Stormy debate over 99-Paise land allotment in council

A heated debate broke out in the Legislative Council over the allotment of government land to select companies at 99 paise per acre, with IT and Education Minister Nara Lokesh defending the policy and accusing the YSRCP of discouraging investment.

Replying to YSRCP members, Lokesh said only five firms—TCS, Cognizant, ANSR Global, Raheja and Motherson—received land under Cabinet-approved policy. He said the projects would create 65,000 direct jobs, potentially supporting nearly four lakh indirect jobs, and help achieve a target of five lakh IT jobs in Visakhapatnam by 2029.

YSRCP members questioned the transparency of allotting prime land at nominal rates. Lokesh cited Hyderabad’s IT growth under similar policies and maintained that all approvals followed due process, including scrutiny by official committees and the Cabinet. He challenged the opposition to prove any corruption. Amid protests and a walkout by YSRCP members, Lokesh accused the previous government of driving away investors.

In the Assembly, he said a unified Act would standardise university affiliation norms and enhance transparency through digital monitoring. He also said the government is seeking funds to complete infrastructure at four RGUKT campuses.