Date: October 03, 2024

Goodbye to Jagan Garbage Tax: Naidu Scraps the ‘Chettha Pannu’

Introduction to Garbage Tax Elimination

In a significant move, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu officially put an end to the controversial ‘Garbage Tax,’ known in Telugu as “Chettha Pannu,” on Gandhi Jayanti. The tax had been implemented during the YCP regime and was met with widespread discontent. The Chief Minister’s announcement was made in Machilipatnam, bringing much-needed relief to citizens who had been burdened by this tax for years.

Chandrababu Naidu’s Statement on Garbage Tax

During his address, Chandrababu expressed his concerns about the mismanagement under the previous YCP government. He stated, “Since 2019, the state’s governance has deteriorated. Despite collecting taxes from the people, the state turned into a dump yard with 85 lakh metric tons of garbage accumulating across Andhra. We aim to achieve a cleaner Andhra Pradesh by 2029, with initiatives focused on public health and cleanliness.”

Immediate Relief for the Public on Garbage Tax

The announcement comes after the garbage tax, introduced under YS Jagan’s Clean Andhra Pradesh – Jagananna Swachha Sankalpam program in 2021, faced immense criticism. The tax system imposed charges ranging from ₹30 per month for households to ₹15,000 for business establishments. While the TDP government had already started phasing out the collection of this tax after taking office in June 2024, the Chief Minister’s official declaration halted its collection entirely.

A Cleaner Andhra Pradesh

The scrapping of this tax aligns with Chandrababu Naidu’s vision for a cleaner and healthier Andhra Pradesh. By stopping the ‘Chettha Pannu,’ the government is emphasizing its commitment to environmental cleanliness and improved public health. The CM also called for volunteers to support the state in achieving its Swacch Andhra Pradesh target by 2029.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in Cleanliness

With the garbage tax now scrapped, Andhra Pradesh is gearing up for a more sustainable and cleaner future under the leadership of Chandrababu Naidu. The focus on environmental cleanliness and the public’s well-being promises a significant improvement in the state’s quality of life.