Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to create level playing field for Andhra Pradesh and support the State in terms of economic resources and policy decisions.
Addressing a press conference at Delhi at the end of his two-day trip to the national capital, Mr. Naidu said he had explained to the Prime Minister how infrastructure, institutions, universities and others were developed in Hyderabad over a period of time leading to economic growth. He said the Prime Minister was urged to show ways for Andhra Pradesh to get revenues.
The Chief Minister recalled that Special Category Status, special industrial incentives, special development package for Rayalaseema and north coastal districts were among the assurances contained in the Andhra Pradesh State Reorganisation Act. During his meeting with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, he pointed out that the Act was brought out by his ministry and wanted it to monitor the implementation of all assurances.
‘Deficit finance balancing’Mr. Naidu took up the issue of financing of the State’s budget deficit by the Centre for this year with Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. He wanted Mr. Jaitley to take up with the 14 Finance Commission on “deficit finance balancing” for coming years.
Giving an account of his interaction with Union Minister for Law and IT, Ravi Shankar Prasad, he said the issue of broadband connectivity was discussed. Mr. Naidu said he wanted to make Andhra Pradesh the top State in “digital India.” He discussed “100 per cent grid connectivity” with Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
During his meeting with Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, Mr. Naidu discussed the need to evolve a policy for setting up mega food parks. He also sought Centre’s assistance for agro-processing units. The Chief Minister urged Union Minister for Water Resources, Uma Bharti to immediately provide funds for the Polavaram project and ensure that it was completed in four years. The Water Resources Ministry’s help was also sought in drought-proofing the State.
New excise policy soonHe said proposals were submitted to Union Minister for Rural Development, Shipping and Transport Nitin Gadkari on rural development, ports development and roads development. Plans were afoot to connect Rayalaseema to Chennai, Krishnapatnam, Vijayawada, Bangalore and Hyderabad.
Replying to a question on the new capital, he said it would be centrally located and not in a remote place.
The Chief Minister announced that a new excise policy would announced soon as the State Government would like to follow the Tamil Nadu pattern.
