The simple pandal of a high school surrounded by cotton fields may not be an ideal choice for a Chief Minister to ring in the New Year, but N. Chandrababu Naidu is already envisioning a global riverfront capital which might take shape in the next three to five years.
Signalling his intention of building a ‘world class,’ river front capital at this mandal, notified as the Capital Region of Andhra Pradesh, Mr. Naidu promised the farmers he would make the VGTM region, now part of the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) as the political and cultural capital of the State and urged the farmers not to sell their lands as the future holds better things.
“Believe me, I will show many ways to earn money. I will stand by your families since you have parted with your valuable lands,” he said. The Chief Minister also used the stage to reach out to local villagers promising that he would ensure that they enjoy the first fruits of development.
Loan waiverThe Chief Minister made several promises to farmers which included unconditional waiver of all farm loans, allotment of developed residential and commercial plots in the same zone, waiver of stamp, registration duties, Nala fees on land transactions and interest free loans up to Rs.25 lakh.
He also announced that a Capital Region Social Security Fund would be set up to provide social security monthly pension of Rs.2,500 to the unemployed and the aged people. Families in the capital region would be provided free health care and educational training. NTR canteens would be set up to provide meals at cheaper rates.
