The AP cabinet has approved several key decisions including the new bar policy and the implementation of Stree Shakti in the state. Information and Broadcasting Minister Kolusu Parthasarathy disclosed the decisions taken in the cabinet meeting to the media. The cabinet has given the green signal for free electricity up to 200 units for hair cutting salons, 200 units for handlooms and 500 units for spinning mills.
The minister said that investments in the tourism sector are being encouraged and more facilities will be provided in Araku and Bhavani Islands. He said that the cabinet has approved the government guarantee for AP BDCL loans of Rs. 900 crore. It was revealed that the cabinet has given permission to give 25 acres of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam land to Vaishnavi Infra Company.
He said that the cabinet has decided to implement a free bus travel scheme for women from anywhere to anywhere in five categories of buses across the state. With this, free travel will be implemented in 8,456 buses like Palle Velugu, Ultra Palle Velugu, City Ordinary, Metro Express, and Express.
In view of the concerns of auto drivers that the implementation of this scheme will affect their income, the Chief Minister directed them to discuss with the respective associations and resolve the issue. The cabinet has approved a key scheme to provide financial assistance of Rs. 25,000 per year to handloom workers under the Netanna Bharosa scheme soon.
The cabinet has decided to allow incentives including allotment of land at low prices to industrialists to invite investments in the state. As part of the new bar policy, it has been decided to allocate 10 percent to the workers of the Kallu Geeta in bars, similar to wine shops, and to encourage them by giving a 50 percent concession in the fee.
The cabinet has approved the proposal to grant permission for permit rooms in addition to bar shops. The bar license fee has been fixed at Rs. 5 lakh. Minister Parthasarathy said that they have decided to keep bar hours from 10 am to 11 pm, and that permit rooms are being set up to prevent law and order problems from arising from the consumption of alcohol in public places.
