Cash-strapped Jagan looking for more revenue sources

HYDERABAD: The Andhra Pradesh government, which has been implementing a basket of welfare schemes even in a time of financial crunch, is now focusing on more sources of income. This came to the light during a review meeting Chief Minister YS Jaganamohan Reddy held on Monday with officials of key departments that earn good revenue for the state.

He gave some important directions on this occasion, asking the officials to explore newer initiatives that can generate additional income to the state. He also wanted them to study the methods and policies being implemented by other States to increase their State Own Revenue (SOR).

Jagan asked officials of the departments concerned to regularly review the progress on the issue. Jagan said that Collectors were active in bringing revenue to the government. He also said that the officials should follow the strict SOPs while using their discretionary powers to increase revenue.

The Chief Minister also asked the officials to ensure that transparency was maintained in collecting the taxes and timely redressal was provided to the complaints of taxpayers.

Reviewing the excise department, Jagan asked the officials to curb the illegal trafficking and manufacturing of liquor and said that the women police should play an important role in this task. He also advised the sub-registrar officials to identify government offices where there was the possibility of corruption. The sub-registrar's office should have proper coordination with MRO, MDO, RDO, collector's offices to achieve this, he said.

Posters by Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) should also be displayed as a deterrence measure. About the Agri Gold victims, the Chief Minister ordered that all kinds of disputes should be resolved quickly.

Officials from various departments and ministers concerned attended the review meeting.