New Delhi: The Andhra Pradesh government has done something that’s making a lot of people talk. They gave land to big IT companies like Cognizant and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), and not for crores of rupees, but for just 99 paise, yes, you read that right.
This is part of a smart plan to turn Visakhapatnam (also known as Vizag) into the next big IT hub of India.
Cognizant, one of the world’s top IT companies, is setting up a new campus in Visakhapatnam. In return, they promised to invest ₹1,582 crore over the next 8 years. Their campus will be ready by March 2029 and will create around 8,000 jobs.
And the land? The government gave it to them for just 99 paise, not per acre, but total! That’s less than the price of a toffee.
TCS is also building a campus
Before Cognizant, even TCS, India’s largest IT company, got land from the Andhra Pradesh government. They are investing around ₹1,370 crore to build a big IT campus in Vizag. This project will provide 12,000 jobs to local people.
Both companies got land on IT Hill Number 3, which is being planned as a special tech zone.
Vizag is now becoming a hotspot for tech companies. It’s well-connected, around 600 km from Hyderabad and 800 km from Chennai. It has the peaceful vibe of a beach city and the energy of a tech city.
Nara Lokesh, the state’s Technology Minister, gave a fun comparison. He said, “If Goa and Bangalore got married and had a child, it would be Visakhapatnam!” That’s how much confidence he has in Vizag’s future.
Not Just IT – More Development Projects
The Andhra Pradesh government isn’t stopping with IT. They also approved:
- Mahamaya Industries: To expand a steel plant in Vizianagaram.
- ESIC Hospital: 6.35 acres in Guntur given to build a 100-bed hospital and homes for employees, either free or at a very cheap price.
This shows the state wants to grow in healthcare, manufacturing, and IT, all at the same time.
So, Why Just 99 Paise?
Some people got confused and thought it was 99 paise per acre, but actually, it’s 99 paise in total. That’s like giving land for almost free.
But the goal here is not to make money from the land, it’s to bring jobs, business, and growth to the state. It’s like planting a seed now, hoping for a big tree later.
What’s the big picture?
The Andhra Pradesh government wants Vizag to become the next Bengaluru or Hyderabad. By giving land at almost zero cost, they are attracting big names who will:
- Build offices and tech parks
- Create thousands of jobs
- Boost the local economy
- Bring in other smaller companies too
This model, if successful, could inspire other states to do the same.
Instead of just keeping land empty, the government is giving it to companies that will bring jobs to young people like me. If more states think like this, maybe one day, we won’t have to leave our hometowns to find a good job.
Sure, some people may think giving land so cheap is a loss. But if it means 8,000–12,000 people getting jobs, it’s totally worth it.
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