Latest news with #CabinetSub-Committee
The Hindu
06-08-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Bars in Andhra Pradesh allowed to operate until 11 p.m. as Cabinet approves new policy
The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet approved the Bar Policy 2025–28, based on the recommendations made by the Cabinet Sub-Committee, on Wednesday. As part of the new policy, which will come into force after August 31, the bars in the State will remain open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Cabinet also cleared a proposal to allow permit rooms, which were disbanded during the previous YSR Congress Party's (YSRCP) tenure. Disclosing the details of the Cabinet meeting, Information and Public Relations (I&PR) Minister Kolusu Parthasaradhi said that the Cabinet Sub-Committee had studied the bar policies of other States and engaged with the stakeholders before finalising its recommendations. The Bar Policy 2022–25, which is set to expire on August 31, was based on an auction system and saw the issuance of licences to 840 bars. 'The current policy led to several operational difficulties. Hence, the government decided to introduce a new bar policy to address these challenges,' said Mr. Parthasaradhi. The new policy allows bars to operate from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., offering greater flexibility for licence holders and consumers. It was noticed that more than 2.07 lakh law and order cases were registered due to open consumption of liquor. To address the issue, the Cabinet decided to allow permit rooms, with a maximum capacity of 1,000 sft, the Minister said. The newly approved policy also proposes a shift from the auction system to a lottery-based allocation, which will be implemented only in the areas where a minimum of four applications are received per bar licence available. Licensing fee The new licence period will be effective from September 1, 2025 to August 31, 2028. The application fee will be ₹5 lakh. The licence fee would be ₹35 lakh if the population is less than 50,000; ₹55 lakh if the population is between 50,000 and 5 lakh; and ₹75 lakh if the population is more than 5 lakh. At least four applications must be received for each bar. To ensure fairness and increased participation, the government is considering allocating bar licences through a lottery system, moving away from the auction method followed during the YSRCP's tenure. To promote social welfare and inclusivity, the government has reserved 10% of bar licences for toddy tappers (kallu geetha workers) at 50% of the standard fee. This measure is aimed at supporting the livelihoods of traditional workers within the excise ecosystem, the Minister added.
Hindustan Times
03-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Maharashtra discontinues benefits for 2,289 women in Ladki Bahin Scheme
An investigation by the Maharashtra government has found out that a total of 2,289 women government employees were beneficiaries of the Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin scheme, state development minister Aditi Tatkare said in a written reply to the Maharashtra assembly. Upon identification, the benefits of the scheme were discontinued for the women, state development minister Aditi Tatkare said.(ANI File) Upon identification, the benefits of the scheme were discontinued for the women, Tatkare said. The Ladki Bahin Yojana, launched by the Women and Child Development Department and the Government of Maharashtra, aims to provide financial support to eligible women across the state. Under the scheme, women from age group 21 to 65 are given financial benefit of ₹ 1,500 through direct benefit transfer for improving their health and nutrition and strengthening their decisive role in the family. Earlier today, in a major move to boost industrial development and job creation in Maharashtra, the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Industries, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, approved investment proposals worth ₹ 1,35,371.58 crore in thrust sectors and high-technology-based industries. These projects are expected to generate around 1 lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities across the state. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that these projects would promote technological innovation, research, development, and employment generation, strengthening Maharashtra's industrial ecosystem. The 12th meeting of the Cabinet Sub-Committee, formed under the CM's leadership to approve incentives under the Package Scheme of Incentives (PSI) and thrust sector policies for large and mega projects, was held today in the committee hall at the state legislature. Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, Industries Minister Uday Samant, Chief Secretary Rajesh Kumar, Additional Chief Secretaries O.P. Gupta (Finance), Rajgopal Deora (Planning), and other senior officials from various departments were present. A total of 19 large, mega, and ultra-mega projects were considered for special incentives based on their investment scale and employment potential. Of these, 17 projects were approved. The projects include manufacturing in semiconductors, silicon ingots and wafers, solar cells and modules, EV components, lithium-ion batteries, aerospace and defence equipment, textiles, green steel, and greenfield gas-to-chemicals production. These 17 approved projects will bring in investments worth ₹ 1,35,371.58 crore and create approximately 1 lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities in Maharashtra.
The Hindu
20-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Not happy with quality of polity in J&K: National Conference MP Ruhullah
Ruling National Conference (NC) Member of Parliament (MP) Aga Syed Ruhullah on Friday (June 20, 2025) expressed his dissatisfaction over the 'quality of polity' in Jammu and Kashmir and sought people's support to bring accountability to the system. 'I am not happy or satisfied with the quality of polity in J&K. I am not referring to any particular organisation, but to the entire polity of J&K. Politics in J&K has degraded. Changing parties won't help. I appeal to society to stand for reform,' MP Ruhullah said. MP Ruhullah made these remarks in Sopore, in north Kashmir's Baramulla constituency. He also engaged with youth in a question-and-answer session on the politics and issues of Kashmir. However, his decision to address a civil society group in Sopore was not well received by the NC leadership there. None of the local NC leaders or activists participated in the public event attended by the MP. 'It doesn't matter whether they (NC leaders) attended or not. I was invited. I can't refuse an invitation based on whether they voted for us or not,' Mr. Ruhullah said. There is growing friction between MP Ruhullah and the NC's top leadership, which has been evident on several occasions since the party formed the government in J&K last year. The MP sought people's support to 'reshape polity.' He said, 'I am looking for those people who will walk with me, bringing accountability to the system, those who will stand for credibility.' The issue of rationalisation of the reservation quota saw MP Ruhullah joining protesters outside the Chief Minister's residence in Srinagar last year. He also recently admitted that the top party leadership has 'not been in touch with him.' However, MP Ruhullah continues to attend party meetings and is reportedly among the few voices critical of the government's functioning. After the Sopore function, the MP also supported the demand that the Cabinet Sub-Committee report on the rationalisation of reservation quotas in jobs should be made public. The CSC submitted its report on reservation to the Cabinet this week. 'It should be made public. There should be discussion. Even if the report has been sent to the Law Department, it should be concluded within a week's time,' he said. Mr. Ruhullah is a popular Shia cleric and garners significant support for his bold stance on issues like Article 370, greater autonomy, and security forces' crackdown on youth in Kashmir.
The Hindu
01-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Cabinet to meet on June 5; Yuva Vikasam and employee issues on the agenda
The State Cabinet is scheduled to convene on June 5 to deliberate on several critical issues, including the ambitious Rajiv Yuva Vikasam programme and the Cabinet Sub-Committee report on employee-related matters. The decision was taken during a meeting of ministers chaired by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy at the Integrated Command Control Centre on Sunday (June 01). It was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka and all the Ministers. The upcoming Cabinet meeting is expected to be a significant one, as it will address two major constituencies that were instrumental in the Congress party's return to power — the youth and government employees. The Rajiv Yuva Vikasam scheme, which has emerged as a flagship initiative aimed at youth empowerment, received overwhelming interest from the public. Ministers informed the Chief Minister that the volume of applications had exceeded expectations and flagged widespread complaints about attempts by ineligible individuals to exploit the scheme. To ensure transparency and credibility, the Cabinet will consider delaying the final announcement of beneficiaries until all applications are thoroughly screened. 'Not a single ineligible person should benefit from the scheme,' the CM said indicating the government's fairness intent. In addition, the Cabinet will take up the report submitted by the committee on employee issues. Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, who received the report earlier, briefed the meeting on its findings. The meeting felt that the government must prepare a roadmap on all the demands of employees, and it requested the Deputy CM to conduct the next meeting with the government employee leaders soon to resolve them. The Ministers also reviewed reports from their recent visits to districts on May 29 and 30, where they assessed preparations for major initiatives like finalisation of list of beneficiaries of Indiramma house scheme, Revenue department conferences, and the cultivation readiness for the monsoon season. The ministers lauded Minister for Civil Supplies N. Uttam Kumar Reddy for his proactive efforts in streamlining grain procurement operations, ensuring minimal disruption to farmers.
Hans India
23-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Crop planning should align with mkt demand: CM
Vijayawada: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday directed the officials of the Agriculture department to go for crop-specific planning aligned with national and global market trends. Naidu emphasised the need to inform farmers in advance about suitable crops based on market dynamics to ensure a balance between supply and demand and prevent losses. "Farmers must cultivate only high-demand crops to avoid losses," said Naidu. He instructed the officials to adopt scientific planning and monitor global agricultural developments regularly. During an official review on key crops such as tobacco, cocoa, mango, and paddy, he discussed immediate and long-term farmers' issues. He stated that both short-term and long-term challenges in agriculture must be addressed through the Cabinet Sub-Committee. The CM instructed officials that cocoa stocks with farmers should be purchased at Rs 500 per kg, and if the companies fail to do that, he said the government should step in for direct procurement. He also ordered accurate registration of HD Burley tobacco stocks through an app and approved a crop holiday for that variety due to lack of market demand. He is pursuing the inclusion of HD and White Burley varieties under the Tobacco Board and will discuss farmer concerns with union ministers. The Chief Minister also reviewed challenges faced by tomato farmers and instructed officials to encourage more tomato processing units in the state to ensure fair prices. On paddy, officials informed him that procurement is progressing smoothly, with even rain-damaged stock being purchased. To boost mango pulp consumption, he suggested a Goods and Service Tax (GST) reduction on pure juices and proposed its use in mid-day meals and Tirumala-Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) temple offerings to increase demand. This initiative is aimed at boosting mango juice consumption and alleviating the financial strain on mango farmers, who are currently grappling with declining prices. It has been observed that a lack of orders has led to a slowdown in mango procurement, causing considerable distress among mango growers. Naidu directed officials to ensure that pulp processing companies immediately resume procurement. However, officials highlighted that existing stockpiles and a shortage of bank loans for pulp companies are limiting their capacity to purchase fresh stock. To address this, the CM instructed officials to facilitate bank loans for these processing units. Ministers Ayyanna Patrudu, Nadendla Manohar, Gottipati Ravikumar, Nimmala Ramanaidu, and Payyavula Keshav participated in the review meeting.
