Eminent political leaders from five political parties participated in the panel discussion on “AP What next.” Mr. Abid Rasool Khan, General Secretary & Spokesperson, Indian National Congress, Smt. Nirmala Sitaraman, National Spokesperson, BJP, Mr. K. T. Rama Rao, MLA, Telangana Rashtra Samithi, Mr. Somayajulu, Spokesperson, YSR Congress and Mr. Y Ramakrishnudu, Spokesperson, TDP, presented the perspective of the political party they represent and had an animated discussion. The discussion threw light on each of these political party’s views on aspects like Economy, GDP, Growth and Development, Infrastructure Development, Skill Development & Employment Generation, Industry friendly policies, stable and calm environment for conducive growth etc. ISB Dean Mr. Ajit Rangnekar moderated the panel discussion. Prominent business leaders, government officials and members from other trade bodies attended the AGM.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Sangita Reddy, said in 2005 -06 AP’s growth was in double digits but in 2011-12 it has slided to 6%, this is not what AP is looking at. The states considered to be backward like M.P. at 12%; Bihar – 13%; Goa, Himachal Pradesh with 14% growth rate seem to be forging ahead with better growth rate than AP.
Mr. Ajit Rangnekar said in 1983 poverty levels in AP, Karnataka and UP was same but the two southern states have progressed well in the past 30 years.In today’s discussion we will focus on how to take the state to even higher levels. He said it would be unfair to blame just the politicians for what ails the state, we are equally responsible too.
Mr. Abid Rasool Khan said, AP has the best atmosphere and environment with a cosmopolitan culture conducive to invest. However power shortage and political uncertainty are issues of concern. The Chief Minister is concerned about power deficiency and working seriously to bridge the deficit. Good monsoon and revision of cap on gas, permitting usage of more gas can help in meeting the demand. We are working on solar power to address the current free power needs and this can address the power deficit problem in the state. The Government has been working to train and skill people from weaker sections like SCs, STs & minorities; they can be a good talent pool for industry. AP is providing land to industry at subsidized cost, friendly policies, speedy clearances and developing infrastructure and roads for the benefit of the industry. Two big industries, Colgate and Mahindra & Mahindra are coming to the state. The Chennai – Bangalore corridor is being developed for setting up industries. Currently the maximum investment in Industry in the country is coming to AP. He suggested setting up of a forum of all political parties in the state to have consensus on issues impacting the industry in the state. He said, our government is encouraging industry in the state and told the gathering, that AP is the best destination for your investment.
Smt. Nirmala Sitaraman said AP is endowed with natural resources and needs a blue print for growth. The political leadership needs commitment and conviction. She said BJP ruled states with their innovative practices are in the lead in terms of growth and her party has an idea of how this can be replicated in AP. In the year 2004 Hyderabad was competing with Bangalore in attracting industries. This state endowed with two rivers flowing has an opportunity to produce power. The Government has to ensure harmony, peace and friendly policies to attract industries. State government can be creative, for example state with over 900 kms of coast can develop minor ports and there by create economic hubs in the surrounding areas. Such ideas can contribute immensely for the growth of the state. She said, AP has to do a lot more to move forward. Stagnation of the growth of a state like AP can impact the country’s growth.
Mr. Y Ramakrishnudu said, AP had good growth rate of 9% in the past, it has come to 6% now, though one can expect some fluctuations. He said the audience here is concerned about industry growth alone, but we politicians and rulers have to concentrate on the growth of Agriculture and other sectors too, therefore inclusive growth has to be the focus. We have to address the needs of all sections, otherwise we may miss on what we are accountable to the people for and no party can survive by ignoring such needs. The allocation for agriculture has been meager, though 70% of the population is dependent on it. If Agriculture growth declines it impacts the growth of the state as majority of the population is dependent on it. Certain sections of our population has not been part of the growth story and this can be dangerous. Industry growth has not been bringing in real growth, improvement in technology inturn is reducing employment opportunities. He said his party will work towards setting up more industries.
Mr. K. T. Rama Rao said, for TRS this theme creates an interesting dilemma, as we are working towards redefining the boundaries of AP. We are confident of the creation of Telangana even if UPA ignores our demand, the coalition government in future will do that. If NCP with 16 MPs and Mamata Banerjee can rule the roost, so can we with the next government. He said, recent political instability in AP is essential, it is linked to social instability. The political instability can be blamed on the central government due to its inability to take a decision on this burning problem. In the last 50 years the governments have failed to establish the potential of AP. The state has a long way to go in comparison to other states. He said our strength of 42 MPs has not been able to accomplish anything more than what other states have been getting. Therefore smaller states can accomplish more by taking faster decisions with agility. Infrastructure development alone is not true development, all-round local development is what makes the difference. It doesn’t help just by making noises to win next election, but a vision for development is required. Telangana will be a viable state and will bring in more industrial growth.
Mr. Somayajulu said, The four southern states, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Punjab and Haryana had surplus power of which five states are today reeling under power crisis. This is due to the policy paralysis of the central government. For instance, Coal Ministry gives clearance, while the government’s own environment ministry stalls the project. He said a consensus has to be there amongst the government, courts, CAG, ruling party, opposition parties for the country to be put on fast track of growth. Inclusive growth is necessary for avoiding problems like naxalism. 62% of our population is dependent on agriculture, either reduce this dependence or introduce innovative methods to develop agriculture. State has to intervene in agriculture and ensure large cooperatives in farming sector to reap benefits for the farmers. The youth will comprise 30% of our population, we don’t have resources to take care of the needs of such huge population, therefore we have to develop our citizens into global citizens, who can seek employment abroad. Consensus on development is essential amongst all stake holders.
