The Andhra Pradesh State Cabinet has approved a new land policy framework which seeks to remove arbitrary allotment of land for industries.
The State Cabinet, which met here on Friday after over two months, took this issue on a priority as scores of large infrastructure projects have been allocated land without a proper policy in place in the past leading to several litigations and criminal cases.
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India too had pointed out that the State needs to have land policy which removes all discretionary power to allocate land.
The Government will also have the power to collect rent on leased land to industries. The Government seeks to minimise auction of lands. Earlier, this was seen as a revenue stream.
Briefing newspersons after the Cabinet meeting, the State Information Minister, D.K. Aruna, said that it was decided to hold a special Assembly session to discuss issues relating to fund allocation to SCs and STs.
In other major decisions, the Hyderabad Metro Water Board has been accorded clearance to raise about Rs 2,500 crore for Krishna and Godavari drinking water supply projects.
Vidyut Bonds
The Cabinet has decided to extend guarantee and allow AP Transco to raise up to Rs 4000 crore by sale of Vidyut bonds to Power Finance Corporation.