Andhra Pradesh Cabinet Approves Major Initiatives on Social Media Regulation, Investments, and Amaravati Development
The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, held a significant meeting on Friday and gave its nod to several key decisions aimed at boosting economic growth, attracting investments, strengthening welfare schemes, and curbing social media misuse.
Briefing the media after the meeting, Minister Kolusu Parthasarathy said the government views social media misuse as a serious societal issue that is causing more harm than good. He announced strict measures to tackle defamation, hate propaganda, and harassment, particularly against women.
Key Decisions on Social Media Regulation
The Cabinet approved the formation of:
A State-level Social Media Response Cell.
A State-level Task Force to monitor and curb misuse and hate speech.
Procurement of advanced forensic tools to identify handles spreading hatred.
Special training for Station House Officers (SHOs) in handling social media cases and appointment of cyber-savvy Public Prosecutors.
A study of laws in other countries to explore a possible dedicated legislation if needed.
Green Signal to Massive Investments
The Cabinet cleared 13 investment proposals recommended by the State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB) worth ₹31,431 crore. These projects are expected to generate direct and indirect employment for around 31,431 people.
A major highlight is the Mondelez India Foods chocolate manufacturing unit to be set up in Sri City, Tirupati district, with an investment of ₹1,801 crore. Another notable project is SAF India, which will convert waste oils into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
Relief and Development for Amaravati
In a major relief to farmers who contributed land under the Land Pooling Scheme (after June 12, 2024):
Annual lease rent for dry land increased from ₹30,000 to ₹40,000 per acre.
Annual lease rent for wet land increased from ₹50,000 to ₹60,000 per acre.
This will be paid for 10 years.
Monthly compensation for residents who lost houses in village sites was doubled from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 for 12 months.
The Cabinet also approved land allocation to several prestigious institutions in Amaravati, including the National Fisheries Development Board (for an international-standard aquarium and ornamental fish breeding centre), Isha Foundation, Art of Living, and CII Global Leadership Centre.
Education and Tourism Boost
Three Centres of Excellence will be established in Visakhapatnam, Nellore, and Ambedkar Konaseema districts to provide top-quality coaching for IIT-JEE and NEET to SC/ST students in social welfare gurukuls.
A new Tourism Policy offers Viability Gap Funding (up to ₹5 crore) and free use of government grounds for large events such as concerts and carnivals to position Andhra Pradesh as a major tourism destination.
Other Important Approvals
Land regularization for 200 families in Pulladigunta village, Guntur district.
Land allocation for TDP party offices in Anantapur, Mangalagiri, and Rayadurg.
Special NIA court in Visakhapatnam.
Irrigation projects including Peddagadda Reservoir and Kuppam branch canal works.
Rice procurement and ₹1,800 crore loan from NCDC for Kharif seeds.
Integrated Logistics Park near Tirupati.
The meeting was held in the absence of Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan (who is scheduled for shoulder surgery in Mumbai), IT Minister Nara Lokesh, and Industries Minister TG Bharat, who are currently on an official visit to South Korea.
Briefing the media after the meeting, Minister Kolusu Parthasarathy said the government views social media misuse as a serious societal issue that is causing more harm than good. He announced strict measures to tackle defamation, hate propaganda, and harassment, particularly against women.
Key Decisions on Social Media Regulation
The Cabinet approved the formation of:
A State-level Social Media Response Cell.
A State-level Task Force to monitor and curb misuse and hate speech.
Procurement of advanced forensic tools to identify handles spreading hatred.
Special training for Station House Officers (SHOs) in handling social media cases and appointment of cyber-savvy Public Prosecutors.
A study of laws in other countries to explore a possible dedicated legislation if needed.
Green Signal to Massive Investments
The Cabinet cleared 13 investment proposals recommended by the State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB) worth ₹31,431 crore. These projects are expected to generate direct and indirect employment for around 31,431 people.
A major highlight is the Mondelez India Foods chocolate manufacturing unit to be set up in Sri City, Tirupati district, with an investment of ₹1,801 crore. Another notable project is SAF India, which will convert waste oils into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
Relief and Development for Amaravati
In a major relief to farmers who contributed land under the Land Pooling Scheme (after June 12, 2024):
Annual lease rent for dry land increased from ₹30,000 to ₹40,000 per acre.
Annual lease rent for wet land increased from ₹50,000 to ₹60,000 per acre.
This will be paid for 10 years.
Monthly compensation for residents who lost houses in village sites was doubled from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 for 12 months.
The Cabinet also approved land allocation to several prestigious institutions in Amaravati, including the National Fisheries Development Board (for an international-standard aquarium and ornamental fish breeding centre), Isha Foundation, Art of Living, and CII Global Leadership Centre.
Education and Tourism Boost
Three Centres of Excellence will be established in Visakhapatnam, Nellore, and Ambedkar Konaseema districts to provide top-quality coaching for IIT-JEE and NEET to SC/ST students in social welfare gurukuls.
A new Tourism Policy offers Viability Gap Funding (up to ₹5 crore) and free use of government grounds for large events such as concerts and carnivals to position Andhra Pradesh as a major tourism destination.
Other Important Approvals
Land regularization for 200 families in Pulladigunta village, Guntur district.
Land allocation for TDP party offices in Anantapur, Mangalagiri, and Rayadurg.
Special NIA court in Visakhapatnam.
Irrigation projects including Peddagadda Reservoir and Kuppam branch canal works.
Rice procurement and ₹1,800 crore loan from NCDC for Kharif seeds.
Integrated Logistics Park near Tirupati.
The meeting was held in the absence of Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan (who is scheduled for shoulder surgery in Mumbai), IT Minister Nara Lokesh, and Industries Minister TG Bharat, who are currently on an official visit to South Korea.
