Andhra Pradesh Cabinet Sub-Committee Reviews New Secretariat Space Allocation
A cabinet sub-committee tasked with overseeing the construction of Andhra Pradesh's new secretariat complex convened in Amaravati on Friday. The meeting focused on the critical issue of allocating space for various state departments within the proposed iconic buildings.
Integrated Government Complex Vision
The State Government is planning to develop an integrated government complex that will house all state-level offices, including those of secretaries and ministers, under a single roof. This ambitious project aims to centralize administrative functions and enhance operational efficiency.
The meeting was attended by key ministers including P Narayana, Peyyavula Keshav, Satyakumar Yadav, Nadendla Manohar, B C Janardhan Reddy, and Dr Dola Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy. The discussions were held at the existing secretariat premises.
Detailed Discussions on Workspace Allocation
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Municipal Administration Minister P Narayana provided insights into the proceedings. He revealed that the panel engaged in detailed discussions regarding department-wise workspace allocation, which would be based on the number of employees in each administrative wing.
An initial estimate of 31.71 lakh square feet of workspace was proposed in the current design plans. The building designs are prepared to accommodate 39,852 employees, according to Minister Narayana. He emphasized that the primary objective is to ensure adequate, efficient, and future-ready workspace for all government departments.
Need for Greater Clarity on Employee Data
However, the sub-committee identified a significant challenge: the need for greater clarity on the exact number of employees working in each department. This concern prompted immediate action to gather more accurate data.
Minister Narayana explained that secretaries have been directed to collect comprehensive department-wise data. This includes information on sanctioned posts, current working staff strength, infrastructure needs, and specific space requirements. This data collection initiative aims to provide a solid foundation for informed decision-making.
Historical Context and Revised Requirements
The minister provided important historical context for the project. He recalled that the buildings were originally designed during the 2014-19 period with a total built-up area of 52.72 lakh square feet. This included 31.71 lakh square feet of carpet area, based on an estimated workforce of 26,700 employees at that time.
However, current data reveals a significant increase in staffing requirements. As per the latest figures, there are 39,882 sanctioned posts, representing a substantial growth from the original estimates. This discrepancy between historical planning and current realities necessitated a comprehensive review.
Comprehensive Review and Future Steps
In view of these revised requirements, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy constituted the sub-committee to undertake a thorough review before finalizing space allocations. The minister outlined several concrete steps that will be taken moving forward.
The Chief Secretary will be formally requested to nominate departmental coordinators who will provide accurate and up-to-date data on staffing and space needs. Additionally, officials from the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) have been instructed to study newly constructed secretariats in Naya Raipur and Hyderabad. This comparative analysis will help identify best practices that can be incorporated into Andhra Pradesh's project.
"We will review the data once again and take a final decision on workspace allocation in the next meeting," Minister Narayana stated, indicating that the process remains ongoing and will involve further deliberation.
Project Significance and Implementation Timeline
The new secretariat complex represents a major infrastructure initiative for Andhra Pradesh's administration. By bringing all state-level offices together in a single, modern facility, the government aims to:
- Improve inter-departmental coordination
- Enhance service delivery to citizens
- Create a more efficient working environment for government employees
- Establish a landmark administrative center in Amaravati
The careful attention to detail in space allocation reflects the government's commitment to creating functional, sustainable, and scalable administrative infrastructure. The sub-committee's work ensures that the final design will meet both current needs and future growth requirements of the state's bureaucracy.
