Union Government Initiates Legislation to Grant Statutory Status to Amaravati as Andhra Pradesh's Permanent Capital
Governor S Abdul Nazeer has made a significant announcement regarding the future of Andhra Pradesh's capital. He stated that the union government has commenced the process to introduce legislation that will accord statutory status to Amaravati as the permanent capital of the state. This move is seen as a crucial step towards providing long-term certainty and stability for the region.
Amaravati's Rebuilding and Infrastructure Development
Addressing the joint session of the Andhra Pradesh assembly and legislative council on Wednesday to mark the beginning of the budget session, Governor Nazeer highlighted the renewed momentum in rebuilding Amaravati. He emphasized that this effort is supported by the financial closure of key infrastructure works, with substantial backing from the union government.
The governor pointed out that substantial progress has been made in land pooling, and the implementation of transparent, technology-enabled processes has reaffirmed the trust of farmers in the region. To further stimulate development, the state government has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Singapore government. This MoU establishes a framework for cooperation in sustainable urban governance, digital and real-time governance, human resource development, and sustainable economic growth, including the construction of the Amaravati Capital City.
Welfare Schemes and Economic Initiatives
Governor Nazeer described the state's transition from resurgence to ascendance after years of financial stress, institutional weakening, and stalled infrastructure. He highlighted the implementation of welfare schemes under the Super Six guarantees as one of the largest Direct Benefit Transfer initiatives globally, involving nearly ₹33,000 crore annually.
- Under NTR Bharosa, 63.12 lakh pensioners are receiving enhanced social security.
- Thalliki Vandanam provides ₹15,000 per annum to over 66 lakh students through their mothers.
- Annadata Sukhibhava extends ₹20,000 per year to 46.86 lakh farmers.
- Deepam 2.0 supplies three free LPG cylinders annually to 1.08 crore poor households.
- The Sthree Shakti scheme has enabled 37.8 crore free bus journeys for women across the state.
The governor also mentioned the adoption of a zero poverty approach through a family benefit management system, with plans to introduce a family card to digitally track benefits. Over one lakh Margadarsis have adopted 10.30 lakh Bangaru Kutumbalu under the P4 initiative to help families achieve permanent economic mobility.
Infrastructure and Economic Growth
Governor Nazeer reiterated the commitment to complete the Polavaram project before June 2027 and advance other key projects like Handri–Neeva, Nallamala Sagar, and river-linking initiatives. The state is also pushing metro rail projects in Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada, while new high-speed rail corridors announced in the union budget will pass through Andhra Pradesh, boosting connectivity.
On the economic front, the governor reported that 610 MoUs worth ₹13.25 lakh crore have been signed at the CII Summit, with the potential to generate 16.13 lakh jobs. Investments worth ₹8.74 lakh crore have been cleared through SIPBs. Future-ready projects such as Quantum Valley in Amaravati, Green Hydrogen hubs, semiconductor ecosystems, and industrial corridors are being positioned as growth engines.
Financial Stabilisation and Future Goals
Highlighting financial stabilisation, Governor Nazeer said the Gross State Domestic Product has risen to ₹17.62 lakh crore in 2025–26 from ₹15.91 lakh crore last year, marking a 10.75 per cent nominal growth. Per capita income increased to ₹2.95 lakh, driven by growth in agriculture (7.83%), industry (9.53%), and services (12.94%).
The governor concluded by stating that Andhra Pradesh is on a calibrated path of fiscal discipline, technology-driven governance, welfare expansion, and long-term infrastructure creation. This comprehensive strategy is aimed at making the state wealthy, healthy, and happy by 2047, with Amaravati at its core as the permanent capital.
