natural resources.
Quoting from the Siva Ramakrishnan Committee Report, Mr. Raghavulu said that the per capita income in A. P. was the lowest in north Andhra, particularly in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts. Though it was the highest in Visakhapatnam city, if the district was included, Visakhapatnam was also low on per capita income.
Similarly, the literacy rate was low and infant mortality was high in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts.
CPI(M) State secretariat member Ch. Narasinga Rao said that resources and infrastructure facilities available in Visakhapatnam city could be utilised to propel development of the north Andhra region as a whole. It was unfortunate that the natural advantages of Visakhapatnam have been neglected by the successive governments.
Railway zone
The lack of announcement of railway zone headquarters in Visakhapatnam in the railway budget despite assurances by elected representatives was an indication of their sincerity in the development of Visakhapatnam, he said.
Prof. K.S. Chalam elaborated about the distress migration of people from Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam districts in search of employment. He wanted locals to be made partners in development of the region.
Prof. R.V. Rama Rao called for people-centric development. He said that the State government should be proactive and utilise central funds for the uplift of fishermen and the poor. MLC M. V. S. Sarma, CPI(M) city secretary B. Ganga Rao and retired Chief Engineer S. Satyanaryana spoke.
Resources and infrastructure facilities available in Visakhapatnam city can be utilised to propel development of the north Andhra region as a whole.
Ch. Narasinga Rao
CPI(M) State secretariat member
