The Andhra Pradesh Government held its cabinet meeting, headed by Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy today, during which it took some key and important decisions for the state.
The first decision was to provide free electricity for all the farmers of Andhra Pradesh, and the cash-transfer of their electricity amount. Jagan had said that the government does not want to burden the farmers, and said that they would continue to get 9 hours of free, quality electricity, and that they would not have to pay a single penny for this.
Jagan also said that the government would transfer the amount of electricity bill to farmers every month, which they would have to pay to the electricity board every month. He added that all the current connections will be regularised, and that not a single farmer needs to worry as the government will continue to provide free electricity for 30-35 years at least.
On the other hand, online poker and online rummy have been made illegal by the government, and if a person is caught while playing them, then they will be subjected to jail time, according to the new rules. The Cabinet has also decided to construct two more barrages near Prakasam barrage, each with a storage capacity of 3 TMC.
One barrage will be constructed between Krishna district Penamaluru zone Chodavaram and Mangalagiri zone Ramachandrapuram, which will cost the government a total of Rs 1215 crore. The second barrage will be constructed between Mopidevi manual and Bandikolla Lanka and Thurupu palem of Repalle mandal in Guntur district, which will cost the government a total of Rs 1350.
Additionally, the cabinet has also come to a decision of constructing a lift irrigation project near Gollapalli, Durgi and Veldurthy mandals in Palnadu area of Guntur district, which will cost Rs 1273 crore. This project is being called Varikapudi Shela, and is being constructed to overcome cultivation and drinking water shortages in Guntur district.
Under the Rayalaseema Drought Prevention Scheme, the government has expedited nearly 14 works of various structures, so that the Rayalaseema area would see a lesser shortage of water. The decision to establish AP State Development Corporation for Planning, Funding and Financing of Governmental projects has also been made. Schemes like Nadu – Nedu, Mana Badi, Cheyuta, Asara, Amma Odi, and Farmer Assurance Programs will be funded through this.