Hyderabad:
Asserting that Andhra Pradesh has emerged as a role model in implementation of UPA's flagship MGNREGS, Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy today said a record has been set in the entire country by spending Rs 21,500 crore on the scheme so far.
"This year, we have provided 31 crore work days by an allocation of Rs 2,900 crore," he said in his Independence Day address after inspecting the ceremonial march past at the Parade Grounds here.
The government is requesting the Centre to apply the scheme to agriculture, handloom and if possible handicrafts sectors too, he said.
The implementation of MGNREGS in Andhra Pradesh has received appreciation from leaders like Union Minister Jairam Ramesh earlier.
Listing out other welfare and development programmes being implemented, Reddy said the government is making efforts to take the state on the path of progress.
Describing his government as "farmer-friendly", he said a scheme of government paying the interest on the croploan upto Rs one lakh has been taken up for the benefit of about one crore farmers.
Free power is being provided for 32 lakh agricultural electricity connections, he said.
Highlighting the importance given for women welfare, he said interest-free loans are being provided upto an amount of Rs five lakh.
The government is filling about 1.20 lakh vacancies in various government departments, which is unprecedented in state's history.
Under the ambitious 'Rajiv Yuvakiranalu' employment scheme, the government has provided jobs to about two lakh youth and the aim now is to give employment to 15 lakh people in the next three years, the chief minister said.
The state government has completed 14 of the 86 irrigation projects contemplated under the ambitious 'Jalayagnam' (irrigation mission), he said.
Under the 'Rajiv Arogya Sri' health scheme, the government is providing free medical services to all poor white ration card holders. Medical treatment was provided to over 15 lakh poor people by spending Rs 4,500 crore.
Hyderabad will host a mega convention 'International Biodiversity Conference' in October this year, which will be attended by representatives from 193 countries and eight to 10 Heads of States, he said.
The government is likely to host another international event -- World Agriculture Congress -- in November, he said. The 'World Telugu Conference' will be held in Tirupati from December 27-29.
Acknowledging that problems have cropped up in the power sector due to scarcity of water, shortage of gas supply, 10 per cent rise in consumption, Reddy said the government is trying to overcome the predicament by purchasing power, building new power plants and encouraging renewable energy.
Observing that the state has a tradition of different regions and sections of people living together in harmony, the chief minister said the government would leave no stone unturned to maintain law and order.