Development, Welfare Programmes To Be Accelerated
Officials in Kadapa were directed to speed up development and welfare programmes amid rainfall deficit and drought-like conditions across the district.
Development and welfare programmes should be implemented at a faster pace to ensure better services to people, state BC welfare and handlooms and textiles minister and Kadapa district in-charge minister Sanjeevareddygari Savitha said on Tuesday.
Speaking at the District Review Committee (DRC) meeting held at the Kadapa collectorate under the chairmanship of collector Dr Sridhar Cherukuri, she said YSR Kadapa district securing the first position at the national level in the Aspirational Districts Programme for three consecutive quarters reflected the collective efforts of the district administration.
She directed officials of all departments to work in coordination and resolve pending issues within the stipulated time.
The meeting reviewed the progress of agriculture, irrigation, drinking water, education, healthcare, infrastructure and welfare programmes in the district.
The collector said Kadapa secured a composite score of 80.06 in the Aspirational Districts Programme in March 2026 and stood first nationally. He said 36 smart kitchens were currently functioning and the number would be increased to 38 by October 1.
He said the district was facing a rainfall deficit and special measures were being taken to address the situation. As of September 28, the district had received 216.9 mm of rainfall against the normal 395.4 mm, recording a deficit of 45.1 per cent. As many as 37 mandals had met drought criteria, including 19 under severe and 18 under moderate drought categories.
The collector said steps had been taken to encourage alternative crops and promote early Rabi chickpea cultivation. About 10,663 quintals of chickpea seed had been allocated to farmers at a 35 per cent subsidy.
He said priority was being given to protecting drinking water sources, recharging groundwater and developing tanks and canals. Arrangements were also being made to ensure adequate fodder for livestock.