AP Cabinet Approves New Policies for Tourism and Sports Development.

The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet, meeting in Amaravati recently, approved new investment proposals worth ₹85,000 crore, backed by the State Investment Promotion Board. The Cabinet also ratified a new Tourism Policy, which grants industry status to tourism, a significant step toward boosting the sector.

In addition, the Cabinet cleared a bill to revoke the judicial review introduced by the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government for awarding tenders for infrastructure projects.

A new Sports Policy was also approved, aimed at enhancing the state’s sports infrastructure and talent development. Furthermore, the Cabinet passed a resolution to rename the Anti-Narcotics Task Force to the Elite Anti-Narcotics Group, reflecting a more robust approach to tackling drug-related issues.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, speaking in the Assembly, emphasized that welfare, development, and good governance were the main goals of the TDP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). He reiterated the government's commitment to improving the living standards of the people through the implementation of the Super-Six schemes, which were promised in the election manifesto.

Naidu also praised the "revolutionary" awareness demonstrated by voters in the recent elections and vowed to meet the public’s expectations. He added that more than 150 government services will soon be accessible via WhatsApp to make them more accessible.

On welfare, Naidu highlighted the success of the Deepam-2 scheme, which provides four free gas cylinders per year to eligible ration and Aadhaar cardholders. Over 42.40 lakh consumers have already booked gas cylinders through the scheme, with funds credited to their accounts within 48 hours.

The Chief Minister also assured the Assembly that safe drinking water would be supplied through the Jal Jeevan Mission and vowed to address past mismanagement, including the diversion of central funds by the previous government.

Additionally, the NDA government is focusing on employment with plans to fill 16,347 vacant teaching positions as part of its 'job first' policy.

HBL