New seed, textile policies aim at investments, jobs in Amaravati

Amaravati: The state Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu at the Secretariat here on Thursday took several important decisions, including extension of ban on Maoists for one more year. The ban was initiated by previous governments in 2005.  

The Cabinet approved seed policy which meant for attracting Rs 3,000 crore investment and providing 40,000 jobs. The seed park would be established in Kurnool district with the help of Iowa University to supply quality seed to farmers.

The Cabinet accepted a proposal to change the name of Vizag Urban Development as Vizag Metro Region Development Authority. The area of authority will be expanded from 5,573 sq km to 6,764 sq km. As many as 1,340 villages in 50 mandals in Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and East Godavari districts will come under the new limits of metro region.  

Proposal for a new airstrip in Kuppam and new handloom policy received nod of the Cabinet. The airstrip will be developed in 450 acre at an estimated cost of Rs 95 crore. The government and chartered flights would be operated in near future from this airstrip.

The government has decided to set up price stabilisation fund for agriculture products. The Markfed proposed to the state government to provide Rs 500 crore fund in this regard.

The state government would start nine animal husbandry polytechnics in association with Sri Venkateswara University of Tirupati. Similarly, 11 polytechnics would be established in fisheries department.

The Cabinet approved 19 posts in Araku area hospital and 20 posts in Paderu area hospital. It suggested that the managements of the hospitals utilise the outsourcing services along with new posts. Similarly, 32 posts have been sanctioned to implement the overall development of AMRUT cities. The NMR employees appointed before 1993 would be paid on par with the employees who were appointed in 2015.    

The Cabinet passed resolution approving Andhra Pradesh State Physiotherapy Council. The council would monitor quality in education, regularisation of practice and register maintenance. The medical tourism project in Visakhapatnam has also been given nod by the Cabinet.

ASHA workers would be paid Rs 3,000 monthly along with incentives as per their performance. The amendments for AP Electric Mobility Policy have also been approved and AP Textiles and Apparel, Garments Policy was passed.

The government envisaged that investment of Rs 15,000 crore would come to the state and two- and-a-half lakh jobs could be generated in the garments sector. The new policy says the state would overtake Maharashtra and Gujarat in textile sector and spinning business.

The Cabinet allotted 160 acre for truck terminal and establishment of railway sliding centre for the purpose of industrial development. Similarly, 100 acre has been allotted to horticulture research station at T Venkupalem in Anakapalli mandal in Visakha district. The Cabinet has also decided to allot lands to various organisations and institutions.