ANDHRAPRADESH

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu convened a high-level meeting with industry leaders to discuss economic growth targets and strategic development under the Vision-2047 plan. The task force, chaired by Mr. Naidu and co-chaired by Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran, aims to achieve a 15% growth rate through well-structured policies and investment opportunities. Mr. Naidu emphasized the importance of wealth creation to uplift underprivileged communities and improve overall quality of life. The Vision-2047 initiative will leverage advanced technology, infrastructure, and human resources to attract investments, making Andhra Pradesh a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. The state’s focus on ‘Speed of Doing Business’ aims to attract industrial growth and make Andhra Pradesh a prime destination for investment. The task force, comprising representatives from leading Indian companies, exchanged views on investment-friendly policies and will focus on creating pathways for sustainable development and innovation.

Bisathi Bharath, a young social leader from Anantapur, India, has been nominated for the prestigious “We Are Together” International Prize of Russia. Bharath, a post-graduate in political science and economics, founded the Pragathi Padham Youth Association, which focuses on guiding underprivileged students. His organization has adopted three villages to conduct career guidance sessions. The “We Are Together” Prize, established in 2020, recognizes individuals and organizations globally who contribute to solving humanitarian issues. Bharath was nominated in the “Equal Opportunities, Social Justice and Youth Development” category and is one of several young leaders shortlisted for the award. The final winner will be announced at the award ceremony in Moscow on December 5, 2024. Bharath has previously received the United Nations V-Award and the Diana Award 2021 for his humanitarian work.

The Andhra Pradesh government is prioritizing urban development with a focus on sustainable and planned growth. The 2024-25 budget allocates ₹11,490 crore to the Municipal Administration & Urban Development Department, addressing past neglect and aiming to improve sanitation, waste management, and overall urban infrastructure. The government is developing GIS-based master plans for Class II towns with populations between 50,000 and 1 lakh, and comprehensive development plans for major cities like Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Guntur, Tirupati, Kurnool, and Kakinada. Under AMRUT 2.0, universal safe drinking water supply, water body rejuvenation, and rainwater harvesting are being implemented. The government is also focusing on the development of Amaravati, the capital city, securing ₹15,000 crore in funding for infrastructure development.

The Andhra Pradesh government has presented a comprehensive agriculture budget for the financial year 2024-25, allocating a substantial ₹43,403 crore. The budget prioritizes farmer welfare and aims to make agriculture a profitable venture through various initiatives. Key highlights include a ₹14,638 crore allocation for irrigation project maintenance, ₹7,241 crore for subsidized electricity supply to farmers, and ₹4,500 crore for the ‘Annadata Sukhibhava – PM Kisan’ scheme, which provides financial assistance to landless cultivators. The budget also emphasizes digital agriculture, with allocations for a farmers’ registry, soil health cards, and micro-nutrient distribution. Furthermore, significant funds are allocated for natural farming, farm mechanization, and the construction and maintenance of Rythu Seva Kendras and Integrated Agri Labs. The budget also includes allocations for various agricultural universities and departments, including Fisheries, Horticulture, and Animal Husbandry.

The upcoming Machilipatnam port, set to be operational by December 2025, is expected to bring significant economic opportunities to Krishna district. The port will facilitate the establishment of allied industries, creating employment opportunities for young entrepreneurs. The government is also planning to set up a new jewellery park and an industrial park in the area, further boosting economic activity. To support budding entrepreneurs, the government is offering subsidies and organizing workshops to provide guidance and encouragement. The Minister emphasized the potential for job creation through entrepreneurship, urging young people to seize the opportunities presented by the upcoming developments in the district.

Syed Iftekhar Jamal, a prominent Urdu poet, writer, stage producer, director, actor, and social activist from Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh, has been awarded the prestigious ‘Yousuf Safi Lifetime Achievement Award’ by the Urdu Academy. Jamal’s contributions to Urdu literature are vast, spanning over three decades. He has published his poetry in renowned Urdu publications, organized numerous ‘Mushairas’, and written and directed several acclaimed Urdu dramas and telefilms. His dedication to Urdu language and culture, coupled with his active role in social and political activism, has earned him this well-deserved recognition.

Andhra Pradesh is set to launch its inaugural seaplane service on November 9, 2024, connecting Vijayawada and Srisailam. This initiative, spearheaded by the Andhra Pradesh Airports Development Corporation Limited (APADCL) in partnership with the Union government’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS), aims to establish Andhra Pradesh as a leader in water-based aviation. The service will utilize a De Havilland Twin Otter Series 400 seaplane, known for its durability and versatility, and will be operated under the RCS-UDAN initiative, which promotes regional air connectivity. The state government envisions connecting picturesque destinations like Prakasam Barrage, Araku Valley, and Srisailam, attracting tourists and providing efficient travel options. The pilot project will assess the operational costs and determine pricing for future services. The introduction of seaplanes aligns with Andhra Pradesh’s commitment to developing a robust aviation ecosystem, offering cost-effective and quicker development timelines compared to traditional airport infrastructure. This initiative is expected to boost the local economy through tourism, create job opportunities, and improve access to remote destinations.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu launched a seaplane demonstration in Vijayawada, marking the beginning of commercial seaplane services in the state. The initiative, a joint effort between the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the A.P. Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC), will see SpiceJet operate seaplanes on the Vijayawada-Hyderabad and Vijayawada-Nagarjuna Sagar routes by March 2025. The Chief Minister highlighted the potential of seaplanes to revolutionize tourism in the state, citing the accessibility they provide to remote tourist destinations like Srisailam, Konaseema, and Gandikota. He emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting the growth of the tourism sector, including granting industry status to tourism in the upcoming policy. The event also saw the announcement of revised guidelines for seaplane operations by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, aimed at making the sector more viable. With a focus on safety and licensing, the new guidelines are expected to encourage the development of seaplane services across the country.

TDP representatives, including Rajam MLA Kondru Muralimohan and Parvatipuram legislator Bonela Vijayachandra, have urged Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to implement an exclusive industrial policy aimed at supporting entrepreneurs from the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. They specifically requested this policy to encourage the establishment of industries in the backward districts of Parvatipuram-Manyam and Vizianagaram. The representatives highlighted the need for financial assistance, including capital subsidies, exemption from stamp and transfer duties, significant discounts on land costs, reduced electricity charges, and reimbursement of interest and taxes. Mr. Naidu reportedly responded positively to the suggestions and promised to discuss the proposals with relevant ministers and officials. The TDP leaders believe that such a policy would stimulate industrial growth in the region, particularly in Rajam, where Mr. Murali represents.

Minister Nara Lokesh, addressing students at the first International Higher Education Fair (IHEF-2024) in Andhra Pradesh, emphasized the importance of higher education in shaping the future and highlighted the government’s commitment to making quality education accessible to all. He praised VIT-AP University’s efforts in promoting global academic opportunities and interacted with delegates from over 50 universities from various countries. The fair provided students with a platform to explore international study programs, interact with university representatives, and learn about scholarship options. VIT founder G. Viswanathan stressed the need for increased government funding for higher education, citing the National Education Policy’s recommendation of allocating 6% of GDP to this sector, mirroring the investment levels of developed nations.