File Photo: Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh N Chandrababu Naidu.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu today launched 'Smart Village -Smart Ward' programme at a village in West Godavari district and also commenced his 18-km-long 'padyatra' covering seven villages.
'Smart Village- Smart Ward' programme, the brain child of Mr Naidu, aims at people's participation in every village for its comprehensive development.
The people from the villages have to formulate a plan for its development, particularly for education, health, drinking water, roads, telecommunication network, skill development and others by involving the corporates, business houses, NRI and others.
Mr Naidu launched the programme at Velivennu village in West Godavari district this morning.
He had earlier asked the people who have migrated from villages either to foreign countries or other places in the country to participate in the development of their native places.
In response, a number of people announced their participation in the development of their native villages.
The launch of the programme coincides with 19th death anniversary of Telugu Desam founder and former Chief Minister N T Rama Rao, whom Mr Naidu paid tributes today at the village.
He interacted with the villagers and enquired about the present conditions there and also future plans for its development.
On the occasion, he also inaugurated a community hall constructed by the villagers with their own funds and contributions from the natives settled at other places.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also started his padyatra from the village.
He will walk through Settipeta, Tallapalem, Singavaram, Nidadavolu, Chagallu villages and reach Brahmanagudem by evening where he will address a public rally.