Nallari Kiran Kumar Reddy, who was sworn in as chief minister on Thursday, said his government's top priority would be to fulfil all the promises made in the Congress election manifesto.
Besides executing the welfare schemes, he would introduce better and transparent systems to curb leakages so as to ensure that the benefits given reach the targeted people.
Addressing his maiden press conference as chief minister, Reddy said all efforts would be made to restore the reputation of the state, particularly Hyderabad, as the most sought-after destination for investments. Maintaining law and order without infringing the constitutional rights of the people would be part of these efforts.
On the separate Telangana issue, he said he would abide by the Centre’s decision. There would also be no change in the policy on Naxals.
The new chief minister is planning to select a dozen important schemes of the government like public distribution system, National Rural Employment Guarantee programme and students scholarships, whose execution will be constantly monitored. “Targets will fixed for every three months and select officers will be entrusted with execution of the schemes,” he said.
Reddy said public grievances would be addressed on priority. Provision of education and health facilities to the needy would be his top agenda. He would seek the cooperation of both the Opposition and his party members for the all-round development of the state.
Stating that he had “proved beyond doubt” that he was comfortable working with every leader, Reddy said 99 per cent of the legislators in the state met him after he became the chief minister. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also greeted the new chief minister.
He would expand his Cabinet in consultation with the party high command.
CII to work with new CM
The Confederation of Indian Industry (Andhra Pradesh) said that it would continue to work with the new chief minister to achieve the targets of inclusive growth and economic development.
CII AP chairman, Shakti Sagar, stated in a release that Reddy became the chief minister at a very crucial period when the state was confronted with several issues. “I am sure that Mr Reddy will give us the right direction and resolve the issues at the earliest,” he said.
CII has partnered the state government in the areas of healthcare, power and energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, environment and pollution and skill development.
