Andhra Pradesh: Drought-hit areas likely to emerge as industrial hubs

Keeping in view future investments in the state, the state government has already readied over 41,000 acres of land in different districts so that they can be allocated for upcoming industries. Another 11,000 acres of land has been made ready for allocation to industrial parks. The YSRC government, as was told at the diplomatic outreach programme, wants to spread industrial growth in all four corners of the state instead of limiting its focus around select cities or zones.

Sources said that the government is planning to develop some of the drought-hit regions in the state into major industrial hubs.The government has already directed the district administrations to pool up lands suitable for location of industries. Since the government is planning to encourage food-processing and manufacturing sectors in a big way, district collectors are also scouting for land near the National Highways, ports and railway lines.
Speaking at the programme, Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) chairperson RK Roja said, "we are ready to spare the land to industrialists in a transparent manner. Investors could simply route their proposals online and get the allotment after scrutiny."
Meanwhile, chief minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy was speaking on job creation for unemployed youth, which is at the top of his agenda. Looking to woo the youth who stood behind him like a rock during his tough days, the chief minister has already released employment notifications to recruit about 1.3 lakh regular jobs. The government has also completed recruitment of over 4 lakh contract employees in a span of 2 months.
Taking the huge number of unemployed youth into account, the government has also brought in a legislation to reserve 75 per cent jobs for the locals in the industries. "Many are viewing this legislation as controversial. This is only because they are unaware of the other side of the coin. This legislation is actually industry-friendly and will create trouble-free environment for investors to put in their money," Jagan announced at the diplomatic outreach programme. He explained to the delegates at the session that acquiring land for the industries would become easy if the locals feel that they or their children could get jobs in the industry.