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Uncertainty looms over many projects and schemes launched by the previous government led by Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief Chandrababu Naidu, even as the new Chief Minister and YSR Congress leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is set to name the Cabinet later this week.
After taking charge on May 30, Jagan has been busy holding review meetings with officials on different projects and schemes. Certain key decisions are expected later this month.
Projects halted
He has instructed officials to halt the projects in different stages in Amaravati and elsewhere in the State. Only after thoroughly reviewing and scrutinising all projects in irrigation, infrastructure and renewable energy sector, a decision will be taken.
Jagan, as the Opposition leader, had alleged large-scale corruption in many of these projects, including the mega Polavaram irrigation project on the Godavari. The Chief Minister may take recourse to reverse tendering (covering many other projects, too) to bring down the costs and expose the alleged corruption by the TDP.
The YSRC chief has met the acting Chief Justice of the AP High Court, C Praveen Kumar, and has asked him to depute a sitting judge for a judicial commission to clear the tenders and contracts. This process will ensure transparency, the CM said.
‘Belt shops’
The new Chief Minister has also instructed State excise department officials to take immediate steps for the phased-rollout of prohibition in the State. As the first step, an awareness campaign would be taken up to educate the public and to remove belt shops immediately. (The unauthorised liquor outlets attached to an authorised and licensed liquor shops are known as belt shops in Andhra Pradesh)
Jagan has also asked irrigation department officials to complete the Polavaram project within two years.
He has also initiated steps to recover ₹4,000-4,5000 crore, spent by the previous TDP government on the project from State coffers, from the Centre, as the cost of a national project is supposed to be borne entirely by the Centre, barring the power component.
New Cabinet
Speculation is rife that the Chief Minster will announce the Cabinet on June 8.
Jagan has also reshuffled many IAS and IPS officials in the State to implement his policies.
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