Vijayawada: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday backed the austerity measures suggested by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, appealing to citizens to spend responsibly and adhere to national discipline. He warned that the economic repercussions of the West Asia crisis could exert severe pressure on India's fuel imports, foreign exchange reserves, and overall financial stability. Naidu announced that the Andhra Pradesh government will unveil its own action plan within two days to implement similar measures across various departments and public institutions.
Call for National Responsibility
Addressing a gathering after laying the foundation for the Bollineni Institute of Skill, Education and Research (Biser-Kims Medical College and University) in the capital city Amaravati, the Chief Minister emphasized that every citizen should adopt a 'my nation, my responsibility' mindset. He urged people to be prepared for temporary inconvenience in the larger economic interests of the country. Naidu stressed that reducing avoidable expenditure and conserving resources have become a national necessity given the prevailing global situation.
Fuel Conservation as a Mass Movement
Naidu said fuel conservation should become a mass movement, as excessive consumption of petrol and diesel directly increases pressure on foreign exchange reserves. He encouraged behavioral changes, noting that work-from-home has emerged as a practical and efficient alternative. He advocated for promoting remote work wherever possible to reduce commuting and fuel usage. The state government, he added, is also examining similar practices within its departments.
Leading by Example
Public representatives and officials, according to Naidu, should lead by example by reducing the size of vehicle convoys, limiting unnecessary movement, and rationalizing security arrangements wherever feasible. He also advised people to avoid non-essential foreign travel and instead encourage domestic tourism. Stating that India and Andhra Pradesh possess world-class tourist destinations, Naidu said spending within the country would strengthen the domestic economy and create employment opportunities.
Gold Imports and Economic Discipline
Referring to the Prime Minister's suggestion on gold purchases, the Chief Minister said excessive gold imports place heavy pressure on foreign exchange reserves. He urged people to exercise restraint during economically sensitive periods.
Development of Amaravati and Visakhapatnam
Naidu said Amaravati is being developed not merely as an administrative capital but as a global hub for education, healthcare, technology, and employment generation. Institutions such as KIMS hospital and Biser Skill University will transform the capital region into a major center for medical services, skill development, and innovation.
He further said Visakhapatnam is being promoted as another world-class global city parallel to Amaravati, with a focus on information technology, port-led development, tourism, fintech, data centers, and international investments. The government's objective is to create multiple economic growth engines across the state rather than concentrating development in one region alone.
Transformation of Rayalaseema
Naidu added that Rayalaseema will be transformed into 'Ratnala Seema' through large-scale industrialization and infrastructure expansion. The region will witness major investments in manufacturing, renewable energy, electronics, automobile components, food processing, and mineral-based industries.
