Andhra Pradesh: development eludes North Andhra region despite rich in natural resources, say leaders of various political parties

We demand that at least 15% of the State Budget be allocated to this region, says former Minister Konathala Ramakrishna

Cutting across party lines, leaders from various political parties such as TDP, JSP, Congress, Lok Satta, CPI and CPI (M), have come together to take up the cause of development of North Andhra region at a meeting organised by former Congress Minister Konathala Ramakrishna, under the aegis of Uttarandhra Charcha Vedika, here on Saturday.

All the leaders were of the opinion that despite North Andhra region being unique in nature, it has not developed as desired and it was not given its due prominence by almost all political parties that had come to power.

Delivering the inaugural address, Mr. Konathala Ramakrishna said that the region is rich in agriculture, a PSU hub, it has many tourist and pilgrim spots and is rich in natural resources, but it has not developed as per the potential.

It has a rich centuries-old historical and cultural history and despite Vizianagaram being a seat of learning once, is now languishing at the bottom of the table. The same is the case with Srikakulam and Visakhapatnam districts, he said.

He pointed out that so far no speciality hospital has come up to treat the people suffering from CKD (chronic kidney disease) in Srikakulam and VIMS (Visakhapatnam Institute of Medical Sciences) lacked adequate number of doctors, despite it being set up over a decade ago. Still there is no road connectivity to many tribal areas in the Agency and people die while being ferried across in ‘Dolis’, he said.

“According to the 2011 census, about 82% of people in this region do not get proper drinking water and 59% have no access to modern toilets. We demand that at least 15% of the State Budget be allocated to this region,” said Mr. Ramakrishna.

Lok Satta Party founder Jaya Prakash Narayana spoke about constituting regional boards for development of the region. “If North Andhra and Rayalaseema regions are to be developed, then regional boards have to be constituted and empowered,” he said. He also spoke about developing villages into small towns with all facilities and towns to small cities.