AP signed 2,536 MoUs worth 18,55,306 cr in three years: Amaranatha Reddy

Amaravati: Minister for Industries N Amaranatha Reddy has said that the State government signed 2536 MoUs with various companies during the last three and half years. Investments worth Rs 18,55,306 crore are committed by providing 44,28,775 jobs.

Answering to the members during the question hour in the Assembly on Friday, the Minister has said the 533 projects commenced production with an investment of Rs 1,29,703 crore while 833 projects are in advanced stage with a committed investment of Rs 4,31,145 crore.

He said that the MoUs generate direct employment to 2,64,792 persons. In addition, the State has also been benefited through indirect employment, tax accruals, and indirect tax accruals through development of economic activity. As many as 8,43,145 jobs will be generated when the projects are completed, he said.

The minister has said that the government would start the Nakkapalli-Achyutapuram industrial sector with Rs 5,500 crore. The Asian Development Bank has agreed to invest the needed expenditure, he said and added that the tenders would be finalised in this regard. 

However, MLA Bandaru Satyanarayana Murthy said that the government should provide proper basic infrastructure facilities in the industrial areas. The  investors were not expressing interest to invest due to lack of transport facilities, he pointed out.

Answering to another question, the minister said that the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) has allotted Rs 12,666.59 acres so far. He said that various industries were established in 3,322 acres.

The lands, which were not being utilised and/or misused for various purposes after getting allotment, would be taken back by the government initiating action against the companies. The lands in Lepakshi industrial zone were attached by enforcement directorate, he said.

BJP Floor leader P Vishnukumar Raju lambasted the government for allotting lands who come wearing suit and boot, and carrying a laptop. He asked the government to allot lands after proper examination.

He said that it came to his notice that the government was allotting 50 acres of land for two software companies at Rushikonda in Vizag and advised the government not to go ahead with allotment. 

He said that only five acres was sufficient for these two companies as they offered only 1000 jobs. If the government allots 50 acres of land for Franklin Templeton and another MNC company, the BJP would fight against the land allotments. 

However, the minister said the government would give lands even they come with loin cloth, if they are worthy. He also said that the two companies have just evinced interest to float their establishments here.