Capital Region Bill introduced in Assembly

Hyderabad, Dec 20 (INN): The Andhra Pradesh Government introduced the AP Capital Region Development Authority Bill, 2014, in the State Legislative Assembly here on Saturday.

Introducing the Bill in the House, Municipal Administration and Urban Development P Narayana said that the proposed Authority will be chaired by the Chief Minister while the Municipal Administration Minister will be its Vice-Chairman. Besides, Chief Secretary, Secretaries to Government in Municipal Administration, Finance, Transport, Roads & Buildings, Energy or other departments as may be deemed necessary by the government will be its members.

The Commissioner of the Authority will be the Member-Convener. The Authority will also have four experts, national or international, who possess knowledge in urban governance, urban planning, conservation, environment and transport as members. Any other officer or expert, who government thinks necessary, will be a part of Authority as Special Invitee.

The Authority will have an executive committee comprising of Secretaries of different departments of the State Government. The Authority may from time to time appoint committees consisting of such members as it thinks fit and associate with such committee in such manner and for such period as may be prescribed, any person or persons whose assistance or advice it may desire and refer to such committees for inquiry and report any subject relating to the purposed of this Act.

The government has proposed creation of Capital Region Development Fund with a seed capital of Rs 1,000 Crore for providing working capital to the Authority and administering the Act. It also proposed creation of a Rs 250 Crore revolving fund for undertaking development of amenities and infrastructure facilities in the capital area.

The legislation seeks to declare the Capital Area for the state of Andhra Pradesh, ensure planning, coordination, execution, financing, promoting and securing planned development of the capital region, provide, manage and supervise urban services in the new capital area and improve quality of life of citizens residing in it, the minister said, explaining the salient features of the legislation.

The minister said that a perspective plan for 100 years, a concept master plan for 20 years and a detailed master plan for 10 years would be prepared for the capital region. Preparing and implementing land-pooling scheme, town planning scheme, special area development scheme within the jurisdiction of the Authority would be part of the legislation.

The Bill is expected to be taken up for discussion in the Assembly on Monday.