MSMEs must benefit from industrial growth: Naidu

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday directed district collectors to encourage the MSME sector, stating that the growing industrial investments in Andhra Pradesh should generate wider opportunities for ancillary industries and small enterprises.

Reviewing the performance of various departments and the implementation of government programmes during the collectors’ conference at the Secretariat, the Chief Minister said MSMEs must form an integral part of the industrial ecosystem developing around major investments in the State.

He instructed officials to resolve issues faced by industries on a priority basis, particularly those related to land allocation. He also directed that APIIC lands falling under Section 22A be removed from the prohibited list through coordination with the Registration Department.

Mr. Naidu said products from different districts should be developed into national and global brands, on the lines of Araku Coffee, to strengthen the State’s economic identity.

Referring to emerging technology sectors, he said the establishment of the Google Cloud AI Hub had attracted Carrier AC Company to Andhra Pradesh, which would supply bulk chillers for data centres and quantum computing facilities.

The Chief Minister noted that a Quantum Reference facility has already been set up in Amaravati and said the upcoming Quantum Computing Centre would further create an ecosystem for MSME participation.

He also directed departments to integrate rooftop solar systems with the PM Kusum scheme and ensure the installation of solar panels on government buildings, schools, and colleges.

Mr. Naidu said 64 national highway projects worth over ₹1 lakh crore and 624 railway projects worth ₹64,000 crore are currently under execution in the State.

Cautioning about the possible impact of El Niño, the Chief Minister asked collectors to prepare advance contingency plans for rainfed and horticulture crops and ensure adequate fodder supply for livestock.

He added that local body elections would be conducted soon.