AP to Ban Social Media Access for Children Below 13

The aim, he said, is to protect young users from harmful online exposure. The government would finalise the decision soon and announce the detailed guidelines within 90 days.

Addressing the members during the debate on the appropriation bill, Naidu said IT minister Nara Lokesh had conducted a study on the growing misuse of social media platforms and submitted recommendations to regulate them.

The CM said the alliance government had spent the past 20 months stabilising the state’s governance systems after “the administrative and financial setbacks” the state faced during the YSRC rule.

He said the 15-day Assembly Session focused on policies shaping the future of the state’s nearly five crore people.

The government, he noted, had presented a `3.32 lakh crore budget for the current financial year and was rebuilding the state with support from deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He criticised the Opposition for avoiding the Assembly while it sought the ‘official opposition’ status, stating that such recognition depended solely on the people’s electoral mandate.

Referring to welfare and infrastructure initiatives, the CM said the government was strengthening programmes such as the Jal Jeevan Mission to ensure tap connections for every household.

He alleged that earlier administrations had failed to fully utilise Central funds for the scheme.

Naidu also accused the previous government of mortgaging public assets and raising loans at high interest rates, adding that the borrowings worth ₹43,298 crore had been restructured to reduce the financial burden, while more such restructuring efforts were under way.

Highlighting infrastructure development, he said the long-pending Polavaram project was being revived and that the capital city Amaravati would take visible shape within three years with Central support.

The CM said the government had avoided passing on a “true-up” power tariff burden of ₹4,420 crore to consumers and was promoting solar energy through the PM Surya Ghar Yojana by providing rooftop solar panels to SC and ST households.

Naidu also unveiled plans under the “Swarna Andhra Vision 2047”, aimed at reducing economic inequality and attracting investments. According to him, 25 new policies had drawn investment commitments of `20 lakh crore, potentially creating 23 lakh jobs.

A Family Benefit Management System card would soon be issued to integrate welfare schemes of the state and the Centre for every household.

Naidu said the government had repealed laws hindering development and introduced reforms under the Jan Vishwas framework, which received assembly approval.

The Chief Minister also warned against rising white-collar and digital crimes and misuse of social media. He condemned violent political behaviour and demanded accountability over alleged adulteration of ghee used in the laddu prasadam at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, saying it had hurt religious sentiments.

Urging responsible conduct, Naidu called on public representatives and officials to work in coordination and ensure personal behaviour did not bring disrepute to the government.