AP CM Chandrababu Naidu tells officials to frame 'Smart Andhra Pradesh' policy

HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu asked the finance department today to frame a policy to develop a 'Smart Andhra Pradesh'.

At a review meeting with finance department officials, he discussed bills which would be introduced in the winter session of the Assembly, commencing December 18.

The Chief Minister suggested that an Act be brought to curb red sandalwood smuggling and ensure that smugglers are punished severely.

He reviewed the status of commercial taxes in the state, and asked officials to set up meetings with tax payers and dealers in 13 districts of the state.

Naidu also directed the finance department to take the responsibility to strengthen the Farmers' Empowerment Corporation.

"We have been able to curb discrepancies in various schemes by linking pensions, public distribution system and scholarships to Aadhaar", he said.

The Chief Minister claimed that the debt redemption programme has brought relief to farmers in the state.

Recalling his field visits in the last few days, Naidu said he received complaints that about two to three families have the same Aadhaar number.

He ordered an enquiry into the matter and asked officials to solve the problem at the earliest.