Explore ways to draw maximum Central funds: CM to officials

Amaravati: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu suggested officials to prepare a report explaining the possibilities of drawing maximum funds from Union Budget. The Chief Minister said that as the Centre did not make separate allocations to Andhra Pradesh, the officials have to prepare action plan on how to draw and utilise maximum funds through various Central schemes.

Addressing officials through teleconference on Monday, the Chief Minister asked senior officials to prepare department-wise action plan on utilisation of Central funds. When the officials informed the Chief Minister that around Rs 65,000 crore could be available under MGNREGS scheme in the present budget (nation-wide), the Chief Minister suggested them to prepare action plan to draw at least Rs 7,000 crore to Andhra Pradesh under the scheme.

He told them to make efforts to increase working days under the scheme to 23 crore and the material component should not exceed 40 per cent of total funds. He asked them to maintain records perfectly and ensure timely payments to workers.

Chief Minister said that as the Centre allocated Rs 10,000 crore for achieving white and green revolution in the country, dairy and aquaculture farmers in the state to utilise the opportunity to improve the infrastructure in those sectors.

He further suggested officials to focus on preparation of action plan for the next khariff season. “We have to prepare a detailed action plan on variety of crops that could be cultivated in the next kariff season. As there might not be much increase in the minimum support price to paddy,   officials need to create awareness among the farming community on which crops could be profitable for the next season,” he said.  

Secretary for agriculture department Rajasekhar informed the Chief Minister that there oil seeds and pulses could get good price. Chandrababu Naidu suggested them to encourage nature farming which would help to decrease the utilisation of pesticides and fertilisers.

He also directed Housing department officials to take steps to begin housing construction under 2017-18 and 2018-19 and ensure completion of NTR Rural housing for 2016-17 as only 56 per cent of houses were completed so far.

Naidu further directed officials to release monthly health bulletin for every Gram Panchayat to create awareness among the people on seasonal deceases, obesity and nutrition related issues. Rural Development secretary Jawahar Reddy, Panchayat Raj Commissioner Ramanjaneyulu, district collectors and other officials participated in the teleconference.