Amaravati, Mar 11 (TNT): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, on Wednesday directed district collectors to focus more on farmers’ welfare and strengthen implementation of development programmes across the State.
Addressing the sixth Collectors’ Conference at the Secretariat here, Naidu proposed the establishment of an Indian School of Agriculture (ISA), on the lines of the Indian School of Business (ISB), to address issues in the agricultural sector and provide AI-based agritech services to farmers.
The CM announced that water for the kharif season would be released on May 15 and that 2.5 lakh houses would be inaugurated as part of a house-warming programme during Ugadi.
He also said a free bus travel facility for the physically challenged would be introduced under the name Indradhanassu.
The Chief Minister said the State aims to become a land dispute-free State by 2027, adding that a special programme would be held on the 9th of every month in all districts to resolve land-related issues. Land records will be uploaded on a digital portal using blockchain technology and QR codes for pattadar passbooks to make them tamper-proof.
Naidu said 614 TMC of water is available in reservoirs across the State and groundwater levels have risen to 8.10 metres. He directed collectors to implement a 90-day water conservation programme from April 1, including desilting of water bodies.
Stressing that there would be no compromise on law and order, the Chief Minister asked collectors to act firmly against violations.
Referring to incidents such as diarrhoea cases in Srikakulam, adulterated milk deaths in Rajahmundry, and a firecracker unit mishap in Vetlapalem, he said strict monitoring was necessary.
He also stressed the need to provide drinking water connections to every household within two years and ensure internet connectivity through Fibre Grid within three years.
Collectors were advised to leverage technology and artificial intelligence to improve governance and promote digital literacy for effective use of WhatsApp governance.
The Chief Minister further asked officials to explore alternative markets for agricultural produce in view of global disruptions and to ensure the safety of NRIs from the State.
TNT KM
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