In Andhra Pradesh, the alarming trend of privatization is reaching critical levels as the coalition government prepares to hand over various public welfare projects initiated by Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy to private entities. This move has garnered support from Yellow Media, particularly through the publication of toxic narratives by the daily newspaper Eenadu, which misleads the public by falsely portraying privatization as a panacea for all problems.
Recent reports suggest that under the guise of development, projects such as medical colleges and ports are set to be privatized. The coalition is allegedly attempting to transfer an astonishing ₹1.15 lakh crore worth of government projects to private firms, with financial backing from both central and state governments. Observers have noted that this situation could lead to the perception of “Andhra Pradesh for Sale,” as the government seems to be actively working to enrich private individuals and companies at the expense of public assets.
Public outcry erupted when the coalition contemplated privatizing 17 medical colleges in the state. Analysts believe that Eenadu’s publication of supportive articles is an attempt to divert attention from this backlash. While other states like Odisha and Chhattisgarh are constructing their own medical colleges, Andhra Pradesh is pivoting towards leasing out fully equipped institutions to private entities.
Critics highlight the irony of a government that cannot allocate ₹5,000 crore to sustain public health through medical colleges, yet is willing to hand over assets worth ₹50,000 crore to private operators. The portrayal of inviting tenders for ready colleges as a mark of government efficiency has raised eyebrows, as has the newspaper’s assertion that the government’s inability to build institutions is an embarrassment.
Furthermore, Eenadu has criticized the Jagan administration for its handling of port construction, which has the potential to transform the state’s commercial landscape. The newspaper claims that the state has been plagued by a lack of infrastructure since the YSR Congress Party came to power five years ago. However, critics argue that the media outlet failed to address how essential services like medical colleges, village secretariats, and clinics have deteriorated under the current administration.
In a twist, if the state government submitted proposals for ₹1.15 lakh crore projects under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, it would include ports like Moolapet and Ramayampet, which have already cost taxpayers billions. The coalition government halted the development of a berth at Ramayampet, yet is now pushing for privatization of various airports in smaller towns, despite the existing airports in Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada struggling to remain profitable.
Analysts warn that unless private entities see an immediate return on investment, it is questionable whether they will invest in small towns, especially with the looming specter of unpaid bank loans haunting many businesses. This situation raises critical questions about the viability of privatization in the state, especially when it seems to primarily benefit a select few while placing public assets at risk.
Additionally, projects like the drinking water supply scheme and sports complexes in Amaravati and Tirupati are also under consideration for privatization. There is skepticism surrounding the ability of private firms to execute these projects effectively, given the historical context of failed privatizations leading to public disillusionment.
As the coalition government continues down this path, many are left wondering if this is merely the beginning of a trend that prioritizes profit over public welfare. The public’s trust in the government may wane further if privatization proposals come to fruition, ultimately raising doubts about the true motivations behind these decisions.
