AP Capital Development Authority Bill Introduced

The Andhra Pradesh Government introduced the AP Capital Region Development Authority Bill, 2014, in the State Legislative Assembly on Saturday.

Introducing the Bill in the House, Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister P Narayana said that the proposed Authority would be chaired by the Chief Minister with the Municipal Administration Minister being its Vice-Chairman.

Besides them, the Chief Secretary, and Secretaries to the Government in Municipal Administration, Finance, Transport, Roads & Buildings, Energy or other departments as may be deemed necessary by the government will be the members. The Commissioner of the Authority will be the Member-Convener.

The Authority will also have four experts, national or international, who possess knowledge in urban governance, urban planning, conservation, environment and transport, as members.

Any other officer or expert who the government thinks necessary will be a part of Authority as a Special Invitee.

The Authority will have an executive committee comprising of the Secretaries of the different departments of the State Government.

The government has proposed the creation of a Capital Region Development Fund with a seed capital of Rs 1,000 crores for providing working capital to the Authority and administering the Act.

It also proposed the creation of a Rs 250-crore revolving fund for undertaking the development of amenities and infrastructure facilities in the capital area.

The legislation seeks to declare the Capital Area for the state of Andhra Pradesh; ensure planning, coordination, execution, financing, promoting and securing planned development of the capital region; provide, manage and supervise urban services in the new capital area; and improve the quality of life of the citizens residing in it, the minister said, explaining the salient features of the legislation.

The minister said that a perspective plan for 100 years, a concept master plan for 20 years and a detailed master plan for 10 years would be prepared for the capital region.

Preparing and implementing the land-pooling scheme, town planning scheme and special area development scheme within the jurisdiction of the Authority would be part of the legislation.

The Bill is expected to be taken up for discussion in the Assembly on Monday. (INN)