HYDERABAD:November 1, the erstwhile AP formation day that has lost its significance post state bifurcation, will rise to prominence again, for once, when the State government would start functioning from the new capital region in a full-fledged manner from that day.
The State government has intensified its exercise to shift all key departments from Hyderabad to the temporary capital, Vijayawada, in order to establish a secretariat in the new capital region by the end of coming October.
As part of this, 275 flats and 26 villas have been selected by the State government in the Rain Tree Park, opposite Acharya Nagarjuna University in Mangalagiri, to provide accommodation for ministers and senior bureaucrats.
The government has begun entering into agreements with the owners of the flats/villas for a period of two years. It also asked them to surrender all the flats by November 1.
Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu held a review meeting with various departments concerned at the secretariat here to prepare them to shift to the new capital region at the earliest.
During the meeting, he disclosed that an agreement was being made with the owners of these 245 flats and 26 villas to lease them out to State government by November 1.
As per the agreements being reached, all the flats/villas will be given on rent to government for two years with further extension, if necessary, for one more year, till the completion of the construction of Amaravati.
At present, R&B department rental rate stands at Rs 7 per sq ft. However, the demand for the new accommodation is at Rs 11 per sq ft. Hence, according to sources, government has agreed to pay the rent at the rate of Rs 11 per sq ft, after taking Cabinet’s approval. There will be an increase of five per cent rent every year. The lease will impose Rs 5.5 crore burden on the exchequer per year.
According to Ramakrishnudu, the State government is contemplating locating the secretariat at Medha Towers in Gannavaram after de-notifying it from the status of Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
Sources said in the coming days, the State government will take some more flats in various apartments in Vijayawada and Guntur cities from private builders to house various departments and staff.
“Each department has been asked to scout for their own accommodation in and around Vijayawada. The State government is also searching for accommodation for various employees in order to relocate them,” sources said.
In fact, with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu making Vijayawada his home, pressure is mounting on all ministers and senior IAS officers to relocate themselves to the new capital region at the earliest.
Capital Homes
■ 245 flats identified for senior IAS officers in Rain Tree Park, near Nagarjuna university
■ 26 villas at the same place will house ministers
■ The flats and villas have 2,500 sq ft of three bedroom accommodation
■ Relocation will cost government Rs 5.5 cr per year