Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday inaugurated the village secretariat system, fulfilling his poll promise of decentralising administration in the state.
After unveiling a pylon in Karapa village in East Godavari district on Wednesday, the Chief Minister congratulated successful candidates who passed the 'Village Secretary' exams, and said that they should shoulder the responsibility of taking governance to the doorsteps of the people.
The inauguration coincided with the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
"We are here to strengthen the village ecosystem through our welfare schemes of Navaratnas as I had seen the plight of people during the 3,648 km padayatra where I was told about the rampant corruption and discrimination at all levels and how difficult it was to get a ration card, pension or any of the welfare utilities," Jagan said.
"Thus, the village and ward secretariat system has emerged, employing over 4.5 lakh people and perhaps this is the first time in the country’s history for any government to provide employment at such a scale within four months of coming to power," he added.
Gram swarajyam, was the centerpiece of Gandhiji's vision for rural empowerment and economic development in India. I congratulate everyone involved in our #GramSachivalayam initiative, a real tribute to Gandhian principles. #MahatmaGandhi pic.twitter.com/7h5pj66w5Z
— YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (@ysjagan) October 2, 2019
In a press release, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said that the secretariats will provide 500 different kinds of services covered by about 35 departments and will work as a liaison between the government and the people.
Jagan also spoke about other schemes implemented by the YSRCP, and said that 'Amma Vodi' would reduce the state's illiteracy rate, while 'YSR Rythu Bharosa' would be beneficial to farmers.
"Prohibition is the other promise of Navaratnas which we are taking very seriously and we have reduced the number of outlets from 4,580 to 3,450 and reduction of 20% per year will bring in total prohibition. There were 43,000 belt shops which had popped up during the previous government and we have closed them all on a permanent basis," Jagan said.
Deputy Chief Minister Pilli Subhash Chandra Bose, Ministers Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy and K Kanna Babu, and senior YSRCP leaders Pinne Viswaroop and Vanga Geetha, participated in the inaugural event, along with others.