Andhra Pradesh reserves 75% private jobs for locals

Furthermore, in case of skills deficit, these companies will have to train locals in association with the state government and then hire them.

CM Reddy had promised this reservation of jobs for the unemployed youth during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Within 3 years of the commencement of this act, private companies will have to comply with these provisions and submit quarterly reports.

Apart from Andhra, Kamal Nath-led Congress government in Madhya Pradesh had on July 9 said that his government would reserve up to 70 percent of jobs for the local youth.

Similar demands are being raised in states like Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat as well.

Additionally, the Andhra Pradesh government on Friday decided to give 50 percent of the nominated posts and 50 percent of the contracts on nomination basis to the scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, backward classes and minorities.

The key decisions were taken by the state cabinet at a meeting chaired by CM Reddy in Amaravati. The cabinet approved the draft bills in this regard.

SCs, STs, BCs and minorities will be provided 50 percent of the posts in government corporations, boards, societies, trusts and market yards. SCs, STs and OBCs will also get half of the posts in temple committees.

Officials said 50 percent of the nominated posts and 50 percent of contracts to be given to the weaker sections will go to women.

In another bonanza for backward classes, the government decided to provide annual financial assistance of Rs 10,000 each to washermen, barbers and tailors.

The cabinet decided to provide free electricity to SC families with an upper limit of 200 units per month. This move is expected to benefit over 15.62 lakh SCs and impose a burden of Rs 411 crore on state exchequer.

The cabinet also decided to bring a legislation to provide employment opportunities to those who lose their lands for the development of industries.

In a key move to root out corruption, the cabinet approved draft bill to set up Judicial Commission.

To be headed by sitting or retired judge of the High Court, the Commission will scrutinise all tenders worth over Rs 100 crore for infrastructure projects.

The government said the move would ensure transparency in tender process and eliminate corruption, irregularities and favouritism.

Every department will have to submit work proposals to the Judicial Commission, which will be assisted by experts. It will complete the entire tender process in 15 days.

The cabinet cleared a new scheme 'YSR Navodayam' to help micro, small and medium enterprises facing problems for three years. Under the scheme there will one-time restructuring of loans worth Rs 4,000 crore.

The government also decided to replace existing Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board (APEDB) with Andhra Pradesh Investment Promotion and Monitoring Agency (APIPMA).

The Chief Minister will be chairman of the body, which will have seven directors. It will be responsible for attracting investment, branding, promotion, approvals for projects, funds mobilisation and framing rules for controlling industrial pollution.

APIPMA will an advisory council, comprising company CEOs, leading businessmen and economic experts. The body will have head office in Vijayawada and another office in Hyderabad.

The cabinet also approved a draft bill for monitoring schools and higher education institutions. A commission will be constituted to ensure good quality education and to regulate fee structure.