AP aims for comprehensive development through technology and skill building

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu emphasized that state development should go beyond promises and be visible in tangible results for the people. Speaking on the second day of the 5th District Collectors’ Conference at the Secretariat, the CM highlighted the need for programs that directly improve citizens’ lives.

He specifically asked for the state-wide implementation of the “Mustabu” personal hygiene initiative, currently running successfully for tribal students in Parvathipuram Manyam district. Chandrababu commended the district collector, Prabhakar Reddy, for effectively executing the program, noting that initiatives like this - cost-effective yet capable of driving social change - can create real impact. He estimated that if the program is extended to all schools up to the 12th grade, around 8 million students would benefit, indirectly spreading awareness about personal hygiene to over 20 million people.

The conference also reviewed presentations on areas including agritech, logistics, energy management, product quality, deep tech, school and higher education, skill development, and employment generation. Chandrababu stressed that skill development would play a central role in the future, and students should have opportunities to earn degrees while acquiring practical skills, bridging the gap between education and employment. He clarified that the effectiveness of any sector - industry, tourism, or IT - should be measured by the number of youth it employs.

Under the state’s “Yuvagalam” initiative, the government had promised employment for 2 million people, of which 450,000 jobs have already been provided. Chandrababu instructed officials to record all these details, including names, on a central dashboard for better monitoring.

Looking ahead to 2047, the CM reaffirmed the government’s vision for a “Golden Andhra Pradesh,” emphasizing integrated development centered on family empowerment. Population management remains a key agenda, and the government plans to use family cards to track beneficiaries of various welfare schemes. Chandrababu announced that a population management policy will be unveiled by Ugadi next year.

During the session, the Secretary of Health, Medical and Family Welfare, Saurabh Gaur, presented a detailed PowerPoint on population management and human resource development - one of the ten guiding principles of the Golden Andhra Pradesh 2047 initiative. He explained that the program is monitored across three line departments: Health, Women & Child Welfare, and Family Welfare.

Gaur highlighted that the average age of Andhra Pradesh residents is currently 32.5 years, higher than the national average of 28.4 years, indicating a rapidly aging population. Consequently, the demographic window - the period when the working-age population provides maximum economic benefit - is expected to last only until 2040.

The CM expressed concern over rising health issues, including malnutrition and fatty liver disease, partly due to the use of growth promoters in poultry. He instructed the Animal Husbandry Department to take measures to reduce their use.

Chandrababu emphasized the need to expand the state’s workforce. Programs such as Care & Grow App are helping detect deficiencies in children under six years early on. He also urged the government to work towards zero suicides by providing counseling for students, farmers, and families, and to promote awareness about tobacco and drug-free living.

CM Chandrababu Naidu concluded that Andhra Pradesh’s goal is comprehensive development, combining technology, skill building, employment, health, and family empowerment. He called on every district collector to ensure visible results in their districts and to contribute to building a data-driven, future-ready Andhra Pradesh.