Andhra Cabinet ratifies mega DSC decision, repeal of Land Titling Act

Amavarati: The first Cabinet of Andhra Pradesh chaired by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday at the Velagapudi Secretariat ratified the five files cleared immediately after formation of the TDP-led NDA Government on 12 and cleared the proposal to form a Group of Ministers (GeM) to finalise the modalities on State finances, negligence meted out to Polavaram project during past five years and several other issues.

The group, consisting of Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav, Revenue Minister A Satya Prasad, Home Minister V Anitha, Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar and few others, will take the decision on modalities to be followed on releasing white papers to apprise the public on the state of affairs in the State due to 'irreparable damage' made by the erstwhile YSRCP Government.

The meeting discussed drawing up timelines for implementing 'Super Six' promises made during the run-up to the elections by the manifesto released by the TDP and the Jana Sena Party. The meeting approved five files on which Naidu signed immediately after taking over the reins of the State for the fourth time which included repealing the controversial Land Titling Act and Mega District Selection Committee (DSC) notification for filling vacant teacher posts of 16,347 by December 10 and conducting skill census for the first time in any State in India. The teacher recruitment process will start on July 1. Revised social security pension to the poorer sections will revised from April 1 from Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 per month and disbursed with arrears on July 1.

An initial grant of Rs 164 crore has been given to implement revival of Anna Canteens. The canteens which were shutdown after YSRCP formed the government, will dole out breakfast and meals at Rs 5 per head at designated places. The Cabinet discussed the urgent need to identify buildings for housing the canteens.

During a visit to Polavaram project site and 'ruins' of Amaravati capital works, the Chief Minister had expressed his shock at the 'ill-conceived' policies pursued by the erstwhile government. "Polavaram cost has escalated and the project has gone back by several years. Diaphragm walls damaged due to negligence during the past five years will cast a huge burden. If repaired it will cost Rs 447 crore and if a new one is built it may cost nearly 1,000 crore," he had said. The Cabinet decided to seek the expert decision for a suitable decision and submit proposals to the Centre to get funding to expedite completion of pending capital works and make Polavaram project operational.

The Cabinet approved the proposal to rename the Dr YSR University of Health University in Vijayawada to Dr NTR University of Health University.