CM Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to raise awareness on El Niño's impact, strengthen crop insurance implementation and improve public service delivery in remote areas.
Amaravati: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday directed officials to intensify awareness programmes on the likely impact of El Niño and prepare farmers to adopt suitable measures to minimise its effects on agriculture.
Reviewing the performance of various departments at the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) Centre in the State Secretariat, the Chief Minister said forecasts indicate a strong El Niño impact during the year and stressed the need to educate farmers about its possible consequences.
He instructed the Agriculture Department to advise farmers on suitable alternative crops wherever necessary and ensure effective implementation of the State's Crop Insurance Action Plan to protect cultivators from weather-related risks.
During the review, Mr. Naidu observed that gaps still exist in the delivery of government services in remote parts of the State. Referring to feedback received during his recent visit to the Alur Assembly constituency, he said the performance of government employees must meet the expectations of the people, particularly in rural and tribal areas.
He directed officials to closely monitor service delivery and improve administrative efficiency to ensure that welfare programmes reach beneficiaries without delay.
The Chief Minister also expressed deep anguish over the reported suicide of Shivani, a meritorious student from Rampachodavaram.
Officials informed him that the School Education Department has initiated psychometric assessments to monitor students' mental well-being.
Mr. Naidu instructed officials to engage qualified mental health professionals for proper evaluation and counselling. He also directed the department to train teachers to identify students experiencing psychological stress and provide timely support.
Minister Kolusu Parthasarathy, Chief Secretary G. Sai Prasad, Director General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta, and senior officials participated in the review meeting.
