‘Development through private sector is impossible; it must happen through government’

CPI(M) conference emphasizes government-led development, accountability, and human development for sustainable growth in Andhra Pradesh.

Speakers at a conference titled ‘Comprehensive State Development - Alternative Policies,’ organised by the CPI(M) at Balotsav Bhavan here on Wednesday opined that development through the private sector is impossible. The development, they said, happens through the government and requires accountability, clear plans and specific action.

CPI(M) state secretary V. Srinivasa Rao said it was strange that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu was signing agreements with investors in Davos but few such deals have been fruitful in the past. There is a need to increase the purchasing power of the people, and without this, even if new industries come in, there will be no benefit. Although this is a critical issue, it has no mention in the Vision 2047 document, he said, adding the plan should be realistic.

MLC K.S. Lakshmana Rao said that development is not just economic development but also human development, inclusive development and sustainable development. He pointed out that India ranks 130th in the Human Development Index. The levels of education and healthcare that contribute to human development are not adequate in the State. There are 6,000 vacant positions in 25 government universities. Additionally, 50% of primary education and 80% of intermediate education is controlled by corporates, he said.

Anjireddy, a professor at Acharya Nagarjuna University, remarked that while the agricultural sector was in decline between 1980 and 2010 in the combined State, the industrial sector only grew by 1%. However, there was growth in the services sector. Currently, 58% of the state’s population relies on agriculture, 10% on the industrial sector and 32% on the services sector. Sustainable development cannot be achieved by relying solely on the service sector, he felt. CPI(M) leader Ch. Babu Rao and others spoke.