Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced on Wednesday that 6.28 lakh jobs were created in the state over the past 21 months. He stated this figure during an address to the Assembly.
Job Creation Figures
According to Naidu, 2.48 lakh jobs were generated in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Of these, 1.46 lakh jobs resulted from skill development programs. The industries sector provided 95,000 jobs, and the food processing sector created 64,000 jobs.
In government positions, 30,500 individuals were employed. This includes recruitments for teacher positions through the District Selection Committee, police constable roles, and other government vacancies.
Naidu stated the government is on track to exceed its target of generating 20 lakh jobs.
Healthcare and Education Initiatives
The Chief Minister highlighted a new universal health policy. This policy will provide free medical treatment up to Rs 2.5 lakh. Efforts are underway to extend healthcare services at minimal costs.
Naidu criticized the previous YSRCP government for not allocating land for medical colleges. He affirmed that the current TDP-led NDA government is working to establish a 100-bed hospital in every constituency.
He clarified that the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for medical colleges is not privatization. Colleges developed under this framework will remain government properties.
Naidu also backed primary education in the mother tongue. He claimed that introducing English-medium instruction previously caused confusion.
The government will focus on developing skilled youth and preserving the Telugu language.
Investment and Economic Development
Naidu asserted that the state lost business value between 2019 and 2024. He cited companies like Jockey, Amar Raja, Lulu, and Franklin Templeton leaving Andhra Pradesh during that period. An RBI report indicated 913 companies exited the state under the previous government.
Andhra Pradesh has shifted from an ‘ease of doing business’ environment to a ‘speed of doing business’ hub, Naidu stated. An investors’ summit secured investment pledges exceeding Rs 13 lakh crore. These investments are projected to create 16 lakh jobs.
The state is divided into three economic zones: Visakhapatnam, Amaravati, and Tirupati. Vizag is targeted as a hub for IT, GCCs, and data centers. Amaravati is planned as a knowledge city and quantum computing center.
Naidu mentioned Google’s USD 15 billion data center investment in Vizag as India’s largest FDI. TCS and ArcelorMittal are also planning projects in Vizag. The ArcelorMittal project foundation will be laid on March 23. Google’s investment is set to begin in April.
The government will offer incentives like ‘escrow account’ facilities to encourage investments.
The ‘One Family, One Entrepreneur’ initiative aims to boost MSMEs. Skill development is being promoted through the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub (RTIH).