Sources indicated that the programme will involve minimal structural changes initially, with a focus on training staff, updating signage, and digitising operations.
Published Dec 30, 2025 | 2:10 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 30, 2025 | 2:10 PM
Andhra Pradesh. (iStock)
Synopsis: The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet cleared the renaming of Gram Sachivalayams as Swarna Gramam and Ward Sachivalayams to Swarna Wards. The programme is aimed at creating a shift towards making these secretariats “active vision units” that will drive development projects, improve service delivery, and foster community engagement.
The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet cleared the renaming of Gram Sachivalayams as Swarna Gramam and Ward Sachivalayams to Swarna Wards. The decision, made during a late-night meeting on Monday, 29 December, is seen as one intended to convert villages and wards to work more efficiently.
The ‘Swarna Gramam–Swarna Ward’ programme, as it is officially termed, is more than symbolic; it is a shift towards making these secretariats “active vision units” that will drive development projects, improve service delivery, and foster community engagement.
The origins of the Gram and Ward Sachivalayams can be traced back to the previous YSRCP administration under former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. Established in 2019, these Secretariats were a flagship initiative to decentralise governance, bringing essential services like welfare schemes, certificates, and grievance redressal directly to villages and urban wards.
Each Gram Sachivalayam served rural areas with a team of volunteers and officials, while Ward Sachivalayams handled urban neighbourhoods. The system employed over 2.5 lakh volunteers and staff, in helping the government reach the benefits of social welfare schemes to the doorsteps of the people.
However, the NDA government, led by the TDP, had criticised the previous setup for inefficiency, political misuse of volunteers, and overlapping roles. Since assuming office in June 2024, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has spearheaded changes, including rationalising staff, handling transfers and promotions, and integrating technology for better transparency.
The Cabinet’s approval follows an announcement by Naidu on 19 December during a virtual meeting with district collectors, where he first revealed plans for the rebranding. At that time, he emphasised that the Secretariats would evolve into “vision units” focused on implementing development agendas at the micro-level.
An official notification was anticipated shortly after, but the formal cabinet nod came on Monday night, paving the way for immediate implementation.
Sources indicated that the programme will involve minimal structural changes initially, with a focus on training staff, updating signage, and digitising operations.
As implementation rolls out, the government plans awareness campaigns to familiarise citizens with the new names. Digital platforms will be updated, and volunteers will receive training on the enhanced roles. This decision comes at a time when the state is pushing for rapid development, including infrastructure projects and economic zones, all under the Swarna Andhra umbrella.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
