Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh cabinet has given its nod for a proposal to set up the Amaravati Quantum Computing Centre in the upcoming Quantum Valley, as a government-run entity.
The centre would spread over 50 acres in Amaravati with a potential to attract 4,000 crore investment. This is perceived as the first quantum system in South Asia. It will start by Jan. 1, 2026.
This would facilitate extensive research, attract talent and investments in addition to providing incentives to research and inventions, encourage state-of-the-art-technology and help develop intellectual property. Moreover, the centre would help provide opportunities for students, researchers and experts for employment, research etc.
Quantum technology would help in pharmaceuticals, substances, agriculture, logistics, cyber security and other sectors to facilitate revolutionary developments.
The cabinet heard that “AP is expected to become a role model to the world in coming up with quantum-based inventions in future.”
Information minister Kolusu Parthasarathi briefed the media about the 27th cabinet meeting decisions here on Wednesday.
Space policy: The cabinet also approved the AP Space Policy-4.0 aimed at developing the space sector for the 2025-30 period. Accordingly, the state would be developed as the main centre for development of the space sector for India.
As part of the space policy, priority is given to space technology, development of satellites, research and promotion of commercial space activities. Moreover, partnership in the space sector to the startups, private agencies and educational institutions would be encouraged besides development of basic infrastructure for setting up space parks, launch pads, ground stations and R and D centres, the minister said.
He said the policy is also expected to facilitate partnership with ISRO and other private national and international space agencies.
The cabinet decided to expedite the construction works of residential complexes for legislators and senior bureaucrats. Some 18 multistoried buildings are coming up for this purpose, with 432 dwelling units. The government would sanction Rs 524.70 crore for completing the remaining works.
Another decision was to grant approval for a review of lands allotted to various agencies in the CRDA area.
Sand extraction: The cabinet approved a proposal to grant administrative sanction for sand extraction in several reaches along the Krishna river course and before the Prakasam Barrage. A fund of `286.20 crore would be provided for this purpose.
Irrigation: The cabinet gave its nod for doing the repairs to the right main canal sluices of the Rallapadu medium irrigation project at a cost of Rs 22.50 lakh at Rallapadu village of Lingasamudram mandal in Nellore district.
Airports: The cabinet approved a proposal to avail loan of Rs 1,000 crore from HUDCO for development of airports at Kuppam, Dagadarthi, Srikakulam and Amaravati. It also agreed to give viability gap funding support to Kuppam airport through the AP airports development corporation.
The cabinet has endorsed a proposal to set up the World Economic Forum-AP Centre for Energy and Cyber Resilience and provide Rs 36 crore for its maintenance for three years.
Approval was also given to set up Andhra Pradesh Jal Jeevan water supply corporation and avail loans worth `10,000 crore from scheduled banks and financial institutions so as to get the state’s matching share under Jal Jeevan Mission.
Green tax: The cabinet has accepted a proposal to issue an ordinance to reduce green tax for certain transport vehicles. The new tax rate has been fixed at Rs 1,500 and Rs 3,000. This is expected to benefit 9.56 lakh persons.
Social security pensions: Cabinet approval has been given to provide social security pension to 1,575 families as a special case, as they lost their sources of livelihood due to the land acquisition done by the CRDA for developing the capital city in Amaravati. They had been declared ineligible by dint of their income limit and other norms.
Cocoa, Mangoes: The cabinet has agreed to sanction Rs 14.884 crore for cocoa farmers, with MSP fixed at Rs 50 per kilo for their produce. It has approved procurement of 6.50 lakh metric tonnes of Totapuri mangoes from farmers in erstwhile Chittoor district.
