Naidu talks of capital gains: Sit in AC rooms and earn money

Building a new capital for Andhra Pradesh was a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" for which farmers and landowners should agree for pooling of required land, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said today and promised to make it a "win-win" proposition for everyone.
"You have to trust in me and I have trust in you. Building a capital (for AP) is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It will usher in unexpected changes in your lives and also your next generations.
"I will build a capital that will be the pride of Telugu people," he said, even as farmers and residents in 17 villages in the proposed capital region near Vijayawada are opposing the Government move to acquire their fertile lands.

The State Cabinet Subcommittee initially announced 25,000 acres would be required for the capital but later enhanced the land required to one lakh acres in phases.
Last week, however, it reduced the number to 30,000 acres spread over 17 villages in a 30km vicinity of Vijayawada.
The Chief Minister, however, remarked today that only "the future will decide" the extent of land actually required for the development of AP's new administrative hub.

"We are going for land pooling system to create a win- win situation. I want to empower the local people. They should be the first beneficiaries (of capital development). How much land is required for the capital,the future will decide. The Government has some flexibilities."

Seeking to allay the apprehensions of farmers and land owners in the region, the Chief Minister said he would create avenues for them to make money.
"The capital will ensure better lives for everyone. Some best practices will come and businesses will grow. There will be modernisation and agriculture workers will be given skill development training so that they can secure good jobs.
"People can sit in air-conditioned rooms and earn money. We will build houses for the landless families in those villages. I will ensure justice for everyone," he promised.
Naidu announced that a one-time settlement scheme would be launched to clear debts of farmers (who part with their land) up to a sum of Rs 1.5 lakh.

"We will consider their other demands as well. Our Ministers and local legislators will talk to them and convince them. They need not have any misgivings. People's interests are different from those of political leaders. We will protect the people's interests, the Chief Minister asserted.