New districts to be operational in Andhra Pradesh from April 4

Vijayawada/Visakhapatnam: Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday reviewed the progress in reorganisation of districts and approved increasing the number of districts from 13 to 26 on April 4 between 9.05 to 9.45 am.

During the meeting held at his camp office at Tadepalli, it was also decided that felicitation of volunteers will be held on April 6 and Jagananna Vasathi Deevena will be implemented on April 8.

The Chief Minister said the targets set for sustainable economic growth should be linked with the new districts. He instructed the officials to complete the identification of suitable land for construction of new administrative buildings in new districts. There should be at least 15 acres of land for each district to house the administrative block of the Collectorate.

Reddy instructed the officials to make sure that the offices along with camp offices of District Collector and Superintendent of Police are housed in the same complex and accordingly the best designs may be finalised for construction of buildings.

The Chief Minister directed the officials to give priority to construction of new buildings in the proposed districts where buildings are taken on rental basis. The officials informed the Chief Minister that they have received 16,600 suggestions and objections from the public regarding the new districts and said they were considered and added that district collectors made recommendations after holding discussions with the people and public representatives. They said they have prepared the proposals for the formation and reorganization of the new district administration after taking all issues including staff division, six point formula and also Presidential orders into consideration.

They said they have prepared a checklist to ensure all arrangements are on track and they have prepared new websites and new mechanisms for new districts and added that they have completed changes in the software accordingly. They also said that the hand books containing information on new districts were also prepared. They informed the Chief Minister that they have finalized the offices and camp offices of District Collector and SPs in the new districts and added that government buildings were selected as far as possible and private buildings were taken on lease where government buildings were not available. Government Advisor (Public Affairs) Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy, Chief Secretary Sameer Sharma, DGP KV Rajendranath Reddy, CCLA Special Chief Secretary and G Sai Prasad were present.