Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu met with several key Union ministers in Delhi on Friday as part of his official tour. Among those he engaged with were Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Health and Chemical & Fertilisers Minister JP Nadda.
The Chief Minister brought multiple issues pertinent to their respective ministries to their attention and discussed mechanisms for effective coordination for timely intervention and action from the Government of India.
In his meeting with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, CM Chandrababu Naidu emphasised the need for short-term financial support from the Government of India until Andhra Pradesh’s finances improve. He requested additional borrowing space to meet the accrued debt service obligations post-bifurcation. Additionally, he advocated for a 90% grant component in Central Government schemes for sectors like micro-irrigation, drinking water, irrigation, and horticulture in the Rayalaseema, Prakasam, and North Coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the need for industrial incentives for the backward regions of Andhra Pradesh as per the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act. He sought early approval of funds for the completion of the Polavaram National Irrigation Project and assistance for the development of the capital city, Amaravati.
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Moreover, incentives for industrial development and necessary infrastructure for four identified industrial nodes were also discussed.
During his meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, CM Chandrababu Naidu proposed the creation of a defence industry ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh to boost the state’s industrial growth.
In discussions with Health Minister JP Nadda, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of upgrading health infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh.
While meeting with B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, CM Chandrababu Naidu sought close collaboration with the NITI Aayog in formulating and implementing a comprehensive development plan for Andhra Pradesh in the coming years. This includes the comprehensive development of the coastal belt with a specific focus on Visakhapatnam and the north coastal regions and the development of Hindupur as a mega industrial hub between Chennai and Bengaluru. He also requested a study to examine the potential of the Blue Economy and coordinate with various GoI agencies and ministries to develop an action plan.
The Chief Minister also met with senior leaders of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), as well as potential investors, to explore growth and development opportunities for Andhra Pradesh. These meetings were deemed productive and insightful, paving the way for future collaborations and progress, and ensuring a bright future for the state of Andhra Pradesh
