Government Considering ZPTC Elections Based on New Districts: Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan
The Andhra Pradesh government is considering conducting Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency (ZPTC) elections based on the newly formed districts, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan informed the Assembly. He said the government has already begun preliminary exercises in this regard as part of preparations for the upcoming local body elections.
Speaking in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday, Pawan Kalyan said the coalition government is committed to strengthening local governance institutions and ensuring greater autonomy for local bodies across the state.
Focus on Strengthening Local Institutions
The Deputy Chief Minister stated that the government had taken steps to reinforce the Panchayat Raj system soon after coming to power. According to him, empowering local institutions remains a key priority for the administration, as these bodies play a crucial role in grassroots governance and development.
He also clarified that there are no legal obstacles in the process of reorganising panchayats where necessary as part of administrative reforms.
Environmental Protection During Development Works
Pawan Kalyan emphasized that development activities such as road expansion and infrastructure projects sometimes require the removal of trees. However, he said the government is examining ways to ensure proper alternatives whenever trees are removed.
Describing himself as someone who values environmental protection, the Deputy Chief Minister said the government is committed to safeguarding greenery while implementing development projects. He also indicated that the administration is exploring the possibility of introducing stronger legal provisions to ensure long-term protection of trees and forests.
Geo-Tagging System for Plants
During the discussion, members of the Assembly raised concerns that while saplings are distributed by the Forest Department, sufficient attention is not always given to their maintenance after planting.
Responding to these concerns, Pawan Kalyan said the government is planning to introduce a geo-tagging system for every sapling planted under the Forest Department’s programs. The system will allow authorities to track and monitor plants from the nursery stage through their growth and maintenance.
He noted that the government is studying advanced nursery management systems implemented in Bengaluru and exploring ways to adopt similar practices in Andhra Pradesh.
Steps for Better Revenue From Red Sandalwood
The Deputy Chief Minister also spoke about the management and sale of red sandalwood stock. A special committee has been formed to evaluate global market prices and ensure that the sale of red sandalwood logs stored in government depots brings optimal revenue to the state treasury.
The committee will regularly assess international market trends and conduct auctions accordingly to secure competitive prices.
Budget Proposals Presented in the Assembly
Pawan Kalyan also presented budget proposals for departments under his charge for the financial year 2026-27. These departments include Panchayat Raj, Rural Development, Forest, Environment, and Science and Technology.
| Department | Budget Allocation |
|---|---|
| Panchayat Raj Department | ₹15,485 Crore |
| Rural Development Department | ₹11,217 Crore |
| Forest, Science and Technology | ₹713 Crore |
The Deputy Chief Minister placed these proposals before the Assembly seeking approval for the budget grants.
Appreciation for MLAs
Pawan Kalyan also thanked MLAs Panchakarla Ramesh Babu and Bandaru Satyanarayana Murthy for raising issues related to development works, Panchayat Raj administration, employee promotions and forest department activities in the Assembly.
He said discussions in the Assembly help bring public issues to wider attention and contribute to improving governance across departments.
