The Andhra Pradesh Government will adopt a flexible approach to land acquisition through consensus, according to J. Geetha Reddy, State Minister for Major Industries.

Speaking at the meeting where Cadbury signed up for a manufacturing unit, she said the State government is in the process of acquiring about 12,500 acres of land for each of the three National Investment and Manufacturing Zones (NIMZs) proposed in Chittoor, Medak and Prakasham districts of the State.

This will call for acquisition of land owned by the government, assigned lands and from private owners. Acquisition of such land will be made possible by offering liberal terms of compensation through a consensus award. This could be in the form of outright purchase, making them stakeholders in the project, engaging them in the development of the project, extending ex-gratia and also helping them get jobs where possible, all through consensus award, she said.

Geetha Reddy said that AP continues to be on top of the investors’ radar regardless of the current atmosphere due to agitations. The Kiran Kumar Reddy Government is making all efforts to encourage the setting up of manufacturing units. This has resulted in extending clearance for projects worth Rs 1,35,000 crore in four investment promotion board meetings with a potential for 1,50,000 people.

Like Cadbury setting up a unit in Chittoor, Proctor and Gamble and Johnson & Johnson are in the process of setting up their units in Mahabubnagar district. Mahindra & Mahindra, which has set up its largest tractor manufacturing unit near Zaheerabad in Medak district, is considering setting up a car unit. Many auto ancillary manufacturing units are expected to set up units around the M&M facility, she said.

The State has plans to set up exclusive industrial estates for women entrepreneurs in every district.

Referring to the CII Partnership Summit, she said that majority of the companies which have signed up have either commenced their units or are in the process of setting them up. However, there are some who have opted out after signing up the memorandum possibly due to tough economic scenario.

rishikumar.vundi@thehindu.co.in

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