Chapter — 6

POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES OF

TELUGU DESAM PARTY
 In this chapter an attempt is made to analyze the ideology and the socio and
economic programmes of the Telugu Desam Party since it came into existence. A
political ideology is a certain ethical set of ideals, principles, doctrines, myths or
symbols of a social movement, institution, class or large group that explains how
society should work, and offers some political and cultural blueprint for a certain social
order and harmonious living of stake holders. A political ideology largely concerns
itself with how to allocate power and to what ends it should be used.

Policies and Programmes

o
during
o
NTR’s regime
o

Soon after taking the reins of the government, the Telugu Desam Party
Government contemplated to introduce schemes which are beneficial to the
downtrodden sections of society. The following are the major schemes designed and
implemented by Telugu Desam Government during NTR’s era.

15 Point Programme
The 15-point ‘Pragati Patham’ announced by TDP under the stewardship of
NTR in AP on March 1, 1983 intends to impart greater dynamism to some of the key
social and economic programmes. It promises to lead the weaker sections towards new
frontiers of progress. It provides a new thrust to the basic philosophy of welfare and
lays a firm foundation to elevate the lives of 40% of the population above the poverty
line.
The 15-point socio-economic programme has been designed to suit to the
requirements of people and is aimed at giving a practical shape to the new dimension
given to plan priorities beginning with the annual plan for 1983-84. The programme has
been acclaimed as a New Deal for the weaker sections and a comprehensive charter of
action in key areas of development.
The programme has a predominant rural bias. As many as 12 out of 15 points,
directly or indirectly, are for the rural sector. It is significant for its frontal attack on
the citadels of poverty in rural Andhra. It focuses more sharply and directly on the
amelioration of the living conditions of the vulnerable sections such as Scheduled
Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes, small and marginal farmers, bonded
labourers, agricultural labourers, artisans, women and children. Point wise details of the
programme are presented in the following pages.

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Pont No.l Supply of drinking water to all people in rural as well as urban areas
The Telugu Desam government was bent upon providing basic needs to the
people, particularly the weaker sections. Since the time immemorial Rayalaseema in
Andhra Pradesh has been suffering from acute drinking water problem. The same is
the case with the Telangana region.
As such TDP government has sanctioned Rs.300 lakhs to all the District
Collectors for tiding over the drinking water scarcity in rural areas where adverse
seasonal conditions prevail.1

Water Supply to the twin cities (Hyderabad & Secunderabad)

The failure of the monsoon in early 1980s has miserably crippled water supply
in the twin cities. The government had taken immediate steps for regulating water
distribution in the twin cities and an amount of Rs.3 crores had been spent for taking up
many emergency measures, including drilling of bore wells and supply of water by
lorries.

Point No.2 Supply of Nutritious Food to School Children

The special nutritious programme was originally launched in 1970-71 by the
Congress (I) Government. It aimed at providing supplementary nutritious food to
children below 6 years so that the existing nutritious gap could be bridged.
There were many drawbacks in the implementation of the scheme during
Congress rule. The immediate predecessor and the Congress Chief Minister, K.Vijaya
Bhaskara Reddy changed the nutritious food programme launched in 1970-71 to the
mid-day meal programme and introduced it in 1983 as an election gimmick. As he
tried to implement it in a hasty manner, it was fraught with many loopholes in the
scheme and hence it was a big failure. The Telugu Desam government had evolved a
scientific system to implement it effectively and successfully.
As such the TDP Government modified the scheme in February 1983 with the
supply of bun and milk. Rice and Sambar replaced bun and milk from April, 1983 and
was given only in primary schools run by the Government and the local bodies and was
limited to children of SCs, STs, BCs and other children whose parents’ annual income
was Rs.3000 and less.2

Supplying of prepared food i.e., tamarind bath, kitchidi and sweet pongal
processed at the RTE Food Factory, Hyderabad, was introduced in some blocks of west

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Godavari, Kumool and Nalgonda districts in July 1984 on an experimental basis. The
schemes were temporarily suspended due to various reasons.

Point.3 Supply of Rice to the Poor at Rs.2 per Kilo

Andhra Pradesh is traditionally called the granary of the South. In spite of it,
the people of Andhra Pradesh have to purchase rice in the open market at a higher rate.
This makes the poor at large to suffer much and are denied even two square meals a
day.
In the light of above conditions, The Telugu Desam Government under the
dynamic leadership of N.T.Rama Rao introduced the revolutionary scheme of
supplying rice to the poor at the subsidized price of Rs.2 per kg soon after assuming
office in January 1983. The Government took this decision as it was realized that
unless the basic needs of the people were met, the concept of welfare state could not be
realized in its proper sense.

Point No.4 Programme to improve the lot of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes
and Backward Classes under various schemes

The Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward sections of the

community have suffered a lot since time immemorial. They suffered from social and
economic backwardness and hence their lot requires a considerable improvement. The
major thrust of the Telugu Desam Party was to ameliorate the conditions of the
backward classes.
The state government under the leadership of N.T.Rama Rao had declared
several concessions to BCs, STs and other sections of the community under ‘Pragati
PathanT to improve the living conditions of the vulnerable sections of the community.3

Point No.5 Provision of house sites to the poor (Telugu Gruhasraya Pathakam)
With the advent of concepts like welfare state, the Modem Governments have
undertaken many welfare measures for the people. Among the basic needs after food
and clothing, shelter occupies an important place in human life. So the Telugu Desam
Party Government implemented three types of housing schemes.4

1) Permanent houses in rural areas at cost of Rs.6000 each.

2) Semi-permanent houses in rural areas at Rs.3000 each.
3) Permanent houses in urban areas at Rs.9000 each.

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Point No.6 Providing better living conditions in urban areas through slum
improvement programmes

This is a unique programme of the Telugu Desam Party which is different from
the previous programmes. The Telugu Desam Government has evolved a programme
called ‘Vimukti’ for rural sanitation, for the construction of individual and community
latrines in selected Gram Panchayats. One of the schemes under this programme is the
conversion of dry latrines into ‘water-seal poor flush sanitary latrines.’ To abolish the
practice of human handling of night soil, a scheme has been formulated for the
conversion of dry latrines into water seal poor flush latrines in towns.

Point No.7 Helping farmers through medium irrigation schemes, rural

electrification for energizing pump sets, biogas units and supply of
quality seeds and fertilizers

Andhra Pradesh being mainly an agricultural state and fanners being the
backbone of the country, the interests of the farmers had naturally been of utmost
importance to the government. Farmers had been ensured of remunerative prices for
their produce. The support prices of different crops fixed by the State Government are
far higher than those announced by the Centre.5 Under Pragati patham, supply of

agricultural inputs to farmers was also under taken.

Pont No.8 Improving the lot of rural artisans through cottage and small scale
industries

Telugu Desam believed in assigning an important role to the cottage and small-
scale industries in Indian economy.
Telugu Desam Party pledged to follow a policy of decentralized
industrialisation with dispersal of industries in rural areas. This facilitated the
utilization of local skill and raw materials while arresting the influx of youth to urban
areas. Revival of cottage and small scale industries would also provide an opportunity
for utilizing productivity of the considerable number of skilled artisans and craftsmen
scattered all over the country, by providing additional training facilities. Such trained
manpower can be pressed into small-scale industries with an appropriate intermediate
technology for promoting rural industry as a production adjunct to agriculture.

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Point No,9 Programme to benefit women
The Telugu Desam Government is bent upon securing a due place for women in
the society. Women welfare activity had received greater attention than ever before
under the Telugu Desam Party rule. Sri Padmavathi Mahila Viswavidyalayam
established at Tirupati is a land mark in the history of the state.
The then TDP State Government reserved 33% of the jobs in public services for
women to enable them to achieve economic independence. Provision of at least one
women’s hostel in each district was proposed to benefit working women.
Women welfare centres called ‘Telugu Bala Mahila Pragati Pranganams’ were
established with the cost of 50 lakhs each in all districts of the state to provide training
in different crafts to widows and poor women to make them financially independent.
The articles manufactured by them are provided marketing facility by the Government.
Women who have passed Matriculation are given training in typewriting, shorthand
radio and T.V. servicing.6

Point No.10 Redressing people’s grievances speedily and effectively by

establishing public assistance and grievances bureau at all levels
of administration

Corruption is a rot that has been eating itself into the very vital of our society
and cannot be wiped out overnight. A significant beginning had really been made by
the Telugu Desam Party Government in Andhra Pradesh to stem this rot at an early
date.
The immediate effort of Telugu Desam Party on the assumption of office was to
provide a clean and efficient administration to the state. In order to achieve the end, a
number of measures were initiated. As soon as the government was formed, a
‘Dharmamahamatra’ was appointed to deal with cases of corruption, and to advise the
government on the action to be taken on the misconduct of the public servants. The
institution of ‘Lokayukta’ came into existence on November 1st, 1983. Justice
A.Samabsiva Rao, a former Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh High Court was appointed
as the first ‘Lokayukta’. The Lokayukta dealt with complaints of misconduct against
ministers, legislators, chairman of Zilla Parishads and Mandal Panchayat, Statutory
Corporation, Heads of Co-operative departments and senior officers and so on. Further
grievances cells were set up in the districts and in the secretariat.

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Point No.ll Distribution of government land to the landless and helping them to
improve such land

The Congress Government started land reforms in the year 1961 to establish a
Socialistic pattern of society, but it failed to collect surplus land under the land ceiling
Act. Soon after assuming power the Telugu Desam Party began to thrust great
importance on the implementation of land reforms.
The Telugu Desam Party government had brought structural reforms in the land
relations to plug the loopholes in it. Speedy implementation of land reform measures
had received considerable attention after the announcement of the 15-point economic
programme by the government. A number of measures have been taken to strengthen
the Administrative and Judicial machinery to ensure time bound implementation.7

Point No.12 Providing momentum to rural development schemes to create durable

assets in rural areas on a large scale.

Successive Five Year Plans have emphasized the development of rural areas
which are predominantly populated by small and marginal farmers, agriculture
labourers and artisans. The Telugu Desam government under Pragati Patham launched
a major poverty removing programme. The IRDP (Integrated Rural Development
Programme) comes under this programme. Under the programme, small and marginal
farmers, agricultural labourers whose earnings are less than Rs.3500 per annum are to
be identified and necessary help is to be rendered.8

The diversified activities taken up under this programme are buffalo and cross
breed cow rearing social forestry, horticulture, poultry and dairy complexes and so on.
All these activities were organized to help the beneficiaries to cross the poverty line.

Point No. 13 Promotion of sports and youth welfare activities to channelise young
people’s energies for constructive purpose (construction of one
stadium in each district and launching of self-employment schemes
for youth)

The British system of education which is continuing in the educational

institutions is not providing bread and butter to the educated youth. As such the Telugu
Desam government wanted to change the system by giving it a vocational orientation
so that the youth could acquire competence to stand on their own legs when they come
out of the educational institutions, and education would become an effective instrument
of social reform and development. Funds to a tune of from 7 to 32 lakhs were allocated

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for youth services. The rural youth were provided more facilities for physical and
recreational activities. The aim of the government was to channelise youth
emergencies and involve the youth in welfare programmes.9

Point No.14 Special schemes to help toddy tappers, weavers, fishermen, rickshaw-
pullers, washermen, quarry workers and basket weavers

Development makes no sense unless it records demonstrable benefits to the

people, particularly the poorer sections. The Telugu Desam government is committed
to a process of development that is directly linked to the welfare of the people. The
progress of development and welfare programme had received the highest priority
under the Telugu Desam rule. A package of new welfare measures announced by the
Telugu Desam government included ‘own your Rickshaw’ scheme, supplying
necessary material for fishermen, supplying subsidised material to the weavers and so
on. Regarding the first scheme legislation eliminating cycle rickshaw owner and
conferring ownership on the actual cycle pullers had been made and one thousand
cycle-rickshaws per district had been allotted.10

Point No.15 Introduction of Telugu as official language at all levels of

administration

To restore Telugu language to its original prestige and to make it the Prime
language of the state, the government declared that it would be made the official
language at all levels from Ugadi 1983. The main objective in introducing Telugu as
an official language was that the Telugu culture should flower, the Telugu flag should
fly in the sky and the Telugu flag should feel happy seeing her children grow strong
and prosperous. The Telugu Desam Party government made it a policy to introduce
Telugu as the medium of instruction from primary level to research level. The
government also made an attempt to give incentive marks in recruitment for Telugu
knowing people but not implemented.11

Other policies and programmes

There are many more things yet to be achieved to secure the minimum needs of
the people of the state by overcoming built in handicaps like limited and inelastic
resources and a tradition-bound administration. But some firm and determined steps
were taken, first to provide succour to the suffering, and instill confidence in them that
the Government they voted to power was sincere and honest in solving their problems.

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It is necessary for a Government to take periodic stock of the situation, draw a balance
sheet and rededicate itself to the fulfillment of unfinished tasks.

Telugu Vastra Pradhana Vidhanani

Under this Janata Cloth Scheme, Green Card holders were supplied with a
handloom saree and a dhoti at a half the price, Government meet the difference amount
payable to the Andhra Pradesh Handloom Weavers Cooperation Society. This scheme
not only provided cloth to the poor but also tackles unemployment and
underemployment among the handloom weavers.12

Telugu Vyavasaya Karmika Sadara Samkshemam

Under the ‘Telugu Vyavasaya Karika Sadara Samkshemam, scheme introduced
in November, 1984, for landless agricultural labourers over 60 years old were given
monthly pensions of Rs.30 each. These pensions were sent by money orders direct to
the beneficiaries regularly every month, relieving the gruesome necessity of their going
11
to treasuries to collect the amount every month.

Telugu Vitantu Upadhi Kalpanam

To alleviate the misery and privation of poor widows who were left to their fate
without anyone to take care of them, the Government had decided rightly that some
relief had to be provided to them. Towards this objective the scheme ‘Telugu Vitantu
Upadhi Kalpanam’ had been launched. Every helpless poor widow was given a
monthly pension of Rs.50/- under this scheme.
Women constitute fifty per cent of the population. But they do not enjoy equal
rights in the ancestral property. This Government has initiated action and secured the
approval of the Assembly for a bill providing equal rights to daughters along with sons
as heirs.

Telugu Sramaka Swanta Rickshaw Pathakam

Under the ‘Telugu Sramaka Swanta Rickshaw Pathakam’ rickshaw pullers were
helped to have their own rickshaws by a combination of subsidy and loan.
Constitution of Finance Corporation for Minorities, a Directorate for the
Handicapped and Handloom Training-Cum-Service Centres are some of the other
important measures to promote welfare of the weaker sections.14

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Telugu Matrudevatha Samadaram
Generally pregnant agricultural women find it difficult to toil for the livelihood
before and immediately after child birth. With a view to help these poor women,
‘Telugu Matrudevatha Samadaram’ scheme has been sanctioned under which pregnant
women will receive monthly assistance.

Telugu Chiranjeevulu Sukheebhavam

Under the ‘Telugu Chiranjeevulu Sukheebhavam’ scheme, all children in I to V
standards are given health cards. A medical check-up is provided for once in six
months and free treatment is given to children who are found unhealthy. This scheme
was launched on October 2,1985, and benefits about 60 lakh school going children.

Srama Sakti
To get over the problems faced by the present cooperative movement and to
strengthen its foundations, a single-window system was conceived and is awaiting
central clearance in order to release the government from the clutches of the middlemen
and the contractors in it efforts to undertake construction work, ‘Srama Sakti’ has been
introduced for rural construction works. Under this system, labour will be employed
directly by the government or through cooperatives, middlemen are sought to be
eliminated.

Single Window Scheme

The rural Andhra Pradesh farmers are subjected to the exploitation of middle
men and brokers. To put an end to these exploitations the new TDP Government
formulated a revolutionary scheme of ‘Single Widow’ in 1983. But the Central
Government has given permission to implement this scheme only in 1986. Within six
months, after Central Government’s permission the State Government implemented this
scheme. By this scheme the government totally restructured the co-operatives in the
state. Under this scheme, the State Government reduced the number of Primary
Agriculture Co-operative Societies (PACS) from 6695 to 4564. In the same way it
abolished the then existing 27 Central Co-operative Banks and merged 218 Primary
Agriculture Development Banks with these Central Co-operative Banks. By this
scheme direct system of election to the offices of Co-operative Bank Chairman’s/
Presidents was introduced. Another noteworthy development of the scheme, is issuing
of voter identity cards to voters of Co-operative Societies. With the launching of
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‘Single Widow’ scheme the amount of agriculture credit increased from Rs.132.35
crores in 1982.83 by 1987-88. In order to save the farmers from the natural calamities,
the ‘Central Crop Insurance Scheme’ was started by Co-operative Central Banks from
1984-85.15

Schemes for the Welfare of Marginalised sections of society

For the well being and development of weaker sections of society the then TDP
government headed by N.T.Rama Rao introduced several new schemes and
strengthened the existing schemes.

Scheduled Castes Welfare

When N.T.Rama Rao became Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh the scheduled
caste population in the state is 79,62,000. They constitute 14.87 per cent of State
population. Around 70 per cent of SC people in the State are landless agricultural
labour. Nearly 17 per cent of them are small farmers, scavengers and cobblers. For the
all-round development of scheduled castes, the then TDP Government effectively
implemented three important schemes. They are;16

1. Special Component Plan.

2. Special Central Assistance Programme and’
3. Scheduled Caste Cooperative Finance Corporation.
For the implementation of these schemes the government enhanced budget
allocations for SC Welfare. The allocations for SC welfare during NTR’s regime are
given in the table-6.1.
Table-6.1
Allocations for SC Welfare during 1983-1988

s. Year Allocations No. of families benefited (in

No. (Rupees in crores) lakhs)
1 1983-84 129.63 2.70
2 1984-85 129.52 2.60
3 1985-86 166.30 2.88
4 1986-87 174.13 2.93
5 1987-88 203.48 3.01
Source: Commissioner, Information and Civil Supplies, Government of AP, 1989.

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 For the proper implementation of scheduled caste welfare programmes a state
committee under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister was formed. Besides this,
Districts Committees were formed under the Chairmanship of District Collectors.

Backward Class Welfare Schemes

NTR Government has taken special measures for the development and welfare
of Backward Classes. N.T.Rama Rao contemplated that education would enhance the
social, economic and political awareness of the people. As such he has given top
priority to the education of BCPS. The government sanctioned 100 new hostels for
BCs. Among them 40 hostels are allotted for girls. In the year 1987-88 three Ashram
schools were constructed for BCs. For the construction of these schools government
sanctioned Rs.1.15 crores in 1987-88.
From 1984-85 onwards the government enhanced the monthly amount for
hostel boarders from Rs.225 to Rs.275. Besides, this, the government also enhanced
the pocket amount for each hostel boarder from Rs.25 to Rs.40.
In the student managed BC hostels, the strength of boarders increased from six
to ten thousand in the state and because of this the government allotted Rs.93.10 lakhs
additionally.17

To save the rural artisans, the government has taken special steps. To mitigate
the problems of ‘Washermen’ (Rajakulu) the government has taken up the construction
of 618 ‘Dhobi Ghats’. The government spent an amount of Rs.239.50 lakhs during
1983-1988. For the construction of these ‘Dhobi Ghats’. The government sanctioned
Rs.95 lakhs for the purchase of Iron Box, Soaps, Cycles etc at the moderate rates of
interest.
For the welfare of fishermen, the government supplied Nylon nets, Motor boots
and other materials at subsidised rates. In the same way NTR’s government supplied
tools, to backward class artisans like carpenters, Goldsmiths, toddy workers etc at the
low rates of interest. Around 20 per cent of seats were reserved to the backward castes
in Panchayati Raj bodies. In this way the NTR’s government made hectic
arrangements for the well being of backward classes.

Welfare Programmes for Scheduled Tribes

According to 1981 census, the population of Scheduled Tribes in the state is 36,
76,000. For the well being of 78% of STs the State Government implemented the

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schemes like comprehensive Tribal Development Programme. Modified Scheduled
Area Development Agency (MADA), Primitive Tribal Development Programmes etc.
For the remaining 22 per cent the State Government strictly implemented Integrate
Rural Development Programme (IRDP). Besides the following specific programmes
were being implemented by NTR’s government for social, education and economic
upliftment of tribals.
1. Education: The literacy among Scheduled Tribes is very low in the state. As such
special emphasis is made by TDP Government for the educational upliftment of
STs. In addition to the then existing 447 Tribal schools, the new TDP government
decided to establish another 2050 schools in tribal areas. Around 115 tribal students
were joined in public schools of Begumpet and Ramantapur. In 1984-85 the
government established Ideal ashram Vocational Colleges.
2. Hostels: To encourage the tribal students for the attainment of education the then
NTRs Government managed 471 tribal hostels, out of which 120 hostels were
exclusive for tribal girls. Around 50 thousand boys and girls were accommodated in
those hostels.
3. AP Scheduled Tribe Finance Corporation: For the all round development of
Scheduled Tribes in the state, NTR’s Government made the ST Finance corporation
more and more effective. By this Finance Corporation the government supplied
agricultural pump sets, bullock carts, bullocks, agriculture implements, sheep, goats
at subsidized rates. By the end of February 1989 around 1,87,000 tribal families
were benefited by the corporation.18

Irrigation Schemes
To provide irrigation facilities to the drought prone Rayalaseema region and
underdeveloped Telangana region, the then Telugu Desam Government launched
various irrigation schemes. The most important among them are as follows:

1. Telugu Ganga
In order to extend irrigation facilities for Rayalaseema districts and to supply
drinking water to the Tamil people, the Telugu Ganga scheme was launched in April
1983. By this project around 2.35 lakhs hectares of land was expected to get irrigation
facilities. The budget estimates for the competition of the project is Rs.858 crores. For

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the construction of this project an amount of Rs.75 and Rs.100 crores were released
during 1985-86 and 1986-87 respectively.

2. Somasila Project
The Somasila Project was constructed across Penna River in Nellore district.
The project is supplying drinking water as well as irrigating lakhs of acres in Nellore
district since 1987.

3. Jurala Project
To irrigate the drought prone areas of MahaboobNagar district the then TDP
Government decided to construct Jurala Project across Krishna River in
MahaboobNagar district. During 1987-88 an amount of Rs.20 crores were allotted to
the project. But the environmental sanction by the Central Government to the
construction of project was pending up to 1989.

4. Srisailam Left Branch Canal (SLBC)

The works of SLBC started during NTR’s regime to supply drinking water to
fluorine affected areas of MahaboobNagar and Nalgonda districts. Besides the SLBC
is expected to irrigate 1.22 lakh hectares land in those two districts. The total financial
estimation for the project is Rs.353 crores. For the year 1987-88 Rs.25 crores were
allotted to carry on the works of SLBC.
Besides these projects the then TDP Government decided to modernize the
following irrigation projects with the financial help of World Bank and Netherlands
Government. They are:19

A. Rajoli Banda Scheme.

B. K.C.Canal
C. Mylavaram Project
D. Nizam Sagar Project
E. Tandava-Raivada Project
F. Nagaijuna Sagar Project
G. Tungabhadra High Level Canal
H. Maddivalra Project
I. Vattivagu Project
J. Cheyyuru Project
K. Taliperu Project
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 L. Vengalaraya Project
M. Andhra Reservoir Project
N. Varada Reswam Project

Allocations
The allocation to implement various irrigation schemes is given in the Table-
6 . 2.
Table-6.2
Allocations for Irrigation Scheme during 1983-84 to 1987-88
S.No. Year Allocations
1 1983-84 17269.06
2 1984-85 23513.54
3 1985-86 24996.57
4 1986-87 30559.04
5 1987-88 51250.00
Total 147588.21
Source: Commissioner Information and Civil Supplies Govt, of AP, 1989.
The data in the table 6.2 shows that the allocation for irrigation sector is
gradually increasing year by year during five years of study. The allocations increased
by more than double within five years. The growth rate during 1983-1988 is 93.8 per
cent.

Issue of Ration Cards

To help the poorer sections of the society in a systematic manner, the
government issued ration cards to those families, whose annual income is Rs.600 or
less. For others the government issued yellow cards. By the year 1989 the government
issued around 1,40, 00,000 ration cards. Among them more than one crore were Green
Cards.
For the ‘green card’ holders 25 kilograms of rice at the rate of Rs.2 per kg was
supplied. At that time in open market the price of 1kg rice ranged between Rs.3.50 to
Rs.4. For the supply of ration the government opened ‘Fair Price Shops’ in almost all
villages of the State. Some of the fair shops, were allotted to scheduled castes and
scheduled tribes. By this fair price shops the poor got employment. The Table-6.3 gives
the clear details of the scheme.

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 Table-6.3
Physical & Financial Allocations for the supply of Rs.2 kilo Rice
S.No. Item Cost (Rs.)
1 No. of Families benefited 98 lakhs
2 Quantity of Rice supplied 98.64 lakhs
3 Value of Rice supplied 2678.57 crores
Source: Commissioner Information and Civil Supplies Govt, of AP, 1989.

By this scheme, around 98 lakhs families were benefited in the state during
1983- 1989. The physical allotment was 98.64 lakh tonnes of rice during the same
period. The government incurred around Rs.2678.57 crores for the implementation of
scheme.
Besides the supply of rice to green card holders, the government also supplied
sarees and Dhothis at half of the market rates. The scheme was started in 1984-1985.
In the first year of its implementation, the government supplied 2.41 crore square
metres cloth. By the year 1988-89, the cloth supplied for green card holders increased
to 5.54 crore sq.metres. The list of beneficiaries also doubled, from 31.62 lakhs in
1984- 85 to 60 lakhs by 1988-1989. Annually the governmental expenditure also
increased from Rs.4 crores in 1984-85 to Rs.9.60 crores in 1988-89.

Pension Scheme
The Telugu Desam Government soon after taking reins of administration
contemplated to introduce pension scheme to helpless senior citizens, disabled and
widows. Under the pension scheme, government decided to pay Rs.30 and Rs.50 to
senior citizens and widows respectively. By the end of 1989 around 2,27,000 old age
persons and disabled were benefited by the scheme. Whereas, nearly 54,500 widows
were benefited by the pension scheme by the end of 1989. The year wise expenditure
incurred under the scheme is given in the table 6.4.

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 Table-6.4
Expenditure Incurred to Implement Pension Scheme during
1983-84 to 1987-88

s. Amount spent for old age & Amount spent for

Year
No. disabled pensions widow pensions
1 1983-84 679.42 220.00
2 1984-85 695.28 295.00
3 1985-86 759.28 250.00
4 1986-87 754.28 290.00
5 1987-88 867.00 337.00
Source: Commissioner Information and Civil Supplies Govt, of AP, 1989.

Policies during Second Term of NTR (1985-1989)

Besides continuing the above policies and programmes, certain new
programmes were also introduced by N.T.Rama Rao during his second term as Chief
Minister.

Telugu Balala Sksheera Samkshemam

Child welfare is promoted by several schemes. Under the ‘Telugu Balala
Sksheera Samkshemam’ launched on August 15, 1985, toned milk was supplied at a
subsidized rate to slum children. The slum children were benefited by this novel
scheme in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.

Telugu Grameena Kranti Patham

This scheme was launched on the auspicious occasion of Sankranti in January,
1986 by N.T.Rama Rao. The State Government headed by TDP has taken up yet
another scheme named ‘Telugu Grameena Kranti Patham’. Under this scheme people’s
projects will be executed by involving voluntary contribution of labour by the people
grouped as ‘Srama Dalam’ thus eliminating intermediate agencies like contractors. For
each Srama Dalam, works costing Rs.5 lakhs or less will be entrusted, 50% of which
will be people’s contribution for the construction irrigation canals, water and drainage
causes, laying of village roads, construction of school building etc.

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Karshaka Parishad
The formation of ‘Karshaka Parishads’ is an innovative measure of Telugu
Desam Government. To solve the farmer related problems, Karshaka Parishads were
established at Mandal and State level.

Policies and Programmes of Nara Chandrababu Naidu

After getting the massive mandate from the people, the Telugu Desam Party
headed by N. Chandra Babu Naidu on September 2005 got a fresh lease of life and also
enabled its leader to take welfare measures like, Prajala Vaddaku Paalana (P.V.P.),
(Administration to the doorsteps of the people), Shramadanam, Janmabhoomi, Dial to
your Chief Minister, Cheyuta, Rythu Bazaar, Adarana, Deepam and other welfare
measures envisaged especially for the uplift of backward and under-privileged classes.
These have been hailed as a new deal. Taking into consideration seriously the future of
the unemployed youth, programmes such as CMEY (Chief Ministers Empowerment
Youth), Vision 2020 and Information Technology were given proper impetus.
The developmental programmes implemented by Naidu in the State are
intended for the uplift of all the classes of the people which are dealt with in detail in
the following pages.

Prajala Vaddaku Paalana (P.V.P.) (Administration to the Doorsteps of the people)

The Prajala Vaddaku Palana programme was launched in November 1995. It

was conceived on the 2nd October 1995, synchronising with the 125th birth anniversary

of Mahathma Gandhi, the father of our nation. An ordinary citizen cannot easily have
access to the administration for his necessaries and he feels alienated. By taking the
administration to the doorsteps of the people, it was intended to improve the
performance and accountability of the Government. They tried to make effective use of
party cadres in this programme. The Prajala Vaddaku Palana teams spent a week in all
the 1100 mandals every three months. Under this programme 5, 68,908 problems of the
people were solved, an amount of Rs.379 crores was earmarked for this purpose.

Shramadanam
Shramadanam or Voluntary labour is contributed by citizens from all walks of
life for civic betterment. Their Sramadanam is matched with contributions from the
State for the developmental works also. Combined efforts are used for the Community

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projects such as maintenance and construction of school buildings, deepening of canals,
aligning roads and the like.
The then Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Chandra Babu Naidu sought to
redefine the concept of 'Shramadanam' mooted in the post - Independence era by
Mahatma Gandhi. The idea aimed at Community participation in Welfare measures of
the government, is used in the State to rally popular support for Telugu Desam regime
headed by Chandra Babu Naidu.
The weeklong Shramdanam, from 1 to 7 January 1996, ushered in cheers for the
government in the New Year. Naidu spared no efforts to reach every nook and comer
of the State to galvanise the youth, intellectuals, women, government employees,
students and voluntary organisations into the programme. Naidu literally hopped
from one place to another either in his helicopter or a hi-tech bus to monitor the
programme. He said, "The objective is to involve the people in community
development programmes".21

An amount of Rs.114.27 lakhs was allocated to complete 41,396 works done

with voluntary labour (Shramadanam). Fifty per cent of the works, that is 16,431
works, were completed. The works under this programme are classified into two
categories, those involving 100% Shramadanam in other words, no financial
commitment of Government and those involving50% or more of Shramadanam with
government's commitment.

Janmabhoomi First Round : January 1-8,1997

The Telugu Desam Government of Andhra Pradesh, under the stewardship of
Chief Minister, Chandra Babu Naidu introduced the 'Janmabhoomi Programme'
intended to promote a culture of self-help and co-operation among people and to bring
them together for effective involvement in the development. It is a social revolution to
awaken every village in nook and comer of Andhra Pradesh. It is a progressive
programme motivating farmers, women, students and employees to solve their
outstanding problems very easily. This programme was first introduced on 1st January
1997 throughout the State. The programme had three components (1) 'Prajala Vaddaku
Palana' (2) 'Shramadanam' and (3) Micro Planning. (Naidu's Telugu Desam
Government realised that there could be no development without the active
involvement and participation of people in the economic development of the state). In
order to secure their participation, the Government had introduced the Janmabhoomi

208
programme on Korean model of 'Samul Undong' meaning 'Self-help' and 'Co­
operation'. The programme envisaged the participation of youth on a large scale of the
Universities, Colleges and Junior Colleges and employees in Government Departments.
So far no government in Andhra Pradesh could envisage a programme like this
involving of students of all cadres. The aim of this programme was to inculcate in the
student community the value of dignity of labour. Each student contribution in cleaning
the premises, clearing the weeds, laying the roads, cleaning the toilets and watering the
plants and this made them to realise their social responsibility.
The Janmabhoomi programme was launched in the State for the first time
during the 1st week of 1997 January. The college students, both males and females,
participated in the programme throughout the State. Along with them, the villagers
participated voluntarily. The villagers were not only able to do their job but also solved
their long standing problems like health and sanitation. The specialty of this
programme was that 4,01,585 students and 7,69,189 young people had participated.22

Through voluntary labour 4.35 lakh works worth about 49.06 crores was completed.
Among this 1.6 lakh sanitary works, 1.53 plant rearing, 52,000 drinking water supply
facilities were worked out.

Janmabhoomi Second Round: May 1-7,1997

Earlier the village problems were nobody's concern. Villagers used to point out
their problems individually without a solution to solve them. The aim of launching
Grama Sabha was to unite the villagers for common cause. The villagers in a meeting
collectively listed out the problems to be solved on priority basis and involved
themselves in the programme. Separate committees were instituted to suggest for each
problem called Habitation committees.
The second round of Janmabhoomi was launched for 7 days from May 1st to
May 7,1997. Habitation level committees and Grama Sabhas were constituted in all the
habitations and wards. Gram Sabhas were conducted by the Mandal Team in all the
habitations, wherein they read out the action taken Report for each habitation
explaining the action taken on the representations received in the 1st round of
Janmabhoomi and in particular the reasons for non-redressal of each of the pending
items.
In this round, the major thrust was made for involving people in taking up
development works as per their priorities with their contributions in the form of labour,

209
materials, land and cash. During this phase, 58.515 rural financial needs, 18,782 non-
financial social needs and 1, 42,934 individual family needs were identified. The
Government received proposals for 65,112 works worth of Rs.659.57 crores, in which
the government incurred an expenditure of Rs.435.28 crores, while the share of the
people was of Rs.224.29 crores. In this phase 1,29,546 works worth of Rs.22.75 crores
were executed hundred per cent on voluntary labour (Shramadanam) and financially
people shared Rs.8.23 crores.

Janmabhoomi Third Round : August 1-7,1997

Every round of Janmabhoomi was launched with innovative programmes on
distinctive problems. The third Janmabhoomi programme was focussed on environment
protection, the need of the day. In the name of modernisation and development, many
nations lost their greenish atmosphere, which brought the problem of pollution. To
overcome this problem, protection of and promotion of Flora has been found the only
way. Even today many villages are without latrines. The villages are in the ignorance of
the value of education and engaging their children in farm works without sending them
to schools. Many children of theirs are not vaccinated due to unawareness of their
protection from diseases like polio, brain fever and small pox. Also the villagers do not
understand the problems of population increase in the family. Therefore, the third round
of Janmabhoomi was focussed to solve these problems.
Janmabhoomi programme with popular awakening took place from August 1-7
in 1997. The programme was focused on planting of saplings, family councils and
other things of importance. In this programme 321.15 lakhs saplings were planted.
"Four lakh individual latrines were built under family welfare scheme, 3.52 lakhs
birth control operations were undertaken with 37,367 health camps, 3.27 lakhs of
children were given vaccination as an immune to diseases and 3.21 lakh girls and boys
were sent to schools besides those discontinued."23 Rural educational committees about

31,126 were formed under clean and green village movement, 32.59 volunteers cleared
the garbage of 47,674 tonnes from 57,077 villages and wards. Old age family pensions
worth of 3.67 lakhs were sanctioned and beneficiaries were given articles worth of
Rs.22.56 crores.

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Janmabhoomi Fourth Round: October 1-7,1997
There were many dropouts of students from the schools and were engaging
themselves in labour works. Many villagers were suffering from diseases without
treatment. They were not in the habit of saving their money to meet their future needs.
Also they were not habituated to use the bio-gas plants and derive the benefits. The
fourth round of Janmabhoomi was launched to solving these problems.
The Fourth phase of Janmabhoomi was conducted from 1-7 of October in 1997.
Due importance was given to elementary education, sanitation-cum-cleanliness,
elementary health centers, and to clean villages or towns. In this programme veterinary
clinics, saving of fuel and small amounts became grand success.
Being influenced by this programme, the villagers began to use smokeless
ovens and bio-gas plants in their villages. About 1, 75,921 families used smokeless
ovens, and 18,432 families made use of bio-gas plants. 'During this period 31,444
village education Committees were constituted and 97,674 children were additionally
enrolled in primary schools'.24 More than 9 lakh patients were treated and two lakh

children immunised in 25,490 free medical camps organised.

In addition, Rs. 3.9 crores were mobilised through 37,269 small savings
accounts opened as part of the programme. Successfully the State Government also
planned to launch a vigorous campaign to involve the people in polio-immunisation
programme. Polio drops were administered to children in the age group of 0-5 years. A
total of 98.4 per cent of children in the age group of 0-5 years in Andhra Pradesh were
administered polio drops.

Janmabhoomi Fifth Round: January 1- 7,1998

Many farmers were not following the modem techniques of farming for
increased production with less investment of labour and time. The farmers were not
holding rights over canal water. Also they had no idea of using the waste waters and
protecting the forests. The fifth round of Janmabhoomi was launched from 1-7 of
January, 1998 with a new chapter in the welfare of the farmers. Innovative ways of
farming, giving greater benefits to them were opened to the farmers. Farmers have
gained rights over water with the help of water users associations. This made the
dreams of small farmers living on canals connective and they got a new lease of life.
They unitedly undertook the construction and repair of water bodies like agricultural
lakes and canals and increased agricultural production.

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Water Users' Associations
A path breaking development that revolutionised the lives of farmers was the
establishment of Water Users Associations. As many as 10,592 associations were
formed and they enjoyed rights over water and at the same time they are entrusted with
greater responsibilities.

The Achievements
1. Great progress was achieved in water management by the delegation of
responsibilities of agricultural works to water users associations
2. The system of contractor was cancelled and water was provided to bring.
These achievements have inspired the farmers of the State, which united them
to make this Janmabhoomi programme a grand success by undertaking agricultural
works with the cooperation of Water Users Associations.

Development of Watersheds
The noble idea behind the establishment of watersheds was to bring lands that
were being unutilised due to lack of water for cultivation and bring about a plentiful
harvest. By building reservoirs, the wastage of water was eliminated and thereby the
water to agriculture. Watersheds have shown a new way in farming technique.

Watersheds : Progress and Benefits

1. About 2090 Watersheds are under construction.
2. Drought relief works in raising 2000 watersheds.
3. Providing water supply to 11 lakh hectares.
4. Setting up of village level committees. Emphasis on the participation of women
and small farmers.
5. Priority on water harvesting through 10,000 new constructions.
6. Massive efforts to replenish ground water reserves.
7. Improving production from unit level. Employment to the needy.

Through the construction of watersheds, a great effort was made in the direction
of the well-being of the farmers.

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Vana Samrakshana Samithis (V.S.S.)
To increase the forest area and to protect the environment in Andhra Pradesh,
an innovative strategy was introduced in 1993. It was the joint Forest Management.
This Policy was evolved into a people's movement. In this movement, great importance
was given to Vana Samrakshana Samithis and great efforts were made to plant more
and more saplings. The objectives of V.S.S are:
> Establishment of 2571 V.S.S.
> Fifty per cent of the representatives in the Samithis are to be women.
> 2.5 lakh women to participate in this movement.
> Efforts to establish 6000 V.S.S by the year 2000 AD.
> Support to the movement from Janmabhoomi by planting 15 crore saplings.
> It is a matter of pride that so many benefits and utilities are showered upon
farmers by Janmabhoomi. The participation of farmers in various programmes
and schemes has indeed produced valuable results. Vana Samrakshna Samithis,
besides increasing forest areas, are helping farm labourers in a big way. As farm
labourers got new employment opportunities, the lives of their families became
happier than ever before.25

Janmabhoomi Sixth Round: May 1-7,1998

Even in the modem days, the social evil custom of child marriages are taking
place due to lack of awareness of its deleterious effects. Animal husbandry is next
dependence of farmers after agriculture; its safeguard is ignored putting them to much
loss. Drinking water is another important requisite which must be pure and periodically
tested; otherwise it may cause many diseases. Naidu wanted a sustained approach to
tackle these social and health issues that would hereafter become an integral part of
Janmabhoomi programmes. In the sixth phase, at the beginning, the focus was on
fighting blindness and tuberculosis and on creating awareness of deleterious effects of
child marriage. About 12,000 veterinary experts and support staff treated six million
milch animals, goats, sheep and fowl for diseases in veterinary camps in 28,000 rural
centres during the week. Medicines and drugs worth Rs.l crore being distributed.
Most of the health problems could be overcome if the people had access to safe
drinking water and were encouraged to cultivate community and personal hygiene.
Over two lakh cement platforms were constructed around bore wells and a network of
water testing labs were set up in districts to analyse bacterial content of water in these

213
wells. Construction of public latrines, particularly for women, in villages was in
progress. Naidu said, "Rs.200 crores was earmarked for the sixth round Janmabhoomi
Programme but there was no dearth of funds for these Schemes".26

Janmabhoomi Seventh Round : August 1-7,1998

The complete Government machinery together with Ministers and Officials
were engaged for seven days in the Seventh Phase of the Janmabhoomi Programme
which was inaugurated by the Chief Minister, Naidu, at Vattem village in Bijinepalli
Mandal in Mahabubnagar district. The programme mainly focussed on Cheyutha,
Enrolment of Children in the Schools, Tree Plantation Programme, Free Veterinary
Camps, construction of individual sanitary latrines, awareness of Aids Control.

Cheyutha’ (Prop of hand)

As a service to Handicapped, supply of Tricycles/Artificial limbs / Hearing aids
/ Pensions / Scholarships / Medical Certificates and Surgical Corrections (after the
camps) were undertaken for the handicapped under this programme.

Enrolment of Children in the Schools

Under this programme the rural population of 97.3% had access to primary
education facilities within a radius of 1 K.M. In recognised schools, the admission rate
of children in the age group of 6 to 11 years was 79.95% and the percentage of children
in the age group of 11-13 years was 44.83%. With the objective of providing primary
education for every child, Village Education Committees were set up.
The vision of 'Education for AH' was facilitated through the District Primary
Education Programme that was launched in 5 districts. Subsequently, 14 more districts
were covered. To improve the system and to facilitate practice of school education, the
District Primary Education Scheme, the Mid-day Meal Scheme, the Operation
Blackboard, Free Supply of Text Books Schemes and School Health Schemes were
undertaken with vigour.

Tree plantation programme

About 3655 Vana Samrakshana Samithies have been set up in Andhra Pradesh.
Forest area of 9 lakh hectares was developed through integrated forest management
techniques. In the times ahead, 3151 more such samithies would come up to develop 8
lakh additional hectares of forest area.27

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Free Veterinary Camps
Veterinary medical teams of 4000 with 8000 technical staff visited 6000gram
panchayat headquarters and 6000 key villages and conducted special veterinary camps.
This was as per the plans drawn up by the District Collectors in the respective areas. A
sum of Rs. 1000 was allotted to every gram panchayat for supply of essential veterinary
medicines. The amounts were disbursed from the Janmabhoomi funds. Animal Welfare
Board, Animal Husbandry Department Officials monitored the proper supply and
availability of medicines. Also free health camps were conducted under the supervision
and guidance of the State Medical and Health Department.

Construction of individual sanitary Latrines

Under this programme economically weaker sections could build their latrines
with government loans by spending nominal amount. For example, one latrine for 5
users could cost Rs.2, 715/- of which Rs.2,535 was given in the forms of Government
loan.

Awareness for Aids Control

To dispel fears and misconceptions among people about AIDS and ensure
prevention through appropriate medicines and other precautions, Aids Control
Awareness Programmes were conducted as part of the seventh round of Janmabhoomi.

Janmabhoomi Eighth Round: October 3-9,1998

The eighth round of Janmabhoomi was conducted in every habitation and
municipal ward in the State from 3rd to 9th October 1998. One team headed by a nodal
officer covered a mandal/ municipality. The local M.L.As, M.P.Ps, Z.P.T.Cs,
Councilors and the Chairpersons in the urban areas were associated.
The following were the focus areas for the eighth round of Janmabhoomi:
1. Enrollment and retention of children in the schools.
2. Tree plantation programme.
3. Construction of individual sanitary latrines with material.
4. Cleanliness - Sanitation — Malaria Control.
5. Welfare of the disabled.
6. Free veterinary camps
7. Free Health camps with focus on Dental care and Reproductive health care and
follow up of AIDS, TB and Eye care.
215
 It was estimated that 50% to 60% of women had gynecological problems, which
were redressed during this Janmabhoomi. In the special School Health Check-up
programme conducted for Primary school children in July '1996', it was observed that
7.5% of 69 lakh children were checked who suffered from teeth and gum diseases.28

The Health check-up camps during the 8th Round of Janmabhoomi had special focus
on Dental Checkup and Reproductive Health Care.

Janmabhoomi Ninth Round: January 2-8,1999

The ninth round of Janmabhoomi was conducted in every habitation and
municipal ward in the state from 2nd to 8th January 1999 and clean and green day was
celebrated on 9th January 1999. The following are the focus areas by NFCN, and IFN,
for redressal of non-fmancial community needs and individual family needs.

Free Health Camps

Conduct of free health camps focussing on TB, eye care AIDS, dental care and
reproductive health care, were undertaken.

Free Veterinary Camps

Free veterinary camps were organised in all gram panchayat headquarters and
major habitations focussing on free vaccination against foot and mouth diseases for
graded buffaloes, jersey cows and free deworming of sheep. General animal health
check-ups and treatments were provided.
Government had sanctioned 10 lakh sanitary latrines out of which 6 lakh
latrines were constructed in rural areas and 4 lakh latrines in the urban areas, Rs.2500
was the unit cost in the rural areas of which Rs.2000 was the government subsidy and
Rs.500 was beneficiary's contribution. In the urban areas the cost of the individual
sanitary latrine was Rs.2, 700 - Rs,3, 500, out of which 50% was the loan from
HUDCO, 45% constituted the government subsidy and 5% came form the beneficiary's
contribution.
House sites of 5 lakhs were distributed and 2 lakh new pensions were
sanctioned apart from distribution of 9 lakh pensions. A committee headed by the nodal
officer consisting of MRO and MDO sanctioned pension subject to eligibility at the
Mandal/Municipality level without any delay.
Special NSS Camps were organised in 12000 habitations with 1.16 lakh NSS
Volunteers from 2nd to 10th January 1999". Preparation of village micro plans,
216
celebration of village day, educating the people about allocation of government funds
based on merit and achievements, under certain social parameters, enrollment of
children in schools, Shramadanam and the sorts of it were taken up during the NSS
Camps. Formation of Human Chain was organised on 9th January 1999 in the
afternoon followed by administering of Janmabhoomi pledge to mark national unity.29
Gramadinotsavam was organised on 8th January 1999, which included

organising social events like introducing the newly married couples, parents with new
bom babies and felicitating people in the habitations/wards who made outstanding
contributions under Janmabhoomi programme. Essay and elocution competitions on
Janmabhoomi and Clean and Green campaign were held in all colleges before 31st
December 1998 and in all schools from 2nd to 9th January, 1999 to popularise the values

and principles of Janmabhoomi and messages on Clean and Green Campaign among
the students. Prizes were distributed to the winners on 26th January 1999.

Janmabhoomi Tenth Round : Mahila Janmabhoomi: May 1 -7,1999

Mahila Janmabhoomi, which was started on 1st May 1999, focussed on the
progress of women, who constituted around half the population. During this
Janmabhoomi programme, women were encouraged to become socially and
economically independent, thus ensuring their rightful and equal place in society.

Importance of Tenth Mahila Janmabhoomi

1. Sanction of pension to 1,50,000 women (old age and widows).
2. Forming 48,000 new thrift groups covering 7 lakh women, sanction of Rs.50
crores under DWCRA, to the existing 19,842 Groups covering 2,97 lakh
women, formation of Women Banks at Mandal level under MACS Act.
3. Covering 55,000 girls under Girl-Child Protection Scheme by spending Rs.25
crores. Back to school programme to cover school dropout girls and working
children. Special residential schools for such girls.
4. Formation of Mother's Committees for 20,000 New Anganwadi (childcare)
Centres.
5. Sanction of house sites to 4 lakh women. Special medical camps for women at
village level.
6. Skill development training for women to increase their productivity and income.
7. Entrustment of community works to women self-help groups on priority.

217
 8. Sanction of assistance to eligible women under National Maternity Benefit
Scheme, National Family Benefit Scheme and 'Apathbandhu' (Widow Pension).
9. Sanction of Legal Aid to needy women and setting up of more counselling and
guidance centres.

In an interview to The New Indian Express Naidu said, "The Mahila

Janmabhoomi has nothing to do with the enrollment of voters and partisan politics. It is
the continuation of my government's drive to empower women in all walks of life".30

Janmabhoomi eleventh round, January 3.11,2000

The 11th phase of Janmabhoomi was inaugurated by Naidu in the Gram Sabha

of Tallavalasa village, Bheemunipatnam mandal, Visakapatnam (District) at 11.00 a.m.

Janmabhoomi focussed on Micro-Planning every year in January Round, women issues
in May, Weaker Sections issues in August and Youth/Employment issues in October.
Eleventh round Janmabhoomi mainly focussed on
1. Gram sabhas conducted at gram panchayat headquarters and Municipal ward
headquarters.
2. Two to three Gram sabhas per day.
3. Free health camps and free veterinary camps.
4. Preparing and distributing Health and veterinary bulletins.
5. Making Cheyutha (Disable welfare) an integral part of the round.
6. Preparation of micro-plan for the next five years and the next year at each
habitation and municipal ward.
7. Vision 2020 and monitoring the District, Mandal, Gram-Panchayat, Habitation
level-targets.
8. Associating Universities with the preparation of the Micro-Plan every year.
9. Allotting two students from the Degree Colleges and Universities for each
Habitation/ward with a lecturer in-charge of each Gram Panchayat ward.
Conducting house to house survey for habitation profile.
10. Making one Professor in-charge of each constituency as coordinator and guide.
11. Preparation of Micro-plans to be integrated into the University Curriculum.31

Human Chain: Human chain was held on 11-01-2000 at 11.00a.m. in all the
habitations and Municipal wards with the active participation of all the people
including students, employees, non-officials, self help groups etc., and dispersed after
Janmabhoomi pledge. Special meetings of the habitation/ municipal ward were held
after the human chain to approve the micro-plan prepared by the team.

The Micro Planning Commitments: Micro Planning involves prioritizing activities

and making commitments to achieve the set goals. Community specific commitments
include sending children to school, population control, keeping the environs clean and
judicious use of resources. Government specific-commitments include the bridging of
infrastructure gaps, 'providing adequate Medicare and education and maintenance of
'peace and harmony.

Karshaka Vignana Vedikas

A series of Karshaka Vignana Vedikas were organised in Andhra Pradesh to
educate the farmers to minimise the cost of production and maximise the farm output.
There were certain areas where farmers needed education. They need to be organised
also. Certain areas were identified to be focused at the meetings. The use of nitrogen
without reference to soil status and excessive use of pesticides was a common
phenomenon. This would increase the cost of production and decrease productivity and
reduce marketability in the international-market. Farmers could be sensitised in these
areas, so that they would increase the yields and income without the above
disadvantages. The importance of producing what the market wanted rather than what
they could produce at a given point of time would also be explained to the farmers.
Naidu introduced 'Karshaka Vignana Vedikas' a forum for farmers, in all 22 districts, in
which the importance of increasing productivity was emphasised.32

Progress in Education Field

At present the literacy rate in Andhra Pradesh is 44% as against the national
average of 52%. The female literacy rate is 32% as against the national average of 39%.
Primary, higher and technical educations are given proper impetus. It is an appreciable
development in the spheres of education and a marked difference between the previous
governments and the present Government. Village Education Committees were formed
to improve school education.
The State Government enacted the Andhra Pradesh School Education Act,
1998. The Act envisages the establishment of School Committees, Panchayat Education
Committees, Mandal Education Committees, Municipal Education Committees, and
District Educational Committees on democratic lines. The main objective of these
219
Committees is to achieve the goal of 'Education for All'.33 Formation of village

education committees is a landmark in the history of education.

Higher and Technical Education

Under the scheme of promotion of Junior and Degree Colleges in the private
sector — 217 Junior Colleges and 135-Degree Colleges had already been established.
About the State Technical Education programme P.V.Ratnam, Minister for Technical
Education said, "Licenses have been issued to the private management's in the State for
starting of more number of professional colleges, like Engineering, Medical and Dental
to avoid the ongoing rush of the students to the neighbouring states and also reduce
expenditure on the part of their parents”.34

Formation of New Universities

In the sphere of higher education, on statewide basis, for particular studies, the
Government started Dravidian University at Kuppam and Sri Ramananda Theertha
Rural Institute in Nalgonda district. Necessary arrangements were made for the
formation of Urdu University in Hyderabad named after Moulana Abdul Kalam Azad,
a great freedom fighter, in Hyderabad.

Special Acts
1. In order to control and regulate certain untoward incidents in educational
institutions, the government has passed special acts and laws. In this regard the
Government has enacted certain laws for banning of uncultured ragging in the
professional and educational institutions.
2. Public Examinations Act (to restrict malpractices) was passed to stabilize and
reform examination system.
3. The Andhra Pradesh School Education Bill 1997 was introduced for the
people's participation in the elementary education field.

Welfare of Scheduled Caste

The Andhra Pradesh Government headed by Naidu laid stress on the
development of Dalits. The following activities showed how the government worked
for the welfare of scheduled castes.
The budget for social welfare during 1994-95 was Rs.323.99 crores while in
1997-98 it was raised to Rs.426.11 crores. In the welfare hostels, an amount of Rs.150

220
was spent on every student per month but from 1996 January onwards this amount was
raised to Rs,210 again in 1997, this amount was enhanced to Rs.230 per month, since
August 1998.
A new scheme of the Social Welfare Department, 'Back to School' was
launched by Naidu. The scheme aimed at weaning away children in the age group of 7-
12 years from child labour and it would cover one lakh children in as many as 1037
centres across the State. The Chief Minister distributed books to a group of poor
children and told some of the children "Don't leave the School. The Government would
provide all help. You have a bright future."35

A new and innovative programme called 'Back to School' was taken up during
May/June 1998., wherein 1,21,042 working dalit children who were either school
dropouts or never joined the school, were admitted in summer camps for intensive
coaching for 2 months. After completion of the bridge course, 1,00,573 children were
brought back to schools and among them 49,872 children have been admitted in
hostels.36

The Andhra Pradesh Scheduled Castes Co-operative Finance Corporation

completed due procedures to purchase an extent of nearly 10,000 acres of land in the
State at a cost of Rs.20.00 crores during the year 1998-99. On account of the substantial
benefits that were likely to accrue to women and agricultural labourers throughout this
scheme, it was proposed to substantially step up allocations under this scheme and
purchase an extent of 20,000 acres of land in the State at a cost of over Rs.40.00 crores
during the year 1999-2000. This land would be distributed only to the landless women
labourers.
Andhra Pradesh Study Circle, Hyderabad, one of the best institutions for
coaching SC/ST students for Civil Services Examinations, would open another four of
its branches in Guntur, Tirupati, Anantapur and Warangal with an estimated
expenditure of Rs.35.03 lakhs. The Government created reservations for this caste in
the government courts and other magisterial branches.37

An act was passed to punish the erring officials in the reservation policy. In
Hyderabad, for the construction of a building of Babu Jagajjivan Ram an amount of
Rs.75 lakhs was spent38. In every district headquarters an amount of Rs.50 lakhs was

sanctioned for raising of Ambedkar Bhavans.

221
Legislation for Social Justice to SC's and ST's in the Assembly
Soon after assuming the post of Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Naidu spoke
some relevant issues in the Assembly on the social justice of SCs and STs. They are as
follows:
Chief Minister, Naidu announced in the House to abolish the word 'Harijan'
once for all from the existing practice and records both general and statistical.
Speaker, "My Government always abides by the welfare of development of
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, 50 per cent house sites out of 3 lakh house
sites were earmarked for them. Backlog posts marked for these categories have been
duly filled in with the suitable candidates from SCs & STs Legislation has been passed
against the atrocities perpetrated on these people. To this effect in the jurisdiction of
district Court, Special Courts have been sanctioned for trying the cases against those
people whoever may be, take objection to the use of the word 'Harijan'. Governments in
the past tried to abolish the word 'Harijan' addressing Harijan member but in vain. I,
hereby, humbly inform the officers and in other transactions and other certificates the
word Harijan should be struck off, once for all. Instead of Scheduled Caste, Dalit
should be used, the default of this would be viewed seriously.
"Therefore, the Word Harijan must be removed from the school records,
Government offices and also School buildings and such columns in the applications.
Any lapse in this respect, a disciplinary action will be taken. To this effect the orders
are going to be issued to all the concerned. Moreover I exhort all the M.L.As, general
political parties, and leaders and party workers to adhere to this seriously”.39

Housing Scheme for Weaker Sections

Food and shelter are the main benefits of welfare schemes in Andhra Pradesh
and between them, shelter is more important. In the construction of houses for the poor,
Andhra Pradesh stands exemplary. In order to cut the expenditure, cheaper but
qualitative material was used for this purpose.
1. Naidu government came to realise that any gradual, mature, harmonious,
journeying towards decent housing could neither be postponed nor be achieved
by sheer institutional candescence.
2. The State bestowed special attention on the economically backward and the less
privileged. Food and shelter were the more basic necessities of life. Between
them, the shelter and construction of the houses for the poor was undertaken by
222
 A.P Government and for which Andhra Pradesh State stands first in housing.
3. In the construction of houses for the economically poor and under privileged
during 1996-97, 5.98 lakhs permanent houses were built.
4. For the flood victims as gesture KFW, WEST GERMANY agencies sanctioned
Rs.42 crores with which it was proposed to construct 49,000 rural permanent
houses.
5. In the towns, for construction of houses for flood victims, the cost was raised
from Rs. 13,000 to Rs. 15,000.
6. Under the Indira Awaz Project, construction of special houses for beedi
workers, weavers, fishers, and other artisans was proposed.
7. Scheme-wise completion of houses during the financial years 1997-98 & 1998-
99 was undertaken.40

Welfare of the women

The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Naidu stressed that the progress of the
State was inextricably connected to the development of women. Sincere efforts were
made on the part of the Naidu Government to safeguard the interests of women. The
Government took up the theme of women's empowerment as one of the main agenda
items to tackle rural poverty and socio-economic issues.
The Government took special efforts to assist these women in marketing their
products without any middlemen. Within three months of implementation of
Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas (DWACRA) the women sold the
products worth Rs.1.50 crores. 'DWACRA,' aspect provided a base to self-help groups
and assistance through revolving funds. The alleviation of the conditions of the poor
and downtrodden could be achieved through the uplift of the amenities to the women
and DWACRA, groups is a tool to achieve this. Naidu said, "DWACRA, was not just a
group programme but a movement".41

The Chief Minister Naidu was satisfied with the development of women and
children in rural areas through DWACRA. It was a resounding success in Andhra
Pradesh. Naidu pointed out, "It is not an easy task. As many as 35 lakh rural women
through 60,000 DWACRA, groups have mobilised about Rs.260 crores in the (1996-
98) last two years''.42

1. The Stale Government declared 1997 as the year of Gender Equality with Social
Justice.
223
 2. Of all the vacancies in Government offices, local bodies and public sector
undertakings 33,3 per cent are reserved posts for women.
3. Mahila Courts were set up in Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam for trial
of cases pertaining to bride burning and rape.
4. Seven family courts were presided by District and Sessions judge in seven
districts, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, Kumool, Secunderabad,
Vijayawada and Warangal.
5. Introduction of Vocational Training Courses for adolescent girls in each Mahila
Pranganam at the district level. The target was 1000 girls be trained per annum.
6. In the 2,124 Vana Samrakshana Samithies was founded. There were 1,76,511
women members out of the total, membership of 3,76,600 constituting 45% of
the total membership. In the management committees, there were 5,533 women
members out of the 20,000 members.
7. As an assistance, a budget provision of Rs.5232.76 lakhs for developmental
programmes was allotted during 1997-98, out of which an amount of Rs.
1,759.268 lakhs was proposed for the benefit of women. In Horticulture
Department of the plan outlay of Rs.3118.43 crores, women sub-plan allocation
was Rs. 1245.91 crores.
8. The women sub-plan for 1997-98 in Rural Development Department was
Rs. 106.97 crores out of 220.73 crores.43

Allotting Fair Price shops to women (F.P.S.)

As the government posts are reserved for women similarly, Naidu wished to
reserve Fair Price shops for women also. In this regard, Naidu made an announcement
in the Assembly stating the same.
"This announcement purports at giving importance to the women representation
in all the spheres like political, administrative, financial, social and others, and harness
the women force of the state. This would be of much use to develop the women in the
spheres stated above. The general practice is that women prepare food at home but
men were handling fair price shops, which were really set for them. Women did not
properly get due share from the FPS. Under eradication of poverty programmes,
Government hoped that the women could successfully man the FPS. As a result of this,
more opportunities would be created. The outcome of this is to create more
opportunities to women and enable them to work out them. Therefore, almost all FPS

224
except those that were for the Girijan Co-operative Society would be given to women.
Besides this, I am going to announce in this Assembly a few more policies for the
Welfare of Women".44

Chief Minister’s Empowerment Youth Programme (CMEY)

Naidu's government gave due importance to the unemployed educated youth to
earn their living by starting new projects and generating employment not only to them
but also to the likes. The unemployed youth were organised into associations (CMEY
groups) and undertook innovative self-employment projects. In 1996 Chief Minister
Empowerment Youth (CMEY) force programme was launched to exploit talent in the
youth for the welfare of society. Every year for youth services, the budget allotment
was only Rs.l crore. But in 1996 for new youth programmes the amount was raised to
Rs. 150.29 crores. For the sports quota, under this programme, the budget was raised
from Rs.l crore to Rs. 6 crores. For the unemployed youth, in order to enable them to
attend the interviews for jobs, free transport-issuing passes for travel in the state
transport bus services, was provided and a daily allowance of Rs.25 was sanctioned.
Game equipment was distributed freely for 2,300 sport persons and Rs.40 lakhs were
spent on the construction of 6 stadiums.

Deepam Scheme
The Government of Andhra Pradesh gives utmost importance to the
development of rural women. The Government has constantly been endeavouring to
empower women, more so the rural women. Two innovative programmes of the State
Government, DWACRA, (Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas) and
Deepam are setting new standards in the empowerment of rural women.
DWACRA, is a participative programme introduced by the State Government to
help women from the underprivileged and marginalised classes to earn their livelihood.
Whereas Deepam has been introduced on July 9, 1999 with an aim to liberate women
from the daily ordeals of collecting firewood and relieve them from the travails in their
smoke filled kitchens. Under this innovative scheme, issuing 10 lakh gas connections to
rural women Below Poverty Line (BPL) was the target. One-lakh LPG, connections
had been released in the first phase and two lakh LPG, connections were issued on the
state formation day, i.e., November 1, 1999.

225
 Only rural women below the poverty line are eligible to get the gas connections.
Women who have been members of DWACRA, or any other Self-Help Group (SHG),
for at least one year are eligible. Project Directors (PDs) and DRDAS, of all districts
have been furnished with the lists of beneficiaries.

Highlights of the Scheme

Public sector oil companies are helping to implement the scheme. These
connections are supplied through the existing LPG, dealers. Where there are no dealers,
state organizations like GCC, and Civil Supplies Corporation distribute the
connections. The best CMEY (Chief Minister's Empowerment of Youth) groups are
being selected by GCC, and Civil Supplies Corporation to act as their agents in the
rural areas. The State Government is depositing Rs. 1,000/- per connection, as
refundable deposit to the oil companies.45

The beneficiaries will have to procure their own gas stoves (with IS I, mark),
rubber tubes and spend an additional amount of Rs.20/- towards installation and
administration charges. In order to ensure that the dealers do not sell stoves at
exorbitant rates, the Government has fixed the maximum rates.

Clean and Green

Naidu has drawn every month a regular programme called Clean & Green. The
aim is to involve the public, students and all the employees in the State in keeping their
premises clean and planting saplings to protect the environment. This programme was
it

launched on September 10 , 1998. Every third Saturday of the month was observed as
'Clean and Green Day*. The campaign focussed on Sanitation, Drinking water, Tree
plantation and Health Awareness. The campaign was organised eight times in
September, October, November, December, 1998 and January, February, March, April,
1999, "with the envisaged participation of over 1.5 crore students and 10 lakh
government employees all over the state."46 Naidu's idea was to make every habitation

and municipal ward clean and green.

He wanted every man, woman and child in the State to lead a healthy life. The
programme would have water and sanitation, tree plantation and health awareness as its
campaign areas. An elaborate strategy was being worked out by the Chief Minister to
implement this ambitious programme by creating community awareness, strengthening
grassroots community based organisations, to ensure people's participation for

226
sustainable development and environmental conservation and adopting an intensified
campaign mode for the realisation of the goal with greater social mobilisation and
community participation.

Administrative Reforms
The Government of Andhra Pradesh implemented a series of effective
administrative reforms in all the departments. A cabinet sub-committee was set up to
make the Government more transparent and reduce hierarchical hurdles. The objectives
of the reforms were, among other things, to cut red tapism, streamline procedures,
minimise delay, effectively redress public grievances, eliminate wasteful expenditure
and optimise human resources in the Government.
The measures would usher in effective and efficient governance that would
achieve radical socio-economic transformation. The Government was also
contemplating to introduce the Right to Information Act. The administrative reforms
were aimed at making the Government a facilitator by simplifying procedures and
systems. The Government was folly committed to efficiency, honesty, transparency and
responsiveness in administration and public services.

Files Clearance Week

The Andhra Pradesh Government took measures to clear away files that were
kept pending for longer times. The programme was set from September 15th to 21st,
1997. During the First week out of 25,11,590 files 10,09,142 files were disposed off.47

The second phase of files clearance was set from December 8-14, 1997, six lakh files
were disposed off. The technological revolution through computers introduced in this
direction could be considered a big wave for the clearance of files.
The number of files in pending as on 22nd August, 1998 in the Secretariat was

1.09 lakh files, while the HODs had about 2.52 lakh files pending with them and at the
district level there were 9.25 lakh files pending.

Reform Policy in Power Sector

The Telugu Desam Government of Andhra Pradesh was giving top priority to
the power sector ever since it came to power first in 1983. At the same time, it was also
the first government in Andhra Pradesh to have given more subsidies to farmers in the
power sector. In the light of its experience, so far, the Telugu Desam Government
contemplated structural changes in the power sector to minimise losses and maximise
227
the generation capacity. Over the years, Andhra Pradesh was experiencing severe
power shortages, currently against a needed capacity of 8160 MW, to meet peak
demand; the installed capacity of the State was 5455 MW. Even when it was coupled
with 897 MW, share from Central generation, the State experiences a gap of 1808 MW,
for meeting the peak demand. Subsequent to the finalisation of the Government of
India's policy for encouraging private sector, participation in power generation, the
Government of Andhra Pradesh initiated several measures for bridging the demand -
supply gap.
The unit price of generation in 1996 prices for all these projects would be in
excess of Rs.2 per unit. As against the monthly revenue receipts of APSEB, of Rs.320
crores, the monthly power purchase liabilities under the new projects would be around
Rs.700 crores. The national and international financial agencies were voicing concern
about the financial viability of APSEB.
In order to make the power sector financially viable and minimise the losses
the Andhra Pradesh Government had initiated policy reforms in A P S E B. The
State Government constituted a high-level Committee headed by Hiten Bhaya for
presentation of a policy paper to the Government on the issues of private investment in
power sector, restructuring of power sector, guidelines on the tariff policy in January
1995, which submitted its report in April 1995. After studying the Report and taking
into consideration reforms in Power Sector undertaken in the states of Rajasthan, UP,
Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Gujarat and Orissa, the State Government formulated its
power-sector reforms.
The following were the major objectives of the Reform Policy:
1. Autonomy to the APSEB, to enable it to operate along commercial lines.
2. Establishment of a regulatory framework that would ensure cost optimisation
with securing operational efficiencies in generation, transmission and
distribution of energy, and collection of related revenues. Such policy
environment should also provide incentives for energy conservation and
disincentives that discouraged growth in non-essential demand.
3. Promoting increasing participation of the private sector in power industry.
4. Supporting progressive privatisation of the distribution network under
conditions and phasing that were sustainable.
5. Removing dependence of electricity utilities on Government budgetary
assistance for achieving prescribed statutory financial returns.
JLL 5
Strategy

1. The APSEB, would be restructured into a number of distribution areas, each of

which would be administered by a separate distribution company on
autonomous basis. They would function like subsidiaries of the APSEB.
2. Establishment of Independent Regulatory Commission.
3. Promoting Competition in the generation and supply of electricity.
4. Encashing licences to carry on their activities in accordance with the terms and
conditions of their licence.
5. Advising the State Government on any matter on which its advice was sought.
6. Make recommendations to the State Government on any matter, which in its
opinion would help in better generation, transmission and distribution of
electricity.

The New Tariff Structure

The Telugu Desam Party proposed to rationalise the power-tariff structure. The
Regulatory Commission would be mandated to introduce a tariff structure, which
would progressively reduce cross-subsidies, so that before the end of three years from
the date of initiation of reform, no sector should pay less than 50 per cent of the average
cost of supply of electricity. In case the State Government desired to deviate from the
50 per cent margin, it could do so by providing necessary budgetary provision for
reimbursement of such financial losses to APSEB.
There would also be a component of retail tariff taking into account costs
incurred by licensee towards establishment costs, operation, maintenance charges,
depreciation and interest charges.
The prime objective of the reform process were to promote efficiency both in
terms of cost and technical parameters. All future investments in the power sector
would only be through the transparent and globally competitive bidding process.
Achievements during the two years (1996-98) are furnished below:
1. Capacity increased from 6111 MW to 6887 M.W.
2. 112 MW, Unit of Andhra Pradesh Gas Power Coxporation commissioned within
9 months of signing of contract.
3. Two projects have been commissioned in the private sector in Kakinada and
Jegurpadu.

229
 4. Highest PLF, in the country.
5. Nine hours' assured power supply to agriculture.
6. Daily monitoring of replacement of failed transformers.
7. Unauthorised 1.69 lakh agricultural connections regularised.
8. Energer audit to fix accountability and plug leakages.
9. Additional revenue of Rs.273 crores was realised.

Policies of Chandra Babu During 1999-2004

Chandra Babu Naidu introduced some new schemes during his second tenure
apart from continuing the above mentioned schemes.

Rythu Bazar
The agriculture products are sold to the middlemen by the agriculturists at the
lowest price. That price is not even matching the production cost to the peasant. The
middlemen thus procured products and sold them to the consumer at the exorbitant
prices. That way the middlemen in the market are reaping the profits from the
agriculturists and consumers. In order to benefit the agriculturists and consumers and to
avoid the middlemen, Naidu introduced Rhytu Bazars. The aim of Rhytu Bazar is that
the agriculturists are made to sell their produce direct to the consumers with minimum
profit. Thus the consumers and the producers are made to share the benefits enjoyed by
the middlemen.
The government has launched Rhytu Bazars in the heart of the towns in
government lands. Passes have been issued to the agriculturists for entry into Rhytu
Bazars to filter the middlemen. Special bus services are arranged by the State Road
Transport Corporation for the conveyance of the agriculturists and their produce to
Rhytu Bazaars. This programme has achieved hundred per cent expected results on the
very introduction of the programme and further aimed at extending them to Mandals.
This programme was copied and introduced in Tamil Nadu by Tamil Nadu
government, where it was also successful. Principles for functioning of Rythu Bazar
are as follows.
1. District Collectors are providing land for all Rythu Bazars.
2. Permanent infrastructure with support systems is being constructed.
3. Farmers with I.D. cards are only permitted to sell.
4. Special buses for farmers have been arranged.

230
 5. A district and common identity across the state is being established for Rythu
bazars.
6. Temporary storage facilities are on the anvil.
7. Co-ordination between revenue, marketing.
8. Additional essential commodities like pulses and edible oils being sold at
controlled prices.
iO

9. Vegetable production program undertaken to ensure regular supplies.

Roshni
'Roshni' a programme was launched by the Government of Andhra Pradesh for
the uplift of the minorities like the Muslims, economically and socially backward
sections. It aims at the construction and development of educational institutions. It
recognised Urdu as the Second Official Language in four more districts apart from the
existing eight. There were various other schemes under the programme such as welfare
schemes for the Muslim women and children and also schemes for infrastructural
development like community halls, shopping complexes and Haj Houses.49

Adarana (kind gesture)

'Adarana' was a gesture to the artisans and other craftsmen who made a living
by doing things manually. These people were given not only manual tools but also
modem machine tools. The main aim of the project was that the people were given an
opportunity to choose and select their implements and tools useful for their profession
to eke out their livelihood in order to raise their standard of living from below the
poverty line. "This project was started in January 1999 with an estimated cost of Rs.625
crores".50

In the state population, the backward class people are above 37% and among
them 15 lakhs of people are employed in herding, extracting toddy, tinkering, pottering,
soil digging and channel repairs, fishering, weaving, blacksmithy, brassmithy,
carpentry, washing clothes, weaving baskets, tailoring, and other unspecified but
manual jobs.
Most of them under the circumstances went to raise their standard of living.
This project 'Adarana' is being implemented to procure the implements as a helping
hand to the artisans. The aims of the project are:

231
 1. Eradication of poverty.
2. Minimising manual labour.
3. Raising the percentage of production and productivities.
4. Improving the quality of the products.
5. To improve the income and the standard of living of the artisan.
6. Modernisation of methods.
7. Encouraging the competitiveness among artisans and craftsman for quality.51

The project 'Adama Andhra Pradesh Backward Classes Co-operative Financial

Corporation (A.P.B.C.C.W.C.) for the backward class people of the State was
implemented in 1999.

Vision 2020
The Vision 2020 document aims at providing better governance through a
bifocal perspective, a focus on short term imperatives as well as long term goals. It is
the Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir who coined the term Vision 2020 for all round
development in his country. This plan signified rapid developmental progress in
Malaysia, which Naidu noticed in his meeting with Mahathir.
Accordingly, the State's new Planning Board was asked at its meeting to
formulate a document Vision of Andhra Pradesh 2020 A.D', on the lines of a similar
approach in Malaysia. This new Vision 2020 concept is aimed at working out a plan
perspective for as long as 25 years.52

The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Naidu has stated that the State Planning
Board shall take up responsibility to draw up a plan document - Vision 2020 for the
Development of Andhra Pradesh. Development is dependent on understanding between
bureaucracy and experts, awareness among people, and peoples' participation in the
development programme. The Planning Board is constituted in such a way that experts
in many fields are made its members. The Board shall design the plans in such a way
that the State shall become first in all fields of development. The backward regions of
the State shall be developed rapidly by utilising the available resources. The
downtrodden and the backward shall develop to the level of well-developed sections of
the State. The Board shall aim at plans in such a way that the State shall attract the
foreign capital for industrial development and basic facilities. The Planning Board shall

232
analyse the welfare and development programmes and shall take up steps for the useful
implementation.
The Planning Board also shall explore the possibilities of implementing such
programmes and action-oriented plans being implemented in other states and countries.
Vocational education in Germany, Cottage industries-development in China, and
Comprehensive development in Japan shall become examples for Andhra Pradesh to
emulate.
The development programmes would cover almost all government departments:
such as health, education, family welfare, agriculture, irrigation, industry, tourism and
environment. Task forces were proposed to be set up in respect of eleven identified
areas, including information technology. Under Naidu's leadership, the State was
making rapid strides in computerising the administrative machinery. In fact, the Union
Government asked the State Government to act as a nodal agency for computerisation
of administration at the Centre.

Information Technology
Twenty-first century is a century of Information Technology. This has spread to
all areas and has speeded up the humanity to achieve the development very easily. All
the countries in the world are adopting information technology as a revolutionary step
for development. The information technology has enormously developed in all
developed countries. India is also taking an equal step in the field of information
technology. Experts’ view that India has taken up a leading step in the computer field.
The Andhra Pradesh Government is trying its best to implement the same in Andhra
Pradesh also.
With the first phase of the ambitious multi-crore information technology
project-Hyderabad Information Technology and Engineering Consultancy (Hi-Tec
City) which was inaugurated on November 22, 1998 - a revolution in the information
technology scenario of the country was on the anvil. However, the assiduous efforts
made by Chief Minister Naidu, who was appreciated by William H. Gates as the
'Sawiest Politician.
The Rs.1500 crore - Project, being developed on a sprawling area of 158 acre
site at Madhapur on the city outskirts was aimed at creating world class infrastructure
for information technology companies in more than six million square feet area in the
next few years, of this, the first phase, being inaugurated by Prime Minister Atal Behari

233
Vajpayee, constituted more than five lakh square feet which was ready for occupation.
The Project is likely to create direct employment for at least 50,000 people and indirect
jobs for as many as 2.5 lakhs.53

The Hi-Tech City offered state-of-the art communication links including a two
megabit bound width satellite earth station, optic fibre cable connectivity and data-com
facilities provided by Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) for direct
international access, besides a dedicated VSNL, communications centre to provide
single window clearance for Internet and other value-added services.
The hand-in-hand functioning of the Hi-Tech City and the Indian Institute of
Information Technology (HIT), another brainchild of the Chief Minister Naidu would
make the city one of the most favoured international information technology
destinations. Courses virtually covering all the areas of applications in the next
millennium were designed for the students of HIT, and were being taught by faculty
picked from international information technology majors.

Dial your Chief Minister Programme

The maiden episode of 'Prajalato Mukhyamantri, Phone - in programme
featuring Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Naidu's direct interaction with callers,
broadcast live on every Monday on both Doordarshan and AIR, was a show which
showcased the much-hyped 'Janmabhoomi' programme. Specific topics were
highlighted every week on the programme. The programme opened up the
communication channels between the Chief Minister and the common man, helped the
Government to understand and redress the problems. In this regard Naidu was
described as, 'a leader, who mingled with the masses after shedding his official status.54

while the programme itself was dubbed innovative in the channels of the country's
information and broadcasting systems.

Surprise Inspections
The Chief Minister, Naidu, Ministers and senior officials have been conducting
surprise checks in all departments of the State. These checks enabled the Chief Minister
to get a first hand knowledge of the functioning of various departments and have direct
interaction with the members of the public. The concerned officials had to file an
Action Taken Report on various anomalies that were noticed during the visit. The

234
element of surprise motivated the departments concerned to constantly strive for
excellence.

White Papers
The Andhra Pradesh Government headed by Naidu released the white paper
regarding introducing transparent governance in all departments to publish their future
projects and their achievements regarding them. The Government was also placing the
crucial issues before the people and was encouraging public debates. This would ensure
that the facts were available to all the concerned and help in a proper understanding of
the decision making process. The Government was also setting up information kiosks
so that the common man could have access to all information about the Government,
including copies of Acts, Government orders and Gazette Notifications. The
Administrative Reforms being undertaken by the Government would result in an open
system of governance where discretionary powers would be eliminated and
transparency would be ushered in. The Government would play the role of a facilitator
in the developmental activities and endorser of law.
All these programmes implemented are the brain children of Naidu, innovated
for the uplift of all classes of people living below the poverty line. These programmes
are neither platform speeches nor election promises. The net result of these
programmes cannot be analysed at this juncture, as many of them are long ranged time
bound ones. But it can be said that no Chief Minister of any State in India has
introduced so many programmes immediately one after the other as the Chief Minister
of Andhra Pradesh. This is his unique achievement and he has carved niche for himself
in the Indian Politics.

235
References

1. Raghavulu, B.V., Regional Party rule in Andhra Pradesh, A study of Telugu

Desam Party under the Leadership of NTR, Ph.D. Thesis (Unpublished), S.V.
University, Tirupathi, 1988. p.232.

2. Hanumanth Rao, V., Andhra Pradesh year Book-1985-1986, Data News

Features, Hyderabad, 1987, p.241.

3. The Hindu, Madras, 23-2-1986, p.12.

4. The Hindu, Madras, 25-5-1985, p.13.

5. The Hindu, Madras, 11-8-1985, p.3.

6. The Hindu, Madras, 9-1-1988, p.ll.

7. Andhra Pradesh, Director, Information and Public Relations, Hyderabad, 1984,

P-6.

8. The Hindu, Madras, 9-1-1988, p.6.

9. Ibid., p.6.

10. The Hindu, Madras, 9-1-1988, p.10.

11. The Hindu, Madras, 9-1-1988, p.12.

12. Telugu Nata Velugu Bata (Telugu Version). Commissioner, Information and
Civil Supplies, Government of AP, 1989. p.21.

13. Ibid., p.29.

14. Ibid., p.67.

15. Ibid., p.103.

16. Ibid., p. 104.

17. The Hindu, Madras, 22-2-1986, p.12.

18. The Hindu, Madras, 6-6-1985, p.12.

19. Sri Krishna, S., Revitalisation of Panchayat Raj Administration to Andhra

Pradesh - A case study of Mandal Panchayats, Paper presented in 45th IPSA
conference at Aligarh, 22-12-1987, p.l.

20. Andhra Pradesh 3 years of progress, Director Information and Public Relations,
Hyderabad, 1986, p.12.

21. Andhra Pradesh Statistical Profile, Director, Information and Public Relations,
Hyderabad, 1986, p.10.

236
22. Ibid., p. 10.

23. Achievement of Telugu Desam Party Government towards the people,

Commissioner Information and Public Relations, Hyderabad, 1986, p.4.

24. The Hindu, Madras, 19-1-1986, p.l.

25. Radhakrishna. G.S., "Labour of Love", Sunday, January 21-27, Hyderabad,

pp.38-39.

26. Information & Public Relations Department, "Prajale Saaradhulugaa Pragati

Patham lo Andhra Pradesh," (Telugu brochure) Hyderabad, p.6.

27. Ibid., p.5.

28. The Hindu, Madras, January 2, 1998, p.8.

29. The Hindu, Madras, May 1,1998, p.5.

30. The Hindu, Madras, August 3,1998,p2.

31. The Hindu, Madras, October 5,1998, p.2.

32. The Indian Express, Hyderabad, December 28,1998, p. 3.

33. The Indian Express, Hyderabad, September 11,1999, p. 1.

34. The New Indian Express, Hyderabad, May 1,1999,p3.

3 5. The Hindu, Bangalore, January 3,2000,p5.

36. Rajendra Prasad. R.J., "Foes down, Victor wary", The Hindu, Hyderabad, July
20,1997,pi.

37. The Hindu, Madras, December 27,1998,p2.

38. Information and Public Relations Department, Rhythu Bazaar, (Telugu

Pamphlet), Hyderabad, 1999.

39. The Hindu, Madras, August 17,1998, p.3..

40. The Hindu, Madras, August 17,1998, p.l..

41. The Hindu, Madras, April 15, 1998,p.8.

42. The Hindu, Madras, April 4,1999, p.l.

43. Information & Public Relations Department, "Prajala Saradhuluga Pragati

Pathamlo Andhra Pradesh", (Telugu Broucher) Hyderabad, P.2.

44. Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly Debates, Hyderabad, December 19,

1995, p.784.

237
45. Ibid., p.791.

46. Information & Public Relations Department, "Prajale saradhulugaa Pragati

Pathamlo Andhra Pradesh", (Telugu Broucher), Hyderabad, p.8.

47. The Hindu, Madras, December 13,1998,p.2.

48. The New Indian Express, Hyderabad, May 1, 1999, p. 1.

49. The Hindu, Madras, May 2,1999, p. 1.

50. Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly Debates, Hyderabad, December 6, 1995,

P.293.

51. Information & Public Relations Department, "Prajale Saradhuluga Pragati

Pathamlo Andhra Pradesh", (Telugu Broucher), Hyderabad, P.23rd Information
& Public Relation Department, "Adarana", (Telugu Pamphlet), Hyderabad,
1999,p.56.

52. The New Indian Express Hyderabad,, November 1,1999, p.2.

53. The Hindu, Bangalore, 5-6-2000, p.2.

54. Information & Public Relations Department, "Prajalesaradhuluga Pragathi

Pathamlo Andhra Pradesh", Telugu Broucher, Hyderabad, p.62.

238