N. Chandrababu Naidu
Nara Chandrababu Naidu | |
|---|---|
| File:Ncbnpix1.jpg | |
| 15th Chief Minister, Andhra Pradesh | |
| Preceded by | N.T. Rama Rao |
| Succeeded by | Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy |
| Constituency | Kuppam |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 20, 1950 Naravaripally, Chittoor district Andhra Pradesh |
| Political party | Telugu Desam Party |
| Spouse | Nara Bhuvaneshwari |
| Children | Nara Lokesh |
| Residence(s) | Jubilee Hills Hyderabad, India |
| Salary | term = 1994 to 2004 |
| Website | http://www.telugudesam.org |
Nara Chandrababu Naidu (Telugu: నారా చంద్రబాబు నాయుడు) (born April 20, 1950) was the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh from 1995 to 2004. He holds the record of being the longest-serving chief minister of Andhra Pradesh.[1] He is also the founder of Heritage Foods. He is currently the leader of the opposition in the Andhra Pradesh state assembly, and the president of Telugu Desam Party (TDP), the second largest legislative party in Andhra Pradesh.
Early life and political career
Mr. N. Chandrababu Naidu, was born in the Naravaripally village of Chittoor district on 20th April, 1950. His late father Sri N.K. Naidu was an agriculturist and his mother Smt.Ammanamma is a housewife. Mr. Naidu had his school education in Chandragiri and his college education at the Sri Venkateswara Arts College, Tirupati. He did his Masters in Economics from the Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati. He was working towards a Ph.D. degree at the same university, when he took to politics.
Mr. Naidu held various positions of office in his college and organised a number of social activities. Following the 1977 cyclone, which devastated Diviseema taluk of Krishna district, he actively organised donations and relief material from Chittoor district for the cyclone victims. Mr. Naidu has been evincing a keen interest in rural development activities in general and, the upliftment of the poor and downtrodden sections of society in particular.
While pursuing his post graduation, he worked out to lay a road from Rangampet village to Naravaripalli with the support of the people in his village, adjacent villagers and his friends . This was a real example for his leadership qualities. The entire stretch of 5KM road which could not be used at the time of rains was laid out with the voluntary support of the people. A real sign for 'Sramadhaanam', which later on became a big successful program in AP with greater involvement of the people in the implementation of Government programs.
Mr. Naidu was elected to the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly in 1978 from the Chandragiri constituency in Chittoor district. He served as a Director of the A.P. Small Scale Industries Development Corporation for some time.
He subsequently became a Minister and held the portfolios of Archives, Cinematography, Technical Education, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, Public Libraries and Minor Irrigation between 1980 and 1983. He also served as the Chairman of the State Karshak Parishad, constituted for the first time to look after the welfare of the farming community
He was elected again to the State Legislature from Kuppam constituency of Chittoor district in 1989. He served as Coordinator of the Telugu Desam Party, in which capacity he effectively handled the party's role of main opposition in the assembly which won him wide appreciation from both the party and the public. His role during this phase both inside the Legislative Assembly and outside was a critical factor for the subsequent success of the party at the hustings.[2].
Chief Ministership
In 1994, he was reelected to the Assembly from Kuppam constituency with a large majority of 57,000 votes and held the important portfolios of Revenue and Finance. During this tenure Mr. Naidu systematically introduced transparency in Government, thus breaking the tradition of inordinate secrecy in the Finance department.
The mantle of leadership fell on the shoulders of Mr. Naidu at a most critical juncture in the State's politics. Following a popular upsurge in the party, Mr. Naidu was unanimously elected as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh on 1 September 1995.
Following the elections to the State assembly wherein the Telugu Desam Party led by Mr. Naidu emerged as a winner, he was sworn in on 11 October 1999 as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh for the second term. He was elected with a majority of more than 65,000 votes.
The Chief Minister has a modern outlook to administration. His style of functioning is more akin to that of a CEO rather than a traditional politician. The Chief Minister has a firm conviction that modern technology should be used in the service of the common man. Consequently, he lays great emphasis on the use of modern information technology in Government. He would like the State to be run professionally as an efficient organisation rather than as a bureaucracy saddled with red-tape.
The Chief Minister's vision for the future includes multidimensional development of all citizens of the State. He is keen to develop the full potential of all citizens based on a strong moral foundation. The Chief Minister has been propagating a return to ethical and value based precepts in day-to-day life. In keeping with this commitment, he has launched new initiatives, like the Janmabhoomi programme which aims at achieving excellence in all walks of life and focuses on community-building through team work.
In order to achieve greater involvement of the people in the implementation of Government programmes, the Chief Minister has been encouraging the concept of social audit, which involves making information available to all citizens about the works being taken up with public funds in their area. The Chief Minister has also taken the initiative for setting up self-help groups like water users' associations, for involving farmers in the management of irrigation systems. Other self-help groups like Watershed Development Committees, Womens' groups, Youth groups, Village Education Committees and Village Health Committees have also been set up. These self-help groups have significantly contributed to removing intermediaries and have been widely acknowledged for improving the condition of the poor.
The Chief Minister has initiated an exercise to define Vision 2020 for the state. According to the Chief Minister, "Our vision of Andhra Pradesh is a State where poverty is totally eradicated; where every man, woman and child has access to not just the basic minimum needs, but to all opportunities for leading a happy and fulfilling life; a knowledge and learning society built on the values of hard work, honesty, discipline and a collective sense of purpose." This vision reflects the Chief Minister's forward looking perspective on the state's development, and the details of the vision are proposed to be fine-tuned in consultation with the people on a continuing basis.
The Chief Minister is undertaking administrative reforms in right earnest and would like to emphasise as much on processes of 'transformating' as on 'informating' within Government. As part of the Administrative Reforms, the Chief Minister would like to use Information Technology for providing better quality of governance for the common man.
In recognition of the Chief Minister's leadership and vision in the field of Information technology, Mr.Naidu was designated as the Co-chairperson of the National Task Force on Information technology set up by the Government of India to prepare the IT road map for the future. The Chief Minister in his capacity as the Co-chairperson of the National Task Force, has taken a number of initiatives for dismantling the monopoly in the telecommunications sector and for promoting the use of Information technology for common citizens. The stellar role played by the Chief Minister in promoting Information technology for better governance has been widely recognised, both within and outside the country.
When the Chief Minister took over in 1995, the State's finances were in very poor shape. Following the initiatives launched by the Chief Minister, there has been a remarkable improvement in the State's economic performance.
The Chief Minister is a firm believer in accountability of the Government and has taken steps to systematically incorporate accountability as an intrinsic feature of Government's functioning.
The Chief Minister would like to achieve tangible results in a short time frame. His working hours extend from 6.30 in the morning to late into the night. During this period, the Chief Minister devotes a significant portion of his time to meeting a large number of common citizens and addressing their problems and concerns. A Grievance Cell has been set up in the Chief Minister's Office for monitoring the redressal of public grievances. The Chief Minister's itinerary also includes surprise visits to the districts which are aimed at keeping the administration on its toes. These visits are directed at curbing administrative corruption and lethargy.
The Chief Minister has expedited decision making within the government by making effective use of communication. For example, a videoconferencing unit enables the Chief Minister to simultaneously address all District Collectors or consult the Cabinet ministers on various issues. The Chief Minister has been conducting videoconferences with Collectors on various issues like the power situation, Clean and Green programme, rythu bazaars, monitoring of prices, monitoring the water levels in the reservoirs, implementation of road works, sanitation and public health, and law and order. The system has been extremely effective in overcoming the routine bureaucratic delays in the course of responding to issues of immediate public concern .
The Chief Minister is well known for innovative concepts and programmes. The "Dial your Chief Minister" programme, telecast by the Doordarshan Kendra of Hyderabad is one such programme which is telecast every Monday. The Chief Minister addresses the citizens over a large number of issues. A subject is identified for the week and the citizens come up with their problems and communicate it to the Chief Minister . The "Dial your Chief Minister" programme is very popular with the citizens and the viewership of the programme is rated very high.
The Chief Minster has laid a lot of emphasis on water conservation and water harvesting. He has taken up a campaign for sensitising the people of the State and the administration for better management of water to prevent drought situation in the future. Launching of an innovative programme called 'Neeru Meeru, formation of Watershed Committees, promotion of Water Shed development have all been taken up in the State for better management of water on the insistence of the Chief Minister. Water Conservation Mission has been formed as a step in this direction. Inspired by his efforts there has been a voluntary participatory movement amongst the citizens of the State towards water conservation. A number of households have built rain water-harvesting structures towards this cause.
Mr. Chandrababu Naidu has drawn attention and has concentrated on evolving a new way looking at Centre-State finance relations. He has spearheaded the campaign for fiscal federalism in the wake of the recommendations of the Eleventh Finance Commission. He has emphasised on equity and efficiency in the devolution of Central revenues and sharing of resources between the Centre and the States.
The Chief Minister has won numerous awards including " IT Indian of the Milleneum' (India Today) Business Person of the Year ( Economic Times ) member of the World Economic Forum's Dream Cabinet and South Asian of the Year ( Time Asia ).
The Chief Minister was chosen as one of 50 leaders at the forefront of change in the year 2000 by the Business Week magazine for being an unflinching proponent of technology and for his drive to transform the State.
The Chief Minister is married to Mrs. Bhuvaneswari and has a son Lokesh. His father-in-law, the late Mr. N.T. Rama Rao, was one of the most accomplished film actors of Telugu cinema, who later founded the Telugu Desam Party and was also the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.[3].
IT Revolutionary In AP
 | The neutrality of this section is disputed. |
If Shah Jahan had the icon of Taj Mahal, and the Hyderabad of old the Charminar, Chandrabu Naidu build his icon of beauty, and utility, to proclaim his IT Manifesto to the world. The Hi-tech City was that grand plan, as part of his grandiose vision, of harnessing the omnipotent potential of IT, and the Cybar Towers at Madhapur has become a global architectural marvel, besides being his own rightful symbol.
The optimum use of Information Technology can alone compensate for all the revolutions we as a nation missed in the past, including the Industrial Revolution, is Naidu's oft repeated panacea.
And he has demonstrated it with amazing results in the last five years. The use of IT cuts processes, delays and reduces, and subsequently eliminates, corruption. Services reach the common man faster, and come cheaper to the government to provide.
Whether in education and spread of illiteracy, taking health-care to every nook and corner, providing public and specific information, and overall administrative and government-based documentation, IT can transform the way people are served by the State.
Today, Andhra Pradesh is a modern State in that sense. Land documents registered in hours in what previously would take ages. Licenses, passports, payment of bills, registration of birth and deaths and other documents are given within a much shorter span and plans to provide Central Office giving all government departments' information and services under one roof are afoot.
Soon, the State under him will ensure a one-stop, nonstop information to all citizens. The State government is moving towards paperless offices, using workflow concepts and enterprise wide computing. Surely 21st century stuff. The State is in process of setting-up value added network services and has recently launched a pilot project, Twin cities Integrated Network Services (TWINS).
Andhra Pradesh is already the proven IT destination for skilled manpower across the globe, and the United States alone has over 30 per cent of its skilled IT labour imported from the State.
Abundant success stories of IT entrepreneurs from the State are just another indication, and vindication, of the belief of Naidu that if there is a panacea, it is Information Technology.
Throughout history, for a great war has to be won, a motivated army, a great general and perfect weapons were needed. When Andhra Pradesh triumphs in its war against poverty, the General would have undoubtedly Naidu, and the weapon Information Technology.[4].
2003 assassination attempt
On October 1, 2003, Naidu survived a land mine blast, which was believed to be part of an assassination attempt, planned by a naxal outfit, Peoples War Group, now known as CPI Maoist. He escaped with a fractured left collared bone and a hairline fracture to two of his right ribs. The incident occurred around 16:00 (IST) when Naidu was travelling in a convoy, heading to the Lord Venkateshwara temple in the Tirumala hills for the annual Brahmotsavam festival.[5].
The explosive material used in the assassination attempt was Gel 90 and was sourced from Wardha. The State Information Technology Minister B. Gopalakrishna Reddy, Telugu Desam legislators R. Rajasekhar Reddy and Ch. Krishnamurthy, as well as the driver Srinivasa Raju, were also injured. After an extensive investigation Naidu's survival was attributed to the armored vehicle in which he was traveling.
Testimonials
The IT baron Mr Bill Gates agreed to set up Microsoft in Hyderabad, the first of its kind any where in the world other than Silicon valley after a 40 minutes of discussion with Chandrababu Naidu. If one wonders how could he extended the initially planned 10 minute discussion to extend 40 minutes and finally convinced Bill Gates, you need to know more.
Cybertowers, the 866,000 sq.ft gigantic structure was build in a record time of 15 months as against to the initially estimated time of 24 months. The truly international standard stadiums were made ready in less than 4 months of time for Afro-Asian games. These were just few examples to mention his execution capability.
Leaders, Institutions, media and people across the world gave a standing applause to this great leader and respected themselves by honoring him in various ways.
Some of the awards applauding his extreme abilities are: • IT Indian of the Millennium – India Today • Business person of the year – Economic Times • Member of the World economic forum's Dream cabinet • South Asian of the year - Time Asia • One of the 50 leaders at the forefront of change in the year 2000 – Businessweek[6].
Some of the popular programs initiated and implemented by Chandrababu Naidu
Many of Naidu's initiatives like e-seva (an e-governance initiative), CARD(CARD is a catchy name given to the comprehensive project of computerizing the Registration & Stamps Department), are still continuing to improve the transparency and accountability in administration. Several institutes established during Naidu's tenure like IIIT, ISB, Centre for good governance, Hitec-city, Hitex, Hyderabad International Convention Center (HICC), Cyberabad commissionarate, International standards stadiums, MCHRD, Gandhi super specialty hospital, MMTS, International Airport are just a few to mention along with a modern administration to be construed to be Naidu's legacy and his contribution to AP[7].
Political Philosophy:
His political philosophy is 'History can not afford a political vice or civilization a holiday'. He knew too well that opportunity comes only once, and if missed, we go right back or worse. To him all power lies with people. We don't rule them, we provide them with governance and we owe them a good government reflects his inner political clarity and sense of accountability. History according to him is too full of wasted chance, and could no longer afford leaders vice. No dinners for ministers, no garlands at public functions, no personal paraphernalia, no showbiz or sycophancy. Simple and moral are the fundamentals to watch. Civilization can not afford to go to sleep; he repeats and adds we need to work incessantly. His popularity rose, not because of publicity but performance. Accountability was another factor he introduced. He went to the people, surprised as they were, to find a government at their doorstep. His surprise checks to ensure work was done and pulling up slack officials and rewarding merit won the people's hearts. Above all a transparent government. Long preached but always elusive, it was achieved. People were made partners in the development process, and equally responsible. Everyone must work and achieve. Only then the goal could be reached, but the goal now had a name: Swarnandhrapradesh[8].
References
- ^ "ChandraBabu Naidu's Biography". 2003–2004. Archived from the original on 2006-01-12. Retrieved 2008-10-03.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|month=(help)CS1 maint: date format (link) - ^ "ChandraBabu Naidu's Biography". 2003–2004. Archived from the original on 2006-01-12. Retrieved 2008-10-03.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|month=(help)CS1 maint: date format (link) - ^ "ChandraBabu Naidu's Biography". 2003–2004. Archived from the original on 2006-01-12. Retrieved 2008-10-03.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|month=(help)CS1 maint: date format (link) - ^ "ChandraBabu Naidu's Biography". 2003–2004. Archived from the original on 2006-01-12. Retrieved 2008-10-03.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|month=(help)CS1 maint: date format (link) - ^ "Assassination attempt".
- ^ "ChandraBabu Naidu's Biography". 2003–2004. Archived from the original on 2006-01-12. Retrieved 2008-10-03.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|month=(help)CS1 maint: date format (link) - ^ "ChandraBabu Naidu's Biography". 2003–2004. Archived from the original on 2006-01-12. Retrieved 2008-10-03.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|month=(help)CS1 maint: date format (link) - ^ "ChandraBabu Naidu's Biography". 2003–2004. Archived from the original on 2006-01-12. Retrieved 2008-10-03.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|month=(help)CS1 maint: date format (link)