Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, during the second day of the District Collectors’ Conference, unveiled an ambitious plan to transform the state’s governance, revenue systems, and law and order. He emphasized that technology would be the driving force behind these reforms, with the ultimate goal of achieving ‘citizen satisfaction’ through enhanced accountability and transparency.
Highlighting a critical issue, the Chief Minister noted that a significant 60% of public grievances were related to revenue services. He attributed these widespread disputes to the previous YSRCP government’s Land Titling Act.
Naidu assured that new legislation is specifically crafted to safeguard citizens’ property. He detailed plans for the government to complete land re-surveys, correct existing records, and issue geo-tagged and QR-coded ownership documents by 2027. Furthermore, over one crore village-level property documents are slated to be integrated into the Swarnapanchayat Portal.
He instructed officials to install CCTV surveillance at red sanders depots in Tirupati, develop an experience center to highlight value-added products, and fully leverage the global potential of this rare species.
Regarding urban administration, he urged municipal authorities to utilize satellite imagery for identifying unauthorized constructions, accelerate the implementation of BPS-LRS schemes, and enforce mandatory drainage provisions in all new residential developments.
Significant GST Reforms and Citizen Benefits
Emphasizing the positive impact of the new GST 2.0 regime, Chief Minister Naidu stated that it would provide an annual benefit of approximately ₹8,000 crore to the people of Andhra Pradesh.
To ensure public awareness, a statewide campaign will run from September 22 to October 22, informing citizens about tax reductions, including the complete exemption of GST on life and health insurance. This initiative will be led by Ministers, Collectors, and elected representatives. Naidu likened its importance to the ‘YogaAndhra’ program, stressing the need to effectively communicate these GST benefits to the populace.
Naidu also announced plans to implement a rating system for government services, aiming to bolster accountability. He instructed senior officials to reduce the burden on Collectors by ceasing demands for redundant reports, suggesting instead that they leverage real-time field data available through RTGS systems.
He mandated that all government files be digitized and uploaded online within two months, equipped with forensic auditing tools to prevent any manipulation. He added that the ‘Data Lake’ and RTGS district centers are expected to be fully operational by November.
To bolster digital governance, five promising young IAS officers have been assigned to lead innovation projects. Naidu expressed his intent to harness their ‘innovative thinking’ to cultivate a robust technology ecosystem. He also revealed plans for the forthcoming Quantum Valley buildings, designed to house cutting-edge 3,000-qubit quantum computers and accommodate 80,000 professionals.
Addressing the Rise of Cybercrime
Discussing law and order, Naidu highlighted a 4% decrease in overall crime rates across the state. However, he expressed concern over a 16% increase in cybercrime, which currently leads to monthly losses of approximately ₹30 crore. He urged police to implement intelligence-led policing, strengthen forensic capabilities, and significantly broaden CCTV surveillance to combat this surge with more robust preventive measures.
Addressing the issue of narcotics, Naidu emphasized the need for a continuous and aggressive crackdown on ganja trafficking and use, stating firmly that drug control is not a quick fix but an ongoing, high-priority effort.
He challenged the police force to reduce overall crime by 30% and serious crime by an ambitious 50%. Drawing inspiration from Singapore, he advocated for rapid response systems, specialized dog squads, and a blend of ‘visible policing supported by invisible technology policing.’ Naidu also stressed the urgency of expediting sensitive cases, noting that the Sugali Preeti case has already been transferred to the CBI.
Chief Minister Naidu underscored the necessity for complete transparency in excise operations, mandating 100% online payments. He also called for the establishment of de-addiction and rehabilitation centers that meet global standards. Regarding mining, he directed districts to boost revenues and prioritize value addition.
Naidu pointed out that Andhra Pradesh is currently forgoing ₹1,000 crore by providing free sand, only charging for transportation. He reiterated that ‘public satisfaction matters,’ asserting that citizens should not face hurdles when arranging sand transportation.
Finally, the Chief Minister emphasized that the ultimate measure of success for all reforms – in revenue, taxation, law enforcement, and technology – would be public satisfaction. He concluded by stating, ‘Every reform we undertake must lead to greater trust, transparency, and benefits for the people.’