Fapcci recommends decentralised development after AP's bifurcation

Fapcci says that the industry body will function for both the states after bifurcation

The Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Fapcci) proposes almost a similar socio-economic development plan for both the states of Telangana and residual Andhra Pradesh (AP) in its vision documents released on Wednesday.

Fapcci president, Srinivas Ayyadevara, said that the industry body will function for both the states after bifurcation and will strive to promote industrial growth and protect the interests of the trade, commerce and industry.

He also stated that Fapcci was going to prepare a sector-wise development model and work continuously with the governments of the two states to achieve the desired results.

According to Fapcci, the focus should be on integrated, decentralised inclusive growth across both the states. Two to three districts should be taken as an unit for economic development to make them as growth centres.

It sought creation of land banks in each district, restriction of real estate activity to prevent spiralling of land costs, mechanisation of agriculture, creation of cold storage and warehousing facilities and setting up of industrial corridors besides undertaking various other activities.

With regard to infrastructure, Fapcci emphasised the need for development of parallel  and radial road projects and airports. It said that while Telangana required at least three domestic airports, AP required a minimum of three international airports and a few domestic airports.

Stating that AP could be a power surplus state, it said that the government of the residual state should not issue any new licences to set up thermal or gas-based power plants. Instead, it must take measures to utilise the existing plant load capacities to the optimum level.

On the other hand, it pointed out that Telangana was going to face power shortage to the tune of 3,000 Mw. Hence, thermal power plants need to be set up at Adilabad, Karimnagar and Khammam districts.

To meet the financial needs of micro and small industries, Fapcci stated that both the state governments should encourage setting up of cooperative credit societies in each industrial estate.

Also, as per the vision documents, both the state governments should formulate policies for each industry separately as every industry has different requirements. Special incentives should be given for agro-based and food processing industries.