Capital decentralisation, only solution to remove disparities: YS Jagan

VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy on Monday used the Independence Day ceremony platform here to reveal his intentions on the contentious three capitals issue of the state.

Delivering his speech at the parade on the occasion of India's 76th Independence Day at the Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium here, he did not make a direct reference to the issue but dropped strong hints on his intent over it.

He said that it was the policy of his Government to have decentralised administration at the capital level.

"Decentralisation of the capital is the only solution to remove regional disparities and fulfill the aspirations of the people. The same principle was followed in the increase in the number of districts in the state, as part of decentralisation," the Chief Minister stated.

He also said that his Government had ushered revolutionary changes in the last three years with commitment to welfare and development as the bottomline.

Earlier, the Chief Minister hoisted the National Flag to mark the 76th Independence Day. He also presented various medals to police and other personnel on this occasion. Andhra Pradesh DGP KV Rajendranath Reddy, who bagged the Indian Police Medal, was among the recipients.

YS Jagan said that decentralization of development and laying a strong foundation for a better future for the generations to come has been the policy of his Government. He spoke about the basket of welfare schemes that his regime is implementing and the policies being adopted in the last three years.

The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister expressed happiness about the effective implementation of the welfare schemes, saying that it was exceeding their expectations. Continued commitment to women empowerment, social justice and reforms in the health and medical sectors besides taking governance to the doorstep of every household through a robust village and ward secretariat system are the goals of his government, he said.

"Our Tricolour symbolises the sacrifices of our great freedom fighters in their struggle for independence," said the Chief Minister while recalling their acts of selflessness that paved the way for nation-building.

He further said: "Ours is a government that views the money spent on welfare more as an investment for a bright future". Defending his welfare policy, YS Jagan said that the various welfare schemes of his government – Amma Vodi, YSR Rythu Bharosa, Jagananna Vidya Deevena, Vidya Vasati, Goru Muddha, Vidya Kanuka, Cheyutha, Asara, Sampoorna Poshana and others – were all benefiting the marginalized sections like the SCs, STs, BCs and Minorities.

The Chief Minister said that he had doubled the number of districts to 26, and spent around Rs 1.26 lakh crores on farmer welfare. As a result, the foodgrain production in the state has increased to an annual average of 16 lakh tonnes in the past three years, he added. The Government has also spent liberally in education and medical sectors while 31 lakh houses were allocated which will be given in the name of the woman of the household to ensure social security, he said.

AP Assembly Speaker Tammineni Sitaram, Legislative Council Chairman Moshen Raju, ministers, legislators and officials besides other dignitaries took part in the event.