Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan at a conference of ministers and secretaries at the Secretariat on Monday. | Photo credit: Special arrangement
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has said that there will be no increase in electricity tariffs and that the benefits of the reduction in charges will be passed on directly to consumers.
At a conference of ministers and secretaries at the Secretariat on Monday, Mr Naidu directed officials to take concrete steps to bring down the cost of power purchase to ₹ 3.90 per unit and to adopt a net zero emission approach in power generation.
The Chief Minister said that Andhra Pradesh, which was earlier facing power shortage, is now steadily moving towards achieving power surplus status.
“Fast-tracking solar rooftop projects, wind power, pumped storage tank projects and PM-KUSUM schemes are the need of the hour. At least 1,000 APSRTC buses will be converted to electric vehicles,” he said, recalling that over 5,000 e-cycles were recently distributed in Kuppam, highlighting the government’s commitment to clean mobility.
Stressing public health awareness, Mr. Naidu said steps should be taken to increase normal births and reduce unnecessary caesarean sections.
He announced that Andhra Pradesh would be declared AIDS-free next year. A comprehensive family card will be issued by June through the Family Card Benefit Management System to ensure effective delivery of social services, he said and directed officials to implement population management policies by March, noting that several European countries are facing serious problems due to aging population, which Andhra Pradesh must proactively plan to avoid.
Regarding agriculture and horticulture, the Chief Minister emphasized the need for continuous monitoring to ensure better market access and remunerative prices for farmers.
Rayalaseema, which currently produces 220,000,000 tonnes of horticultural produce, should be developed into a major hub with a target of 400,000,000 metric tonnes, using both central funds and private investment, he said, announcing plans for a four-lane railway line from Ichchapuram to Nellore and progress on a high-speed train project.
Mr. Naidu stressed on administrative reforms and pointed out that setting up a small rice mill requires more than 30 permits, which is against the spirit of Speed of Doing Business.
One window system
He directed the simplification of rules in departments such as fire brigade, municipal administration, forest and school education and the adoption of a single window system, especially for sand and mining approvals. Officials have been instructed to ensure uninterrupted supply of sand and gravel for the construction of Amaravati.
Mr. Naidu emphasized the importance of managing WhatsApp and said that public services should be available without repeated visits to the office. He also highlighted product quality and branding, citing the ‘Swayam’ brand for SHGs and calling for a cocoa brand similar to Araku coffee.
On the financial front, he said the registration department recorded a revenue of ₹ 9,103 crore with a growth of 27 percent.
He directed immediate utilization of central scheme funds, completion of KYC for unclaimed deposits of ₹ 148 crore and speedy release of funds under SASCI. The state is expected to receive ₹ 26,021 crore through centrally sponsored schemes in the coming financial year.
Ministers, senior officials, district collectors and SPs attended the meeting.
Published – 09 Feb 2026 20:05 IST
