The State government will reorient its functioning and administration with the concept ‘People First’ from June 1, a day before the appointed day, which is being observed as nava nirmana deeksha (vow for reconstruction) to mark the formation of Andhra Pradesh. The government intends to connect with the people, win their confidence and improve satisfaction levels with the concept.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said this at the inaugural session of the two-day collectors’ conference here on Thursday. The government was observing the deeeksha on June 2 and maha sankalpam on June 8, a week-long campaign to inspire people to contribute their mite to the overall development of the State. “From June 1, the ‘People First’ is our motto and goal,” he said.
Outlining the progress, development and achievements made since 2014, Mr. Naidu said Andhra Pradesh stood ahead of other States and achieved double digit growth during the last 35 months, if 2014 was taken as the base year. The growth rate was more than that of the national average. It was ahead of other States in regard to Happiness Index too.
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Notwithstanding these achievements, A.P. had to improve a lot on primary education, health, drinking water, and road network. Indeed it was a worry that the public perception of the government and their satisfaction levels were low. It was primarily due to deliberate attempts made by some vested interest groups to scuttle the government’s noble objectives such as biometric system in fair price shops. Also, the government machinery miserably failed to popularise the welfare schemes and developmental works. On the top, corruption among the employees and officials was tarnishing the government’s image. A small village (Mori) in East Godavari district turned smart using digital tools, real-time information and uninterrupted Internet connectivity. Still the satisfaction level was low among the villagers.
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“Do you know why? Merely it is due to corruption. A woman pointed out that the officials were not issuing pattadar passbook without bribe,” he explained.
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Keeping it in mind, the government vowed to adopt zero tolerance to corruption. The people can call 1100 to lodge complaints, grievances and suggestions on government schemes. About 750 people would be working at the call centre, 1100, which is aimed at increasing accountability and root out corruption. Real-time governance would be implemented in all departments.
Deputy Chief Minister K.E. Krishnamurthy, Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu, Chief Secretary Dinesh Kumar, CCLA AK Puneta and others spoke.