AP Cabinet Gives Green Signal to Judicial Academy, MSME Clusters

The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu , on Thursday approved a series of important decisions aimed at accelerating the State’s overall development, with a strong focus on industry, education, tourism and revenue reforms.

At its 1,376th meeting held at the Secretariat, the Cabinet cleared close to 38 proposals covering sectors such as industrial infrastructure, MSME development, education, energy and tourism. Information and Public Relations Minister Kolusu Parthasarathy later briefed the media on the outcomes.

Logistics reforms to strengthen industry:

To bring structure and efficiency to the logistics sector, the Cabinet approved the formation of the Andhra Pradesh Logistics Infrastructure Corporation as a holding company. A dedicated Logistics Fund will be created as an Alternative Investment Fund, with the State contributing 10 to 20 per cent of the capital. The move is expected to improve transport networks and reduce costs for industries.

Support for MSMEs and job creation:

The Cabinet approved the AP Cluster Development Programme for small and medium enterprises, with an outlay of ₹200 crore. Over the next five years, 45 Common Facility Centres will be set up, creating an estimated 7,500 direct jobs. Priority will be given to women entrepreneurs and those from SC and ST communities.

Major push to school education:

The Cabinet sanctioned ₹944.53 crore for student kits distributed to 39.52 lakh students studying from Classes I to X in government schools. The State will bear ₹652.65 crore, while the Centre will contribute ₹291.88 crore.

In addition, approval was given for a new Government Degree College at Kothabommali in Srikakulam district to improve access to higher education.

Judicial Academy to come up in Amaravati:

The Cabinet cleared the construction of the Andhra Pradesh Judicial Academy at Pichukalapalem in Amaravati, with an estimated cost of ₹165.33 crore . The project will be completed within two years through a lump-sum contract.

Liquor policy changes:

As part of excise reforms, the Cabinet decided to remove the additional retail excise tax on bars , reducing the financial burden on bar owners by about ₹340 crore annually . At the same time, liquor prices excluding ₹99 (180 ml) bottles will be increased by ₹10 per bottle , a move expected to generate ₹1,391 crore in additional annual revenue for the State.

Tourism and spiritual projects:

To boost tourism, land has been allotted at Suryalanka beach in Bapatla district for the development of three-star and five-star resorts by leading hospitality brands such as ITC, Hilton and Royal Orchid .

The Cabinet also approved a proposal by ISKCON to set up a mega spiritual centre at Penukonda , aimed at promoting spiritual and cultural tourism.

The Cabinet decisions reflect the government’s broader strategy to balance economic growth, social development and revenue generation across Andhra Pradesh.