The State government is going to distribute one smartphone each to all the households and provide Internet connectivity at a nominal price. The aim is to involve people in the decision-making process. Teleconferences will be organised with people at the grassroots before taking key decisions.
Announcing this here on Friday, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said it would be a first-of-its-kind programme in the country.
Addressing a public meeting as part of the Janmabhoomi - Maa Vooru programme on JNTUK grounds, Mr. Naidu said, at present, the State government was taking feedback from the beneficiaries on the implementation of welfare schemes through the IVRS.
“This too is a novel practice. Now, we are taking a step further and going to convene teleconferences with the people to elicit their opinion on schemes and programmes,” he said.
‘Support govt.’
Interacting with beneficiaries of various schemes, he expressed happiness over the satisfaction levels of the people and sought their support in the elections.
“You have benefited from a slew of welfare schemes launched by the TDP government. In return, you have to extend your support to it without fail,” he said.
Accusing YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy of extending support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and working against the interests of the State, Mr. Naidu alleged that the Leader of the Opposition was giving importance to his personal interests than the interests of the State.
“After enacting the ‘kodi katti’ drama, Mr. Reddy is now trying to unfold another drama by levelling baseless allegations against the government,” he charged.
Mr. Naidu urged JSP president Pawan Kalyan to fight against the Centre to protect the rights of the State.
Stone laid
Earlier, Mr. Naidu laid the stones for the ₹3,000-crore GMR Gateway Port, APGDC pipeline works, ₹292-crore Rajanagaram-Kakinada ADB Road expansion work and ₹400-crore Kakinada smart city project, besides distributing assets to the beneficiaries of welfare schemes.
An MoU was also signed in his presence between the State government and the Haldia group for setting up a petrochemicals refinery project with an expected investment of ₹6,000 crore at the KSEZ.
BJP cadres create flutter
Earlier, security personnel foiled the BJP activists’ attempt to obstruct the convoy of Mr. Naidu at the helipad.
Warning them against indulging in such cheap tactics, Mr. Naidu said, “Do you have any shame? Because of Mr. Modi, the State is suffering,” he said, before heading towards the JNTUK grounds.
The BJP leaders faulted the tone and tenor of the Chief Minister, and said he had no right to ridicule the Centre and the Prime Minister.