A.P. can have 44 Ministers: Rosaiah

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K. Rosaiah said here on Monday that he felt the need to expand his Cabinet as there are only 34 Ministers now.

Speaking to newspersons, the Chief Minister pointed out that the State could have up to 44 Ministers as per the recommendations of Sarkaria Commission and that he would expand the Cabinet at an appropriate time.

Mr. Rosaiah refuted the criticism that the Planning Commission had rebuffed the government for increased revenue expenditure vis-a-vis plan expenditure. It had approved the State plan with an outlay of Rs. 36,800 crore, one of the largest in the country, and appreciated the performance of the State government.

The Planning Commission had made a general comment that revenue expenditure should be reduced and plan expenditure increased for better growth. This expert opinion would apply to all States and also the Centre, he observed.

The Chief Minister refuted the charge that the government is earning enormous revenue through excise. Stating that Congress had never promised total prohibition, he said it would strive to wean away people from liquor in a phased manner.

Earlier, at the Praja Patham programme, people residing in the sea shore village of Katarivaripalem revealed they did not have any problem of drinking water or power supply. As the water sources were salinated due to the tsunami in December 2006, Rotary and Assist provided drinking water using reverse osmosis technique. District Collector Kantilal Dande said the people were seeking distribution lines for tap connections.
Express gratitude

Farmers thanked Mr. Rosaiah for sanctioning lift irrigation scheme at a cost of Rs. 5 crore to irrigate 1,400 acres in the village. They sought cement lining of canal to extend water supply to 600 acres more. He also agreed to construct second summer storage tank for Chirala at a cost of Rs. 89 crore with World Bank aid.