From Our Correspondent
Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday categorically ruled out any move to privatise Sub-Registrar Offices, clarifying that the proposed Registration Service Kendras (RSKs) are being established solely to make property registration services faster, more transparent and citizen-friendly.
Reviewing the Registration and Stamps Department at the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) Centre in the Secretariat, the Chief Minister directed officials to counter what he described as a “false propaganda” campaign alleging that the government was privatising Sub-Registrar Offices.
Naidu said the government remained committed to improving public services through technology without compromising government oversight. He explained that the proposed Registration Service Kendras would function on the lines of Passport Seva Kendras, where citizen-facing services are streamlined while statutory powers continue to remain with the government.
“Just as Passport Seva Kendras have simplified passport processing without privatising passport issuance, Registration Service Kendras will similarly simplify registration services while all statutory functions continue to remain with the Registration Department,” he said.
The Chief Minister instructed officials to launch a public awareness campaign explaining the objectives and benefits of the new system and dispel misconceptions surrounding the initiative.
Assurance to document writers
Naidu also sought to allay concerns among document writers, assuring them that their livelihoods would not be adversely affected. He directed officials to ensure suitable alternative employment opportunities wherever required so that the transition to the new system does not impact their income.
Deepam-2.0 subsidy payments
Reviewing the implementation of the Deepam-2.0 scheme, the Chief Minister instructed officials to credit LPG subsidy amounts to beneficiaries on predetermined dates in a systematic manner. He asked the Civil Supplies and Finance Departments to work together, resolve technical issues and establish a predictable payment mechanism.
Action against habitual litigants
Naidu also reviewed the issue of habitual litigants repeatedly filing petitions before the government. According to officials, 81 habitual petitioners have been identified across the State, with each filing an average of 246 petitions.
He directed officials to share the list with District Collectors and distinguish between petitions filed in genuine public interest and those intended merely to harass government departments or officials. While genuine grievances must be addressed promptly, frivolous petitions should be identified and the complainants counselled, he said.
The Chief Minister instructed officials to resolve all non-financial public grievances immediately, while prioritising cases requiring financial assistance.
49% rainfall deficit worries government
Expressing concern over the southwest monsoon, Naidu noted that Andhra Pradesh has so far received 49% deficient rainfall, attributing the shortfall to the impact of El Niño.
He directed officials to formulate contingency plans, create awareness among farmers and encourage cultivation of drought-resistant crops to minimise the impact of deficient rainfall. He also asked departments to take up Viksit Bharat Gram Gram (VBGG) works on a large scale and integrate them with Jaladhara water conservation initiatives.
Focus on proactive governance
Calling for a more proactive administrative approach, the Chief Minister said governance should be driven by continuous public feedback and data-based decision-making. Rather than responding after problems emerge, departments should anticipate challenges, refine administrative practices and take timely preventive measures to improve public service delivery, he said.