Chief Minister Naidu Announces Surprise Inspections to Improve Public Services in Andhra Pradesh
In a significant move to enhance governance, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu declared on Monday that he will conduct surprise inspections across the state starting in April. These inspections aim to rigorously assess the delivery of public services, with officials being cautioned to address any shortcomings promptly where services are found inadequate.
Major Housing Initiative Launched in Tirupati District
Addressing a public gathering after inaugurating housing projects and participating in housewarming ceremonies in Naidupeta, Tirupati district, Naidu emphasized that governance will be continuously refined based on direct public feedback. During the event, he officially handed over a total of 2,50,983 houses constructed under the TIDCO and PMAY schemes at more than 30 locations statewide. Notably, 15,659 of these houses were completed specifically within Tirupati district.
Naidu personally inspected G+3 TIDCO housing complexes in Puduru near Naidupeta, which feature comprehensive amenities including internal roads, parks, walking tracks, anganwadi centres, and schools. He later joined beneficiaries in celebratory housewarming ceremonies, directing officials to install rooftop solar panels under the PM Surya Ghar scheme for every house and provide energy-efficient appliances. This initiative follows a state agreement with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency to promote sustainable living.
Ambitious Housing Targets and Allegations Against Previous Government
The Chief Minister announced ambitious plans to complete and hand over an additional 4.5 lakh houses by the end of this year, with housewarming ceremonies scheduled for June and September. He highlighted that since the alliance government assumed power 21 months ago, 5.5 lakh houses have been built and distributed. Reiterating the government's commitment, Naidu stated the objective is to ensure no homeless poor remain in Andhra Pradesh by 2029, requiring the construction of over 17 lakh houses.
In a pointed critique, Naidu compared housing achievements, noting that 8.19 lakh houses were completed between 2014 and 2019, whereas only 6.5 lakh houses were built during the previous government's five-year tenure. He alleged that the YSRCP regime dismantled established systems, diverted housing funds, and attempted construction in non-habitable areas such as graveyards, streams, and marshy lands. This mismanagement reportedly led to the misuse of ₹3,109 crore in public funds.
Furthermore, Naidu claimed that ₹174 crore paid by beneficiaries was diverted, announcing that refunds are currently being issued to 22,000 affected individuals as part of corrective measures.
Record Welfare Disbursements and Support for Key Sectors
Highlighting March as a record month for welfare initiatives, Naidu disclosed that pensions worth nearly ₹60,000 crore have been disbursed over the past 21 months. Additional welfare measures include ₹2,676 crore credited to 47 lakh farmers under the Annadata Sukhibhava scheme, a job calendar with 10,060 posts issued for unemployed youth, and free RTC bus travel extended to 12.76 lakh persons with disabilities.
On fisheries, the Chief Minister announced steps to curb the entry of fishermen from neighbouring states into Andhra Pradesh waters. He confirmed the deployment of two patrol boats for the Nellore coast, with more to be arranged if necessary. Additionally, the fishing ban allowance has been increased to ₹20,000, with ₹259 crore already credited to 1.29 lakh fishermen's families to support their livelihoods.
These announcements underscore the government's multifaceted approach to improving public services, housing, and welfare across Andhra Pradesh, with a strong focus on accountability and sustainable development.
