RPBs urged to focus on regional problems instead of taking uniform approach: Sri Krishna Devaraya University

Anantapur: Former Vice-Chancellor of Sri Krishna Devaraya University K Rama Krishna Reddy said that Regional Planning Boards (RPBs)should focus in droughts in Rayalaseema region, floods in Godavari districts, cyclones in coastal districts and Tribal development in North Andhra regions.

In a report sent to the Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, he appealed to make Regional Development Boards active. Giving details of the letter to The Hans India, he said that the differences in economic growth and development among these four regions are due to many factors like agriculture, industries, education, climate, health care, irrigation, rainfall etc.

Agriculture cropping pattern is different from region to region, irrigation facilities also vastly differ, use of fertilisers also differ and rain fall also differ. Rainfall in Rayalaseema Districts is lowest in the Country.

Tank irrigation is a major system in Anantapur and Chittoor districts. Canal irrigation is popular in coastal districts. Minor irrigation is main in Rayalaseema and north Andhra districts and major irrigation is main system of irrigation in coastal district. Hence planning in water management should be regional oriented than uniform approach.

Regional planning also helps to diversify service sector. This is possible through strengthening education sector. Skill development and skill diversification should be focused in the universities. Courses in the educational institutions should be developed based on the needs of the local, national and international demand.

Establishment of four Regional Planning Boards in AP is a step forward for better governance. Regional planning is not a new idea, it was there in some of states of India. Now government of A P planned to establish four regional planning boards. Regional Planning Boards also help to reduce inequality in the four regions of AP, he opined.