The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet is set to meet on Wednesday in Velagapudi, where several critical issues and policy decisions will be discussed. A highly anticipated agenda item is the Telugu Desam Party’s pre-poll promise to provide three free gas refills to women, which is expected to be implemented starting this Diwali season. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has signaled strong support for this initiative, which aims to ease the burden of rising cooking gas costs for households across the state.
In addition to the gas refill scheme, the Cabinet will also consider a series of other important proposals. These include exemptions for stamp duty and registration fees, as well as rescheduling of loans for families impacted by recent floods. Following Naidu’s announcement on the cancellation of the garbage tax, the Cabinet is likely to finalize the details of this policy change.
Another significant point of discussion will be the state’s new excise policy. Effective from October 16, the government has introduced a 2% cess on liquor sales, with the additional revenue earmarked for funding narcotics control, de-addiction centers, and rehabilitation facilities. The Principal Secretary of Revenue (Excise), Mukesh Meena, confirmed the policy through GO-MS 230 on Tuesday, underscoring the state’s commitment to public health and safety.
Further, the Cabinet will address the proposed filling of 190 posts across 13 new municipalities, which is part of a broader push to improve local governance and public services. Proposed amendments regarding the appointment of governing bodies for temples are also expected to be deliberated. A sub-committee formed to evaluate the state’s excise policy has submitted its recommendations, which will help shape the retail trade, pricing, and taxation on liquor in Andhra Pradesh.
As Diwali approaches, the state’s decisions in this Cabinet meeting hold the potential to bring significant relief and support to the people of Andhra Pradesh, while also ensuring that the government’s efforts to control narcotics and provide rehabilitation services are financially sustainable.
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