In a significant move, the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, has decided to cancel the seigniorage fee on the free sand scheme. This step comes as a response to the public being charged certain fees under the free sand policy, despite its intention to provide sand without cost.
The Cabinet also approved the revival of the GOIR (Online Government Orders Issue Register) web portal, enabling the generation of order numbers and uploading of Government Orders (GOs). All GOs issued between August 15, 2021, and August 28, 2024, will now be available on the portal for public access.
In another major decision, the Cabinet passed amendments to the AP Charitable and Hindu Religious Institutions and Endowments Act, 1987. The amendment will increase the number of board trustees in all endowments temples and institutions from 15 to 17 members.
The Cabinet has also abolished reverse tendering practices, opting instead to follow the Central Vigilance Commission’s guidelines in tendering processes, ensuring greater transparency.
A historic amendment was also made to Section 9(2) of the AP Ayurvedic and Homoeopathic Medical Practitioners Registration Act, 1956. This amendment aims to eliminate discrimination against individuals with leprosy, hearing, or speech disabilities.
Additionally, the government has approved the increase in BSc (Nursing) seats from 25 to 100 at the Government College of Nursing in Visakhapatnam, along with the creation of 27 teaching posts and 56 non-teaching posts. These positions will be filled through promotion, contract, or outsourcing as per Indian Nursing Council norms.
The Chief Minister expressed the need to establish a 100-bed hospital in each constituency to ensure better healthcare access across the state. The Cabinet also granted approval for the issuance of a government guarantee for a fresh borrowing of ₹1,800 crore by Markfed, with direct funding from NCDC for working capital assistance.
These decisions reflect the state government’s commitment to improving governance, healthcare, and transparency while addressing key public concerns.
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