Focus on MSMEs, create cell to expedite investment process: Jagan to officials

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S Jagan Mohan Reddy has directed officials to give more prominence to MSME (micro, small, and medium enterprises) sectors in the state during the industries and infrastructure development review meeting at his camp office in Tadepalli on Monday.

The Chief Minister also directed the officials to create a separate cell to expedite the investment process in SIPB.

"The separate cell would work in tandem with the chief secretary and Chief Minister's Office, along with the departments concerned. From expediting the project, getting necessary clearances, and grounding the project to implementing it, the cell will take care of the work. It should be created in two weeks," said Jagan.

The officials briefed the Chief Minister about the state's performance in Ease of Doing Business, feedback survey, improvement in exports, and how Andhra Pradesh has been silently attracting investments worth thousands of crores since Jagan came to power.

Ports & harbors

In terms of maritime investments in the state, the Chief Minister directed the officials to complete the first phase of the ports in Ramayapatnam, Machilipatnam, and Bhavanapadu as early as possible. Further, the first phase of fishing harbors in Juvaladine, Nizampatnam, Machilipatnam, and Uppada should be completed by June 2023, said the CM.

The second phase of fishing harbors in Srikakulam, Anakapalle, Bapta, West Godavari, and Prakasam are in various stages of the process.

Internet connection

Reviewing the Andhra Pradesh State FiberNet Limited (APSFL), Jagan directed the officials to complete the internet connection works in all RBKs, Sachivalayams, schools, and village clinics by December 2022. Since the work-from-home concept has become the new norm in the service sector, digital libraries should be equipped with internet connectivity with good bandwidth, said the Chief Minister.

The officials informed the Chief Minister of the steps taken by the department to roll out 5G services. APSFL is also onboarding edutech and OTT platforms to provide educational content via the Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) platform.

"Our energy and focus should be in the MSME sector since the real potential lies in it," said the Chief Minister when the officials said they are working to establish MSMEs at the rate of two clusters in each district. The Chief Minister asked the senior officials to depute young IAS officers abroad to attract more investment and study the best practices in the industry, which shall boost the state sectors, said Jagan.