Rayalaseema to be turned into green energy hub: CM

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday announced plans to make Rayalaseema a green energy hub, promising multiple benefits for the people of Andhra Pradesh.
Speaking at the ‘Pedala Sevalo’ (In Service of the Poor) programme at Putchakayalamada village of Pattikonda Assembly segment in  Kurnool district, he said the region would be equipped with facilities to generate solar and wind power, providing employment opportunities for the youth.
The Chief Minister also assured that irrigation water will be supplied to every acre in the region by completing all pending projects swiftly. He further promised to take steps towards establishing a High Court bench in Kurnool.
“As part of the Super Six schemes, free cooking gas cylinders will be provided from Deepavali,” Naidu said. During the programme, he distributed pensions to beneficiaries, visiting homes and checking on the welfare of pensioners.
Referring to the NTR Bharosa scheme, the CM noted that Rs 4,000 is being provided to each pensioner every month, recalling that the late N T Rama Rao initially introduced the scheme with a Rs 35 pension.
He assured that pensions will continue to be distributed on the 1st of every month, alongside the salaries of government employees.
The Chief Minister highlighted the opening of 175 Anna Canteens across the state and the setting up of skill census centres to create employment opportunities for the youth. He pledged to take Andhra Pradesh on a progressive path similar to the development of Hyderabad during his tenure as Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh.
Naidu expressed concern about the financial condition of the State, stating that when he assumed office, the State was burdened with a debt of Rs 10 lakh crore, with Rs 1 lakh crore being paid as interest every month. Despite these challenges, he promised to complete the Vedavathi, Guru Raghavendra, KC Canal, and Gundrevula projects on time to supply water to every acre in Rayalaseema.
The Chief Minister also announced a 90 per cent subsidy for drip irrigation and plans to conduct a test in December to fill 16,347 posts through DSC. He shared plans to create 20 lakh jobs for the youth by providing training in various fields of interest.
Additionally, Naidu said a national highway will be constructed from Kurnool to Bellary, and Orvakallu will be developed as an industrial hub. He mentioned that a new excise policy has curbed the supply of spurious liquor and that initiatives under the ‘Swarnandhra@2047’ plan are underway to position Andhra Pradesh as a leading state in the country.
Finally, the Chief Minister assured that houses will be provided to those without homes, and small-scale industries will be promoted in Rayalaseema.