Deputy Chief Minister and Panchayati Raj & Rural Development Minister Pawan Kalyan stressed the need for a comprehensive and well-executed plan to improve the livelihoods and living standards of tribal communities. Speaking through a tele-conference with officials of Alluri Sitarama Raju district, he said that tribal families who depend on forests must be supported with more income opportunities, modern livelihood options, and sustainable development initiatives.
Pawan Kalyan interacted with District Collector Dinesh Kumar and SP Amit Bardar from the Mangalagiri camp office. Former Alluri Sitarama Raju Collector, now Chittoor Collector Sumit Kumar, and former district SP, now Sri Sathya Sai SP Satish Kumar, also joined the meeting. Discussions included ongoing development activities in tribal areas and measures to eliminate ganja cultivation in forest belts.
He said the world is changing rapidly and tribal regions must not be left behind. To achieve this, their skills, hard work, and natural resources must be utilized in the right direction. He emphasized that forest products and organic commodities have huge demand in national and international markets. Along with coffee plantations, officials must encourage cultivation and value-addition of various forest-based products. Increasing production according to market demand, continuously engaging with tribal families, listening to their needs, and supporting them with new welfare programmes are essential, he said.
Pawan Kalyan stated that tribal youth must be encouraged to become entrepreneurs and be provided with alternative income sources. Building confidence among them and ensuring access to all basic facilities should be top priority. He insisted that continuous field interaction and innovative ideas can significantly boost tribal incomes and empower communities.
He appreciated the positive impact of linking horticulture with MGNREGA works in agency areas, which has helped expand horticulture cultivation while generating employment. He directed officials to further strengthen this model, explore more linkages, and promote crops that suit the region, including expanding coffee plantations.
The Deputy Chief Minister also highlighted the growing potential of eco-tourism. He said that tourism is gaining popularity worldwide, and eco-tourism is one of the fastest-developing sectors. By promoting tourism without harming natural resources and creating awareness among tribal communities, significant income opportunities can be generated. Youth must be trained to offer hospitality services and guided on how tourism can bring sustainable earnings with low investment.
Pawan Kalyan encouraged officials to facilitate film shoots, serials, and OTT content production in agency areas. This helps showcase the natural beauty of the region while providing direct income and employment opportunities to tribal youth.
He said that regular review of development programmes, monthly progress reports, and continuous coordination among departments are essential to transform tribal lives. With a clear and robust action plan, backed fully by the government, the living standards of tribal communities can change for the better, he assured. During the meeting, officials shared their ideas and plans with the Deputy Chief Minister as part of the ongoing development strategy.