The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet headed by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday approved immediate removal of 66,157 acres of land from the list of prohibited land holdings in order to remove hurdles for industrial development.
Addressing a press conference after the cabinet meeting, state Information and Public Relations Minister K Parthasarathy said nearly 75,000 acres of land belonging to the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) remained under the “prohibited property list” under Section 22-A of the Registration Act, creating major hurdles for industries.
“Due to this restriction, industries operating on these lands were unable to mortgage properties for bank loans, execute formal sale or lease agreements, or secure clear ownership rights even after construction was completed. These technical obstacles delayed the implementation of projects, investments, and job generation,” the minister said.
To address the problem permanently, the Cabinet approved the immediate removal of 66,157 acres of objection-free APIIC land from the prohibited land list. In addition, another 3,803 acres will be removed from the list after the completion of industrial construction, with conditions, he added.
The Minister said that the Cabinet approved the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister’s Employment Generation Program (AP-CMEGP) which aims to promote micro-entrepreneurship.
“Under this scheme, about 3,500 micro-entrepreneurs will receive financial assistance to set up manufacturing units. The government has allocated $300 crore for the programme, which is expected to generate employment opportunities for around 17,000 people, he said.
Under this programme, beneficiaries belonging to castes, tribes, tribes, districts, women, and differently-abled groups will receive marginal financial support ranging from 25% to 35% of the project cost. “Instead of direct disbursement, the support will be maintained as a term deposit receipt for three years and later adjusted in the loan account,” he said.
The Cabinet also approved administrative approval $2,316.88 crore for mechanical, electrical and plumbing works at Andhra Pradesh Integrated Secretariat and Department Heads Complex in Amaravati.
Works include high-voltage electrical systems, HVAC systems, fire protection, elevators, fire alarms, public address systems and plumbing for General Administration (GAD) towers.
The Council of Ministers also approved $119.27 crore for construction of Telugu Cultural Center at Neerukonda village in Amaravati. The center will be built on five acres and will include a 2,000-seat auditorium, a 1,000-seat open-air theater and a Telugu language museum.
“The facility will be developed as a major cultural center showcasing Telugu arts, literature and cinema at national and international levels. Designed as per green building standards, the center is expected to attract tourists throughout the year,” the minister said.
The Cabinet also approved the implementation of the ‘Sakhi Nivas’ scheme under Mission Shakti, which aims to set up hostels for working women with crèche facilities. The hostels would provide safe and affordable accommodation for single women, widows and working women away from their families. Childcare facilities will also be provided for working mothers.
“A total of 30 hostels will be set up across the state, with eight staff including guards and security personnel appointed on outsourced basis for each facility,” he said.
The Cabinet also approved allotment of 424.45 acres of government land at Jammalamadugu mandal in YSR Kadapa district to APIIC for setting up an integrated steel plant by JSW Steel.
“The land located in Vemaguntapalli, Sunnapurallapalli, Peddadandluru, Kothakuntapalli and Tugutlapalli villages will be transferred, upon payment of an amount $“Rs 21.30 crore by the company,” Parthasarathy added.
