Amaravati, 22 November 2024 – During the ongoing assembly session, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan unveiled an ambitious plan under the National Employment Scheme, aiming to generate seven crore man-days of work and deliver 30,000 development projects through the Palle Pandugu initiative. The announcement comes as part of the state government’s broader efforts to revitalise rural employment and infrastructure.
Palle Pandugu Initiative
The Palle Pandugu initiative, a cornerstone of the National Employment Scheme, includes a comprehensive set of rural development projects:
- Construction of 3,000 kilometres of cement concrete (CC) roads.
- Building 500 kilometres of bituminous (BT) roads.
- Creation of 20,000 mini Gokulams (cowsheds).
- Cleaning of ponds and lakes to enhance local ecosystems.
Speaking in the assembly, Deputy CM Kalyan remarked:
“To provide employment opportunities in rural areas, the National Employment Scheme was implemented. After the formation of the NDA coalition government, a budget of Rs 4,500 crores was allocated, covering wages and materials. We will complete all works under the Palle Pandugu initiative, including critical infrastructure projects and community development initiatives.”
Signboards and information boards have already been set up in villages to ensure transparency and monitor progress.
Reviewing Diverted Funds
Kalyan criticised the previous administration for alleged financial mismanagement, accusing it of diverting Rs 13,000 crores meant for developmental works. He asserted that the current government is actively reviewing the misuse of funds to restore efficiency and accountability in governance.
“The previous government destroyed the system by diverting Rs 13,000 crores. We are committed to reviewing these funds to ensure they are used for their intended purposes,” Kalyan stated.
Employment Generation and Job Cards
Highlighting the employment benefits of the scheme, Kalyan revealed that 1.49 lakh job cards have been issued for 100 days of work under the initiative, with 5.85 lakh wage seekers currently employed.
“The National Employment Scheme provides vital employment opportunities in rural areas, helping to address both economic and social challenges,” he added.
Environmental Focus
In addition to infrastructure and employment, environmental conservation is a key focus of the government’s agenda. The Deputy Chief Minister announced efforts to build compound walls around graveyards, aiming to improve hygiene and safety in rural areas.
He also took note of the Telangana government’s recent ban on single-use plastics and directed Andhra Pradesh to adopt similar measures by promoting biodegradable materials as alternatives.
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Tackling Air Pollution
Addressing concerns over air quality, Kalyan outlined the steps taken to combat pollution under the National Clean Air Program (NCAP). From 2022 to 2024, Rs 19.15 crore was allocated by the state government for pollution control measures, alongside Rs 129.25 crore from the Union government.
However, he criticised the previous government for its negligence in implementing these measures effectively, resulting in limited impact.
“Air pollution remains a significant challenge. With the support of the NCAP scheme, we are committed to enforcing stronger pollution control measures to improve the health and well-being of our citizens,” Kalyan said.
The Road Ahead
Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan reiterated the government’s commitment to completing the outlined projects under the Palle Pandugu initiative and ensuring that rural areas benefit from sustainable development and employment opportunities. With an emphasis on transparency, accountability, and community participation, the administration aims to create a lasting impact on rural livelihoods and infrastructure.
As Andhra Pradesh takes strides toward comprehensive rural development, the government’s ambitious plans signal a renewed focus on addressing long-standing economic, environmental, and social challenges across the state.
