Minister for IT and Panchayat Raj N. Lokesh on Tuesday said Andhra Pradesh was ahead of other States in implementing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme under which livelihood could be ensured for the rural people locally.
He said the previous Congress government had failed to utilise the funds properly, and over ₹5,000 crore was returned to the Centre for delay in utilisation of the fund.
As part of his two-day tour, Mr. Lokesh offered prayers at the Arasavilli temple. Later, he laid foundation stone for the construction of Jal Bhavan near the Collector’s office.
Addressing a review meeting with senior officials, he directed them to improve basic infrastructure in all the villages by 2019 while adhering to the short-term goals and targets.
He said the problem of migration would come down if more works were provided under the MGNREGP.
Minister for Energy Kala Venkata Rao and Minister for BC Welfare and Transport K. Atchannaidu, district Collector K. Dhanunjaya Reddy and Joint Collector K.V.N. Chakradharbabu were present.
