Dr. Rajiv Kumar, the Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, on the 13th of September, met Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh (AP.)
Mr. Kumar arrived in Amaravati on the morning of the 13th of September and met Mr. Jagan. During the meeting, both of them discussed about the implementation of the NITI Aayog scheme in the State.
Mr. Reddy also spoke about the development of AP and said after the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh into Telangana and AP, the Central Government promised to help in the development of AP. After the bifurcation, the majority of Information Technology (IT) sectors and industries fell under Telangana, whereas only 2 % of the developed IT sector was given to AP.
Jagan Mohan Reddy said, “Our priority areas are education, healthcare, and inclusive growth. As the state revenues, central devolution and fiscal deficit cannot be increased or changed, it is only the Central grant that we can expect to be more liberal.”
L.V. Subrahmanyam, the General Secretary of Andhra Pradesh (AP,) who was also present during the meeting, said, “NITI Aayog alone can cooperate Andhra Pradesh which is suffering losses after bifurcation. 15th Finance Commission and NITI Aayog should liberally help the State. The Centre is planning to achieve a $ 5 trillion economy. The State will also be a part of achieving that target if the Centre gives a helping hand.”
Appreciating the efforts of the State Government, Rajiv Kumar said the Central Government will help in every possible way for the development of Andhra Pradesh. He said, “The State should take initiative on banning single use plastic. We are in favour of encouraging zero budget natural farming. What I observe is that the revenue deficit of the state is a matter of concern. Non budget expenses are high. The State Government should focus on investments and public debts. We are ready to work with the State Government.”
Buggana Rajendranath Reddy, the Finance Minister of AP, as well as other officials of the various departments of the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) attended the meeting.
After the meeting with Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, Rajiv Kumar visited the zero budget natural farming fields in Amaravati.
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