The Hindu Business Line : We're pro-farmer, pro-poor: YSR

THE Congress Government in Andhra Pradesh asserts that there is no change or slowdown in the economic reforms process. "We have taken a pro-farmer, pro-poor and socio-economic focus in the reforms," the State Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, said.

Referring to the Public Enterprises reforms, Mr Reddy said our view is to revamp or privatise these state undertakings depending on their economic health conditions and the concerns of the employees. In the case of the Co-operative Sugar factories, we have restructured the process to allow for privatisation.

In addition to the Government of India funds on soft interest rates, we are encouraging co-generation and distillery units to be set up.

On APSRTC privatisation

Dr Reddy said as of now the Government was not in favour of privatising the giant State Road Transport Corporation. However, he quickly added that "Ultimately the Corporation has to come forward with a revival package. We cannot go on giving money".

On free power and Irrigation projects

The Chief Minister said, "Ensuring free power to farmers remains my passion even after a year in office. We have modified the policy a bit to ensure effective implementation and reach the deserving. Similarly, the power tariff has also been rationalised to help the industry."

As far as irrigation projects are concerned we are confident of both getting clearances and raising funds. The budget for 2005-06 has made significant allocations and we have grounded work in some. We are also in touch with the Centre to get funds and technology from Austria for speedy implementation.

Major initiatives

The Government would focus on industrial development, spur IT sector, spread infrastructure development in all regions and take up beautification projects.

Establishing the 20,000-acre Knowledge Corridor, developing 12 Satellite townships, laying the 160 km, 8-lane outer ring road and creating a separate Department of Infrastructure are immediate task, Dr Reddy said.

Three most satisfying achievements

Grounding works in irrigation projects, housing for the poor, micro-credit to the self help groups (SHGs) in that order, the Chief Minister, Dr Reddy said.

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