Naidu Says No Tribal Must Live in Poverty
“We will propose new measures to ensure that jobs in tribal areas are reserved for locals,” Chandrababu Naidu assured.
Visakhapatnam: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday underlined that his government’s goal is to ensure that no tribal family lives in poverty.
Participating in the Sanjeevani programme at Ganneli in Araku Valley constituency of Alluri Sitarama Raju district, the AP CM pointed out that their government had passed G.O. 3 to ensure that jobs in tribal areas are reserved for locals. But the Supreme Court annulled the GO due to the negligence of previous rulers.
“We will propose an acceptable alternative soon to safeguard employment opportunities for tribal communities in Adivasi areas,” Chandrababu Naidu assured addressing a public meeting on the occasion. During the event, he outlined a comprehensive vision for development of tribal areas and highlighted his government's commitment to improving healthcare, education, and livelihoods.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the state government has developed plans based on five key principles – infrastructure, healthcare, education, employment, and welfare. He pointed out that 900 kilometres of roads have been constructed under the Adivathalli Bata project at an expenditure of ₹1,000 crore. Tap water and rooftop solar facilities would be provided to 160,000 houses. Coffee cultivation would be expanded to another 100,000 acres to create employment opportunities.
Naidu appreciated the increased tourist footfalls in Araku. He pointed out that homestays could provide additional income for tribal families. He said skill development programmes would be launched to train 100,000 youth over three years, enabling them to secure jobs in emerging industries in the region.
The CM said an emergency lifeline network with 150 vehicles has been created in ASR district to provide medical services in remote areas. He underlined that every tribal child should grow up healthy. He referred to the Tribal Health Infrastructure Mission with an allocation of ₹250 crore for medicare facilities. Monthly pensions of ₹10,000 are being provided to patients with sickle cell disease and thalassemia. The government has signed agreements with IIT Madras to ensure that tribal children can access quality education, including special coaching for competitive exams, such as IIT and NEET. Further, world-class brands will be created to market tribal farmers’ products.
Naidu emphasised that the Sanjeevani programme launched across ASR district will ensure quality medical care for every family in remote tribal areas. He said cell towers are being put up in these areas to improve connectivity. Yoga and meditation programmes are being promoted to strengthen public health. Drone technology is being utilised to transport blood samples from agency areas to major hospitals, while Talli Bidda Express services are helping pregnant women reach hospitals.
The Chief Minister said mobile medical services will be introduced through ambulances 104, offering 42 types of tests at people’s doorsteps. Jan Aushadhi Kendras would soon open in all mandals to provide affordable medicines.
He accused YSRC of damaging the state’s systems, manipulating recruitment exams, and undermining the sanctity of temples. He alleged that forced religious conversions had taken place during the previous regime, while public health got compromised due to adulterated liquor.
Naidu contrasted this with Telugu Desam-led government’s initiatives, which include large-scale job recruitment through DSC, reforms in liquor policy, and the promotion of alternative crops, such as coffee and pepper in agency areas.
During his visit, the CM flagged off healthcare vehicles in Ganneli and interacted with Sanjeevani beneficiaries in RK Nagar, Araku. He spoke with pregnant women and families about digital health records. He reviewed drone services that transport blood samples from the Primary Health Centre in Ganneli to the Government General Hospital. He met families that are benefiting from various welfare schemes, including Talliki Vandanam, Annadata Sukhibhava, Stree Shakti, and Auto Driver Service.
Naidu informed farmers that Godavari water will be brought to Anakapalli through the Polavaram Left Canal on September 2 and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to development and welfare.
