File Photo: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has decided to function from Vijayawada, the state's capital region, for three-four days a week, amid clear signs that shifting of government machinery to the new state would gather momentum.
Since the bifurcation of united Andhra Pradesh last year, Mr Naidu has been functioning from Hyderabad, which would remain as the common capital of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for 10 years but thereafter become part and parcel of Telangana, as per the Andhra Pradesh Re-organisation Act.
He has now, however, decided to function from Vijayawada for three-four days in a week so as to be closer to the people.
The state government also recently initiated the process of shifting offices to its permanent capital.
"Four days (a week) he will be here (Vijayawada) definitely. Most of the departments will slowly start functioning from here (Vijayawada region). It does not mean that we are leaving Hyderabad. Hyderabad remains joint capital. Our Secretariat functions there (Hyderabad) and CM will also come there (Hyderabad)," Parakala Prabhakar, Advisor (Communications) to Andhra Pradesh government, told PTI today.
Most of the Cabinet meetings henceforth would also be held in the capital area, he said.
Shifting is a gradual process, but the Chief Minister's move has sent a strong message that the seat of power is within the state rather than a "remote place" (Hyderabad), he said.
The shifting mostly relates to the employees of state Secretariat and other offices of AP government in Hyderabad, but the state government will have to find suitable office and residential infrastructure in the capital region.
Chief Secretary has recently initiated a dialogue with the employees unions' on the exercise of shifting.
The Chief Secretary would also spend substantial time in Vijayawada henceforth and he issued a Government Order (GO) last night establishing a full-fledged Camp Office of Chief Secretary at Vijayawada.
"Keeping in view the requirement of full-fledged Camp Office for the Chief Secretary, it is now decided to take over the erstwhile residence of the Sub-Collector which presently functioning as the camp office for the Collector, Krishna district (Vijayawada) to establish full-fledged camp office of Chief Secretary," the GO said.
The continued presence of the Chief Secretary is required at Vijayawada for better coordination, it said.
"Government has decided to work with Vijayawada as Headquarters, pending final location of the Capital at Amaravathi. The camp office of the Chief Minister has already been established in Vijayawada."
"Similarly, it is felt that continued presence of Chief Secretary is needed at Vijayawada for better coordination and decision making process," the GO said.
As the e-office system is already in place, it is felt that the files can be disposed off electronically, wherever officers are functioning from, it said.
"Therefore, it is decided to establish a regular Camp office for the Chief Secretary at Vijayawada till the Amaravathi Capital City is made functional," the GO said.
The state government has recently appointed a committee of senior officials to find ready-to-occupy accommodation in Vijayawada region to move its offices.
Mr Naidu had already performed the 'Bhumi Puja' for the development of capital city, named Amaravati, and the foundation stone laying ceremony is planned on 'Vijaya Dasami' on October 22.
The government has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the event.
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