AP unveils ‘Employment First’ policy

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu asserted on Monday that ‘Employment First’ is the policy of the State government and directed officials to develop strategies to attract investments to Andhra Pradesh.
During a review meeting on draft policies related to industrial development, food processing, and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) at the State Secretariat, the Chief Minister emphasised the need for the government to act as a friendly facilitator for industrialists looking to invest in the state. He shared his insights and experiences with the attending ministers and officials.
Chandrababu is making every effort to draw significant investments to the state and is currently working on formulating new policies for various departments. The meeting resolved to present these new policies to the Cabinet at its next session. It was also decided to extend subsidies to those who commit to investing in the state once the new policies come into effect.
The draft policies indicate that the first 200 companies to submit their Consent of Establishment and Date of Commercial Production may receive additional incentives. Companies that create more job opportunities will be eligible for an extra 10% incentive. The Chief Minister mentioned that the state government is considering innovative methods of providing industrial incentives through escrow accounts, which he believes will foster industrial growth and create better employment prospects.
“Such critical decisions will facilitate faster job creation. Officials should conduct an in-depth study on the feasibility and necessary procedures,” the Chief Minister stated.  
He added that the MSME policy should aim for the concept of ‘One Family, One Industrialist.’
The meeting resolved to establish an industrial hub in the state, named after the renowned industrialist, the Late Mr. Ratan Tata, to advance the industrial sector. The Ratan Tata Innovation Hub will serve as a centre for skill development, start-ups, facilitation, and innovation.
These hubs will be set up in five locations across the state, with a major company designated as the mentor for each hub. The review meeting also explored strategies to enhance the food processing sector, including the aqua and poultry industries, and approved an additional 5% incentive for women entrepreneurs in the MSME and food processing sectors.
However, the industrial policy will be submitted to the Cabinet only after further detailed discussions. Ministers Kondapalli Srinivas and TG Bharat, along with officials from the relevant departments, were present at the meeting.