Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu recently engaged in a series of high-profile meetings in New Delhi, aiming to secure the Central Government's support for various state projects and to advocate for the approval of the Andhra Pradesh Land Grabbing (Prohibition) Bill, 2024. His discussions with key Union Ministers underscored the state's pressing needs and strategic initiatives designed to foster economic growth and social justice.

Advocacy for the Land Grabbing (Prohibition) Bill, 2024

A significant focus of Chief Minister Naidu's visit was to seek the Centre's endorsement for the Andhra Pradesh Land Grabbing (Prohibition) Bill, 2024. This new proposal is all about tackling the growing problem of land grabbing, which has gotten worse thanks to swift urban growth and industrial development in our state.

The bill suggests some tough new rules, like setting up special courts that can act like civil courts, so we can speed things up when it comes to handling land grabbing cases. Convicted individuals could face imprisonment ranging from 10 to 14 years and fines equivalent to the market value of the illegally acquired property.

These new rules are a big step up from the old 1982 Act, which had way lighter penalties. By toughening up the laws, the state wants to discourage shady land grabs and make sure honest landowners are protected.

 Meetings with Union Ministers: A Multi-Faceted Approach

During his visit, Chief Minister Naidu met with several Union Ministers to discuss a broad spectrum of issues affecting Andhra Pradesh.

Meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah

In his discussion with Home Minister Amit Shah, Naidu emphasized the urgency of obtaining approval for the Land Grabbing (Prohibition) Bill. He pointed out how land grabbing really hurts landowners and messes with public order, and he’s asking the Centre to back the new tough measures suggested in the bill. 

The Chief Minister recently sat down with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to chat about the state's financial situation and how much help we really need from the federal government. Naidu laid out the debt problems that Andhra Pradesh is struggling with, especially because of some ambitious infrastructure projects and various social welfare programs. He mentioned needing more financial support to keep our current projects on track and to make sure we stay financially stable.

Infrastructure development was a key agenda item during Naidu's meeting with Minister Nitin Gadkari. The Chief Minister sought support for the expansion and modernization of the state's road network, emphasizing the need for improved connectivity to boost economic activities. He proposed new highway projects and requested expedited approvals for pending proposals, aiming to enhance transportation infrastructure across Andhra Pradesh.

Strategic Initiatives for State Development

Beyond the immediate concerns addressed in his meetings, Chief Minister Naidu outlined several strategic initiatives to propel Andhra Pradesh's development.

Naidu underscored the importance of the Polavaram National Irrigation Project, a multipurpose venture designed to provide irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectric power. He advocated for timely financial support from the Centre to ensure the project's completion, which is pivotal for the state's agricultural sector and water resource management.

To stimulate industrial growth, the Chief Minister requested special incentives for industries setting up operations in Andhra Pradesh. He highlighted the state's potential to become an industrial hub and the need for federal support to attract investments, create jobs, and enhance the state's economic profile.

Recognizing the disparities within the state, Naidu sought assistance for the development of backward regions, drawing parallels to the Bundelkhand package. He emphasized that targeted support is essential to ensure balanced regional development and to uplift marginalized communities.