AP cabinet ratifies Naidu promises - TeluguPeople.com News

VISAKHAPATNAM: The State Cabinet, at its first meeting here Thursday, decided to set up a panel to 'study' the loan waiver scheme announced for farmers, weavers and DWCRA groups and take a final decision later 'without imposing too much of a burden on the State exchequer.'

The Cabinet, headed by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, discussed various issues, including the five key announcements he had made at his swearing-in, for a marathon seven hours at the AU campus.

Later briefing the media, Naidu said the panel on loan waiver would submit its report by June 22 to ensure there is no trouble for farmers during this Kharif season.

Pointing out that the State has a budget deficit of `15,900 crore this year, the Chief Minister explained budget proposals shouldn't violate the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act.

But, he hastened to add, 'We will prepare the proposals within the set parameters in consultation with government agencies and banks. Our plan is to extend a helping hand to debt-ridden farmers, DWCRA groups and weavers.'

Responding to a query on reports that banks were slapping notices on farmers, Naidu said officials had been directed to consult the banks. He will meet the bankers at the State Level Bankers' Committee meeting.

On the extension of retirement age of State government employees from 58 to 60, he said, 'From June, all AP government staff, who have turned 58 will get an extension. We have some AP employees in Telangana government. Once they are allocated to their native state, we will give them the extension without service break.

The Andhra Pradesh chief secretary has been asked to take up the issue with his Telangana counterpart and examine the possibility of extending the retirement age for Telangana government employees as well, to avoid unnecessary complications.'

Interestingly, it was also decided to set up a Cabinet sub-committee to review all land allotments made over the last 10 years and come up with a policy for better utilisation of those lands.

'Our initiative is to reduce corruption. It is not directed against any individual or organisation. We will examine all allotments and protect government properties,' the Chief Minister clarified.

The Cabinet further decided to set up a separate load dispatch centre to streamline power cuts and achieve 24x7 power supply to domestic and industrial sectors within the next two years. More power plants are in the offing including promotion of solar power plants in Rayalaseema.

Among its other decisions are introduction of Annadanam scheme similar to the TTD's at Simhachalam, Annavaram, Srikalahasti, Dwaraka Tirumala, Kaanipakam, Srisailam and Vijayawada; payment of revised pensions (up to `1,000 per month) to the aged, widows and the physically challenged from October 2; strengthening of Rythu Bazaars and creation of a market intervention fund to regulate prices of essential commodities; study of Kerala, Tamil Nadu excise policies for removal of belt shops and supply of 20 litres of drinking water at Rs 2 in rural areas.