Naidu unveils 'smart village' plan

The draft plan aims at making AP a top state in the country by 2029

Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu today unveiled a draft of 'Smart Village' plan aimed at making AP a top state in the country by 2029.

"Andhra Pradesh should be developed on all fronts with comprehensive development of villages along with public participation," Naidu said at a press conference here while releasing the document 'Smart Village, Smart Ward towards Smart Andhra Pradesh'.

The chief minister appealed to various sections of society, including public representatives, Tollywood personalities, entrepreneurs, NGOs, NRIs, to become stake-holders in realising this initiative.

He said suggestions from villages would be incorporated into the final draft, to be released on January 18, and state government had created a dedicated portal-www.smartvillage.gov.in - for the purpose.

Naidu said villages would be developed with funds from both government and the partners of smart village.

The chief minister listed out 20 items to be taken up under 'smart village', including vibrant livelihood opportunities at every household, (setting up of) micro enterprises, home for all with access to toilets, safe drinking water and power, 100 per cent institutional deliveries, no girl child marriages, bank accounts for all households, telecom and Internet connectivity.