AP to set up development boards for 3 regions

The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to set up regional development boards for three regions -- Telangana, Rayalaseema and coastal Andhra.

In his marathon address to the State Legislative Assembly on the opening day of the Budget session on Monday, Governor Rameshwar Thakur said, "My government is fully committed not only to balanced regional development, but also for development in all the districts. My government proposes to appoint regional development boards to address these issues."

Without mentioning the Telangana issue, the governor said, "The Directive Principles of the State policy enshrined in Chapter IV of the Constitution mandate, inter alia, that the government shall endeavour to achieve regional balanced development. In spite of all the care that the successive governments have taken, there still exists a feeling among some sections of people that some regions have remained less developed than other regions. We are also aware that within the same district also, there are vacancies in the levels of development and growth."

Referring to the Naxalite issue, the governor said that the law and order situation in the state has been more than satisfactory. Operational successes achieved by security forces have also been notable.

"The three-decade-long issue of Left wing extremism is being tackled by my government with great care and diligence. The state has been tackling the problem both from the socio-economic and law and order perspective," he pointed out.

The governor said that several ameliorative steps have been initiated by creating a new department called Remote and Interior Areas Development Department in order to coordinate the key developmental activities in interior areas.

"The emphasis is to build up infrastructure and provide employment to all employable youth. The issue is also being effectively handled from the law and order point of view by weaning the youth away from the extremist path. A proactive surrender and rehabilitation policy for Naxalites, coupled with a reassurance policy, demonstrates a humane approach towards repentant Naxalites and their victims alike," he added.

Stating that development, welfare and good governance are the main focus areas of the government, Thakur said, "We are passing through a historical juncture. The economy is robust and accelerating. After the last general elections in 2004, we have successfully conducted elections to municipalities in 2005 and to panchayats and other local bodies in 2006, thus not only complying with the constitutional obligation, but also in the process fulfilling Mahatma Gandhi's dream of Gram Swaraj."

Pointing out that in a larger sense, political freedom that does not lead to economic freedom and emancipation of the poor would not long endure, he said, "On this momentous occasion, when the nation is gratefully remembering the sacrifices of all those who laid down their lives in the First War of Independence, may I assure the people of my government's commitment to reforms with a human face for achieving growth with equity."