The Hindu Business Line : Political, bureaucratic set-up must work together, says Rajasekhara Reddy

THE Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, has said that bureaucracy should act in accordance to the directions and priorities of the political set-up besides being responsive and accountable to the people of the State.

Addressing a meeting of senior Government officials and Heads of Departments here on Friday, the first to be convened since he became the Chief Minister four months ago, Dr Reddy also emphasised the need for the political as well as the bureaucratic set-up to work together "as a team and as family members".

He said that bureaucrats should take special care and make every effort to look into and resolve the issues that were brought to their notice by public representatives. If the requests made by the elected representatives of the people could not be entertained due to various reasons, the bureaucrats should inform the people concerned why their representations could not be implemented.

Expressing concern over the growing rural-urban divide in the State, the Chief Minister pointed out that the share of the agricultural sector in the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) had fallen from 24 per cent in 1993 to 13 per cent by 2003.

While the GSDP increased from Rs 61,114 crore to over Rs 91,000 crore during this period, the income from agriculture and allied activities declined from Rs 13,305 crore to around Rs 11,900 crore. "Is it not ample proof for the poor plight of farmers?" he asked and directed the officials to ensure that alternative employment was provided to the people in the rural areas.

Ever since the Congress came back to power in the State four months ago, Dr Reddy said the administration by and large was functioning on the right path. He wanted the creation of a better work climate in every block of the State Secretariat and warned that there would be serious repercussions if the role of administrative systems and institutions was diluted.

Dr Reddy also asked the officials not to shy away from media. There was a need to highlight the developmental activities undertaken by the Government through the media. Hence, officials should be "pro-active" in informing the media and at the same time take note and rectify the mistakes, if any, pointed out by the media.

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