The state of Andhra Pradesh’s government has made the decision to conduct a thorough caste-based census.
Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy chaired a state Cabinet meeting on Friday where the decision was made.
The Chief Minister noted during the debate on the subject that the caste-based census would be beneficial for improving the lot of oppressed groups and advancing their social empowerment.
The decision has come amid the national debate over the issue after the Nitish Kumar government in Bihar recently released the findings of the caste-based survey.
The Cabinet took several key decisions.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office, it appreciated the Jagananna Aarogya Suraksha as 11,700 camps have been conducted so far in which 6.4 crore medical tests were carried out.
Over 8,72,000 eye exams, approximately 11,300 eye surgeries, and the distribution of eyeglasses to over 5,22,000 people were also carried out.
All ministers are encouraged to actively participate in Aarogya Suraksha, which will be held once more on January 1.
The Cabinet has decided to launch another public awareness campaign about the YSR Aarogyasri program, which will run from November 15 to December 15. The campaign’s goals are to encourage people to download the Aarogyasri App and inform them about the free medical treatment that the listed hospitals offer for a variety of diseases.
The Cabinet has ratified the State Investment Promotion Board’s approval of fresh investments worth Rs 19,037 crore that would provide employment opportunities to 69,565 persons,
It also decided to implement a new land allotment policy for setting up industries.
The Cabinet cleared allotment of 5,400 acres of land for Ecoren Energy India Ltd to establish 902 MW solar energy plants in Nandyala and YSR districts. Two acres of land will be allotted to MRK Group to establish hotels in Tirupati district.
Additionally, the Cabinet has approved the plan to build an 800 MW wind farm and to set aside an additional 100 acres of land in the Kurnool district for the establishment of National Law University.
It has allowed the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) to raise Rs 95,000 crore in investments through NTPC and convert the 1,200 acres of land allocated at Pudimadaka in the Anakapalli district for the construction of a thermal power plant in a green hydrogen zone.
It has agreed to provide a huge concession on payment of electricity duty by the ferroalloys industry, which employs nearly 50,000 persons. It will impose a financial burden of Rs 766 crore on the state exchequer.
It has also decided to provide guarantee for securing a loan of Rs 5,000 crore for procurement of Kharif paddy by the Civil Supplies Corporation and MARKFED.
In addition to approving the 3.64 percent DA increase for government workers and pensioners effective July 1, 2022, the Cabinet also approved the draft 2023 local cadre and direct recruitment plan, which divides the state into six zones. Ninety-five percent of appointments for other positions would be made from within the state, with the exception of department heads, commissionerate, and other state-level positions.
The Cabinet has also decided to give working journalists house sites worth three cents each, fulfilling a promise made to journalists during the election.
