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Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh has expressed concern over a series of PILs filed against major IT park projects in Visakhapatnam, warning that they could impact over one lakh potential jobs. The projects involve companies such as TCS, Cognizant, Sattva Group, and Raheja Corp. While Lokesh alleged opposition interference, the YSR Congress Party denied involvement. The latest PIL challenges land allotment to Raheja Corp. The government maintains that its LIFT Policy 4.0 aims to attract investments and create new technology-driven employment hubs.
Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh has raised concerns over multiple Public Interest Litigations filed against large IT park projects in the state, stating that such legal actions could directly affect employment opportunities for young people. He pointed out that the cases target IT park developments proposed by major companies including Tata Consultancy Services, Cognizant, the Sattva Group, and Raheja Corp in Visakhapatnam. Advertisement
Lokesh indicated that these projects together have the potential to generate more than one lakh jobs in the state. Through a social media post, he accused the opposition YSR Congress Party of opposing investments that could shape the future of the state's workforce and questioned the intent behind repeatedly challenging large technology projects.
The YSR Congress Party, however, has denied any role in filing the petitions. Manohar Reddy from the party's legal cell clarified that the party was not involved in the PILs filed against the IT park projects.
The most recent petition has been filed by G Srinivasa Rao of the Society for Protection of Constitution. The plea challenges the land allotment made for Raheja Corp's proposed IT park in Visakhapatnam, according to an official statement.
Lokesh said that repeated legal challenges to marquee investments send a negative signal to investors and weaken Andhra Pradesh's efforts to establish itself as a key destination for technology-led growth and high-quality employment. He stressed that the current coalition government is following transparent and lawful procedures while remaining supportive of investors.
The minister added that the government would continue to defend projects that contribute to livelihoods and economic development. He reiterated that attempts to delay or block such initiatives ultimately harm the aspirations of the state's youth.
As part of its strategy to attract technology investments, the Andhra Pradesh government has rolled out the Land Incentive for Tech Hub (LIFT) Policy 4.0 for the 2024-2029 period. Under this policy, eligible companies are offered land at a nominal rate of INR 0.99 per acre across the state.
The policy was introduced in the backdrop of Andhra Pradesh's bifurcation and the loss of Hyderabad, which had been its primary IT hub. The state has since focused on creating new economic centres by leveraging existing infrastructure and skilled manpower. Cognizant Technology Solutions is among the companies that have already benefited from the LIFT policy.
Source PTI
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