CM Tells Ministers to Fast-Track AgriGold Relief

VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday directed officials to accelerate the process of providing justice to thousands of AgriGold depositors by expediting the auction of the company's assets and ensuring that the victims receive compensation without further delay.

Engaging the ministers in a chat after the cabinet meeting, the chief minister said some vested interests were attempting to stall the government's efforts by approaching courts. Officials, he said, must deal firmly with such attempts and ensure that auctions are conducted transparently to secure the best possible prices.

He also asked the cabinet sub-committee to explore alternative options, besides auctions, to maximise returns for depositors spread across 11 states, noting that the scam has remained unresolved for over 15 years.

Naidu directed the ministers to celebrate Independence Day in line with the Centre's Viksit Bharat-2047 vision while showcasing AP’s Swarna Andhra Vision-2047. He stressed optimum utilisation of floodwaters from upstream regions to overcome drinking water scarcity and called for measures to prevent fodder shortages.

Announcing that the assembly session will be held from August 17 to 20, the CM said the government would introduce comprehensive legal amendments to strengthen women's safety. He alleged that the YSR Congress government had publicised the proposed Disha bill though it never became law after its return to the state by the Centre.

Naidu said the Veligonda Project would be inaugurated later this month to provide drinking water to Prakasam district and supply water to Nallamala Sagar. The ambitious Quantum Valley project, he said, is expected to become operational by December or January.

Launching a sharp attack on former chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, Naidu alleged that YSR Congress workers damaged tobacco bales, crops and the livelihood of a woman street vendor during the former CM’s visit to Devarapalli in East Godavari district.

He accused "criminals operating under the guise of political parties" of disturbing law and order and claimed several farmers had complained that their crops were damaged.

The Chief Minister also criticised the YSRC over its protests against the DSC teacher recruitment process, asserting that the recruitment was conducted transparently. He said courts had dismissed petitions challenging the process and directed ministers to educate the public about horizontal and vertical reservation policies.

Naidu said the government had extended `1,100 crore in power subsidies to aqua farmers irrespective of aqua and non-aqua zones. The Centre had responded positively to a proposal aimed at reducing aqua feed export costs by 50 per cent, he said, and asked ministers to effectively communicate the government's support measures for tobacco growers.

Congratulating tribal communities for creating a Guinness World Record with the Thinsa dance during the inauguration of Bhogapuram airport, Naidu said the airport had generated a strong emotional connect with the people of north Andhra. The approach of the aircraft over the sea before their landing would offer passengers a memorable experience.

Looking ahead to Amaravati's iconic infrastructure, the CM said the proposed Amaravati Eye Wheel should be taller than Dubai's 250-metre Ain Dubai observation wheel.