At a review meeting with officials on Monday, Naidu said the council would comprise 10 experts from institutions like the Gates Foundation, IIT-Madras, and other prestigious organizations.
Published Apr 08, 2025 | 2:51 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 08, 2025 | 2:51 PM
CM Chandrababu Naidu.
Synopsis: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced the creation of a special advisory council focused on good governance, comprising experts from prestigious institutions. He also emphasised expanding digital services, including WhatsApp governance, aiming to offer 1,000 services by 12 June. Additionally, Naidu revealed plans for a Drone City near Kurnool and the development of the region’s tourism potential.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has decided to establish a special advisory council to enhance good governance in the state.
His decision has a familiar ring. In 2021, the Tamil Nadu government, under Chief Minister MK Stalin, constituted what came to be known as the Economic Advisory Council to help the government in framing policies aimed at revitalising the state’s economy and ensuring inclusive growth. It had renowned economists as its members, including former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan.
Probably, taking a leaf out of Tamil Nadu’s experience, Naidu wants to have a similar advisory council, but its role is more focused on good governance.
At a review meeting with officials on Monday, 7 April, Naidu said the council would comprise 10 experts from institutions like the Gates Foundation, IIT-Madras, and other prestigious organisations.
The council should study and provide suggestions on what more can be done to benefit the public and ensure good governance. The chief minister thus proposed an idea whose broad contours are yet to be defined.
The chief minister also directed officials to take measures to provide all government services required by the public through online, digital, WhatsApp governance, and other technological means.
He stressed the need to create awareness among people to access services via mobile phones using the “Mana Mitra WhatsApp Governance” platform and to expand WhatsApp governance further.
He made it clear that by 12 June, all services that the government can offer digitally should be brought under the ambit of WhatsApp governance.
Accordingly, he directed that the data integration process in RTGS (Real-Time Governance System) be completed swiftly. IT and RTGS Department Secretary Katamneni Bhaskar explained to the chief minister that up to 500 services can be provided through WhatsApp, with 254 services already brought under WhatsApp governance so far, and they are working toward the goal of offering over 1,000 services.
Meanwhile, officials informed Naidu that work is underway to prepare a master plan for establishing a Drone City in Orvakallu near Kurnool. The chief minister stated that it would become a major attraction for the state.
He noted that, apart from the Drone City, the Orvakallu region also holds other tourism potential, with a massive solar project. He suggested taking steps to develop the hospitality sector in the area by constructing modern hotels in collaboration with the Tourism Development Corporation to promote tourism.
(Edited by Sumavarsha).
