Latest news with #KolusuParthasaradhi
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Cabinet approves new LIFT policy to attract top-tier IT/ITeS firms, GCCs
The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet approved a series of decisions across tourism, technology, and energy sectors, signalling a balanced approach to economic development and public welfare on Wednesday. Disclosing the details, I&PR Minister Kolusu Parthasaradhi said the Cabinet approved the new LIFT Policy 4.0 (2024–29), offering land at a nominal rate of ₹0.99 per acre to attract top-tier IT/ITeS firms, GCCs, and developers. Eligibility is strictly limited to Fortune/Forbes-ranked firms, or companies with at least $1billion in annual revenue, or market capitalisation. Job creation mandates include 3,000 jobs for IT firms and 2,000 for GCCs within three years. Developers must build large-scale office infrastructure and begin construction in six months of land allotment. In the tourism sector, the Cabinet approved outsourcing of 22 APTDC-run hotels and resorts across six clusters to private operators through a competitive RFP process. The goal is to improve service quality and financial sustainability. Operators must demonstrate experience managing 3-star or higher properties, and meet strict financial and operational criteria. While 46 permanent employees will remain with APTDC, the rest of the 418 staff will be transferred to new operators. Selected firms will also be responsible for renovating the infrastructure. The Cabinet cancelled the controversial land allotment to the Oberoi Group in Tirupati, made in 2021. Following public outcry over the project's proximity to the temple town and a formal request from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Board, the government agreed to swap the APTDC land in Peruru with 25 acres of TTD land in Tirupati RS village. The decision underlines the government's commitment to protecting religious sentiments. In the energy sector, the Cabinet approved three key proposals. A ₹900-crore government guarantee would support the working capital needs of the APPDCL, which is facing liquidity issues due to payment delays from the DISCOMs. The Cabinet approved guarantees worth ₹4,574 crore for RDSS loans to APSPDCL and APCPDCL to ensure uninterrupted execution of smart metering and infrastructure upgrades. The Cabinet approved the issuance of a preliminary notification to bifurcate Y. Ramavaram mandal in Alluri Sitharama Raju district into Upper Y. Ramavaram and Lower Ramavaram for better administrative efficiency. The Cabinet approved a proposal to scrap the existing media accreditation guidelines and introduce a new framework, titled 'Comprehensive A.P. Media Accreditation Rules, 2025', the Minister said.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- 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.
