Jagan for transparent, corruption-free governance

Ensure Andhra Pradesh becomes role model for other States, he tells officials

Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy having a word with Chief Secretary L V Subrahmanyam at Collectors ‘ conference at Undvalli near Vijayawada on Monday.

Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Monday set the tone for transparent and corruption-free governance at his maiden Collectors’ Conference here on Monday.

Outlining his government's priorities, the Chief Minister asserted that no effort should be spared to ensure that Andhra Pradesh would become a role model for other States with regard to transparency and accountability. Besides, infusing confidence among the people that this government was here to deliver. “Government means business and transparency,” he said.

Speaking his mind, Mr. Jagan stressed on the respecting the political leadership and need to take the MLAs into confidence. The official should not forget that they were elected by the people, and they represent the people. The MLAs played key role in ensuring effective implementation of decisions and programmes. The MLAs (Legislature) and officials (Executive) were like two eyes of governance. The functioning would be faultless if there was a clarity and conviction as the bureaucrats were the vehicles to deliver the government schemes to the people. The mandate in the recent elections reflected the will and aspirations of the people to change the status quo and seek a better life for themselves, he said.

“But, it doesn't mean that you should turn blind eye to, or compromise on corruption, looting and illegal activity. However big he may be. Say no to illegal activity. Say no to gambling. Say no to corruption. Say no to looting,” he asserted, adding, “transparency and zero tolerance towards corruption are the watchwords and service motto should be absorbed in the hierarchy which should percolate down the line to the masses.”

There would be zero tolerance towards corruption and any proposal coming from anyone which is outside the legal framework should be turned down. Corruption at any level would not be tolerated and the Call Centre at Chief Minister’s Office would act on any complaint on part of the volunteers, he said.

Hinting at a review of all contracts where irregularities allegedly took place, he said the process of reverse tendering would be taken up and the prequalification would be eased and works would be reallocated to eligible people and companies that quote lesser amount which would be again deposited to the exchequer.

“I have requested the High Court Chief Justice to assign a Judge, and all high-value tenders exceeding ₹100 crore would go to him and the details would be placed for scrutiny on public domain for one week and we will follow the directions of the Judge,” he said.

Deputy Chief Minister (Revenue) Pilli Subhash Chandrabose, Finance Minister Buggana Rajendranath Reddy, Chief Secretary L.V. Subrahmanyam, CCLA Manmohan Singh also spoke.