AP to bring five new industrial policies in 100 days 

The Capital News 

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to introduce five new industrial policies in Andhra Pradesh within the next 100 days. The proposed policies include the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) policy, food processing policy, electronics, IT and cloud policy, and textile policy. In a meeting with officials at Secretary on Wednesday, CM Naidu reviewed the strategies for industrial development in the State and the agreements made over the past decade.

He discussed the current status of these agreements and emphasized the need to revive interest among those who had previously committed to establishing industries in Andhra Pradesh but were deterred by the policies of the YSRCP government. The CM also said that he would also ready to talk them if necessary.

The Chief Minister advised the formulation of policies aimed at transforming Andhra Pradesh into a hub for green hydrogen and green energy. He stressed the importance of creating a conducive environment for attracting investments through robust policies. CM Naidu also directed officials to prepare proposals for four new industrial clusters and obtain Central approvals. He identified potential locations for these clusters, including Kuppam, Moolpet, Chilamathur, Donakonda, and Pamuru, and emphasized the establishment of electronics, pharma, food processing, and hardware companies in these clusters.

The review also covered the progress of industrial nodes in Krishnapatnam, Nakkapally, Orvakallu, and Kopparthi. The Chief Minister highlighted the proposed bulk drug park in Nakkapally, estimated to cost Rs.11,542 crore, and the NTPC Green Hydrogen Hub, which is expected to require an investment of Rs.60,000 crore.

The status of BPCL projects was also discussed. CM Naidu criticized the previous YSRCP government’s policies, stating that agreements worth Rs.16 lakh crore made during the earlier Telugu Desam Party regime were undermined, causing industrialists to withdraw their investments. He mentioned that political harassment and unfavourable policies led to the cancellation of investment agreements and deterred new companies.

He emphasized the need to rebuild trust among industrialists. Officials reported that lands acquired for industrial purposes were diverted for other uses, with 1,382 acres being repurposed for housing plots. The CM noted that while 66 percent of incentives were paid during the previous Telugu Desam government’s tenure, only 34 percent were given under the YSRCP government.

He assured that the issue of industrial incentives would be addressed to foster investment opportunities. The Chief Minister pointed out that 14,125 acres were made available through 64 industrial parks between 2014-2019, compared to only 31 parks between 2019-2024, leading to a loss of confidence among industrialists and investors.

He emphasized the need to accelerate ongoing projects, aiming to complete projects worth one lakh crore and provide employment to 1,36,260 people within a year.

CM Naidu also ordered the reduction of land rates in the Mallavalli industrial area of Krishna district to boost investments, criticizing the YSRCP government for dragging the region into controversies and undermining its potential