- विज्ञापन -
Andhra Pradesh is aiming to attract an investment of ₹1,000 crore in the drone sector over the next five years as it launches its new drone policy. The policy, approved by the Cabinet under Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, seeks to establish a minimum of 100 drone manufacturing units and position the state as a global hub for drone technology.
A State Drone Corporation will be created to enhance the use of drones and improve emergency services. The initiative targets the creation of 40,000 jobs and plans to train 25,000 drone pilots, offering investors a 20% subsidy.
Minister for Information and Public Relations, Kolusu Parthasarathi, highlighted that the state is rapidly moving towards becoming a drone hub. A Drone Development Centre will be established in Kurnool, featuring a training facility for pilots and a manufacturing unit.
The government anticipates that this initiative will not only lead to the establishment of 100 drone manufacturing units but also 20 drone pilot training centers and 50 skill development centers across the state. The investment is projected to create direct employment for over 15,000 individuals and indirect employment for an additional 25,000, ultimately generating ₹3,000 crore in annual revenue.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved the Andhra Pradesh Data Centre Policy, aiming to add 200 MW of data capacity and attract funds for modern data centers integrated with Artificial Intelligence (AI). The new Semiconductor and Display Fab policy was also sanctioned, set to be effective from 2024 to 2029. This policy includes a phased 50% subsidy from the Centre and an additional 30% subsidy from the state government.
Parthasarathi noted that various semiconductor companies from the US and Europe have established operations in other Indian states and expressed confidence that Andhra Pradesh can reach a similar level of development with these new policy initiatives.
Lastly, the Cabinet agreed to propose a draft bill to replace the Andhra Pradesh Land Grabbing (Prohibition) Act of 1982 with the Land Grabbing (Prohibition) Bill of 2024. The proposed legislation aims to impose severe penalties on land grabbers, along with compensation payments to affected parties.
