The AP government has decided to hand over lands with all rights, on a freehold basis to corporate entities coming forward to set up large tourism projects in the state. The state cabinet has approved the ‘Tourism Land Allocation Policy-2024’ specially prepared to this end.
This policy specially prepared for land allocation for tourism projects came up for discussion in the cabinet meeting held on Friday under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. The latest land allocation policy has been formulated as a continuation of the tourism policy already announced by the state government.
While the tourism policy mentioned that land that is free from any disputes should be given for tourism projects. The policy also mentions how many acres should be allocated project-wise and in what manner.
Rs. 50 crores to Rs. Tourism projects with investments up to Rs. 250 crores are classified as large projects, investments between Rs. 250 and Rs. 500 crores are classified as mega projects, and those with investments above Rs. 500 crores are classified as ultra-mega projects.
Although the policy states that land should be allotted to such companies for 66+33 years, there is an opinion that once it is handed over on a freehold basis, the period of time is of little value and all rights will be vested in those companies.
However, no limit has been imposed on land allocation to corporate companies with huge investments. The policy states that ‘as decided by the government’. It is learnt that land will be allotted on a bidding basis for MSME projects, and for large projects, it will be allotted directly through the State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB) wherever they want.
It was also decided in this meeting to rationalize jobs in government departments. Although the agenda says government departments, it is believed that this decision was taken keeping in mind the employees of the Secretariat. It is reported that these proposals have come from the Panchayat Raj Department.
It is reported that in order to provide better services, it has been decided to rationalize the jobs of district panchayat officers and extension officers as well as the secretaries of village and ward secretariats.
It is also known that the cabinet has approved the proposals made by the General Administration Department to create new jobs in the Economic Development Council, which the Chief Minister is focusing on. It has been decided to fill 22 key posts in this council on a contract basis.