AP adopts new rural employment scheme

THe Andhra Pradesh locker, chaired by chief government minister N Chandrababu Naidu, on th sanctioned issuance of a gazette notice for implementation of the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgaar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-GRAMG] Act, 2025, in the state with effect from July 1, 2026.Briefing reporters after the cabinet meeting, state information and public relations minister K Parthasarathy said the scheme would be implemented across all rural areas of the state with a 60:40 funding ratio between the Centre and the state government.“Replacing key provisions of MGNREGA, the programme increases guaranteed employment from 100 days to 125 days annually, providing an additional 25 days of work for rural households. Based on the state’s average daily wage of ₹307, the scheme is expected to increase annual household income by up to ₹7,675,” the minister said.The programme also mandates wage payments within seven days of work completion, with 0.05% daily interest for delays beyond 15 days. Compensation will be automatically provided if employment is not offered within 15 days of demand.The cabinet approved implementation of the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 2011 (THOTA), aimed at curb illegal organ trafficking and ensure transparency in organ transplantation procedures, as per the directions of the Supreme Court.“Since the state assembly has been adjourned since March 12, 2026, the government will promulgate an ordinance titled The Andhra Pradesh Transplantation of Human Organs (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026,” the minister said.The cabinet also approved the Andhra Pradesh Aviation Policy 2026-31 aimed at transforming the state’s aviation sector. The policy will focus on integrated airport infrastructure development, enhanced connectivity, expansion of cargo and logistics networks, promotion of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, aerospace manufacturing, aviation skill development and future technologies such as Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).Under the policy, the state aims to increase passenger handling capacity from 6.2 million to 30.38 million by 2035 and expand air cargo capacity from 6,240 metric tonnes to 4.27 lakh metric tonnes.The government also plans to establish nine new airports ensuring airport access within a 150-km radius across the state. The policy targets attracting over $1 billion in investments in MRO and aerospace manufacturing sectors and training 5,000 people annually.The cabinet approved inviting competitive tenders for the development of the “Amaravati Eye” project under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) model for a concession period of 30 years.The project will be developed on six acres of APCRDA land along the Krishna River and is envisioned as a giant observation wheel similar to the famous London Eye. The landmark attraction is expected to boost tourism in the capital city by offering panoramic views of Amaravati and the Krishna riverfront.The cabinet approved exemption from stamp duty, registration fees, user charges and other applicable charges for the registration of 49.66 acres of land allocated by the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) to the Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (ITE&C) Department for the Amaravati Quantum Valley project.The cabinet approved promulgation of an ordinance amending the schedule of the Andhra Pradesh Private Universities Act, 2016, to facilitate the establishment of Sri City International University as a new greenfield private university in Sri City, Tirupati district at a cost of ₹250 crore on a 60-acre campus.