Income of Andhra temples increased owing to growing sins, says CM Naidu | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Income of Andhra temples increased owing to growing sins, says CM Naidu

ByPTI, Vijayawada
May 25, 2016 06:25 PM IST

“People are committing sins and to get rid of them they are going to temples and offering money,” Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu remarked, during his inaugural address at the two-day conference of district collectors in Vijayawada on Wednesday.

The income of temples in Andhra Pradesh has gone up by 27%, and the state chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu has attributed the growth to “growing sins”.

The chief minister of Andhra Pradesh N Chandrababu Naidu aalso pointed out, the sale of liquor was coming down, resulting in reduced income to the state.(AFP file photo)
The chief minister of Andhra Pradesh N Chandrababu Naidu aalso pointed out, the sale of liquor was coming down, resulting in reduced income to the state.(AFP file photo)

“People are committing sins and to get rid of them they are going to temples and offering money,” the chief minister remarked, during his inaugural address at the two-day conference of district collectors in Vijayawada on Wednesday.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

At the same time, he pointed out, sale of liquor was coming down, resulting in reduced income to the state.

“More people are taking (Sabarimala) Ayyapa Swamy ‘deeksha’ and abstaining from liquor consumption for 40 days. To that extent our liquor sales are going down,” he observed, though jocularly.

Read | Tirupati Temple, world’s richest, may move stash to Modi’s gold scheme

Asking the district collectors to develop a “competitive spirit”, the chief minister said 2015-16 financial year should be taken as the base year for competition among districts in various development indicators.

“Your focus should be on inclusive growth and balanced development. Also, strive to achieve at least 80 per cent satisfaction among people (in service delivery). Only then you work will be appreciated. There is a correlation between your work and people’s satisfaction,” Chandrababu noted.

“Andhra Pradesh is a two-year baby. Our aim is to become one among the top three (states) by 2022 and number one by 2029. We have a ‘Vision-2050’ by when we aim to become the number one destination (for investments). Let us all take responsibility and work together,” the Chief Minister told the Collectors and top bureaucrats.

Read | World’s richest Hindu temple Tirupati wants gold, not cash under scheme

AP’s finance minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu pointed out that there were “disparities” between districts in performance in different sectors like agriculture, industry and services.

“If we set this right, the overall growth will improve. We have targeted a growth of 15 per cent in 2016-17 fiscal. Education, health and individual economic status are key elements in achieving the growth rate,” Yanamala said.

He asked the collectors to concentrate on these three elements apart from other sectors.

Andhra Pradesh chief secretary Satya Prakash Tucker said for the first time in the country, AP has prepared estimates of Mandal domestic product (MDP), analysing sector-wise performance in each mandal in the state.

The chief Minister released the MDP report as well as a book on performance appraisal and district economic scenario in the state.

Read | Andhra Pradesh apes Amma, Anna is the preferred name used in welfare scheme titles

Another book on sustaining momentum of inclusive double-digit growth was also released.

Deputy chief ministers K E Krishna Murthy (Revenue), N China Rajappa (Home), chief commissioner of land administration Anil Chandra Punetha, ministers and top bureaucrats are attending the conference.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On