AP Cabinet approves removal of three-child disqualification for local body elections

The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet has approved significant changes impacting local body and cooperative society elections in the State. The Cabinet on Wednesday agreed to lift the disqualification rule for candidates with three children, allowing them to contest elections. ‘

This change, aligning with a promise made during the elections, will be formalized in a bill to be introduced in the next Assembly session. The Cabinet’s decision marks a shift from the previous restriction, which barred individuals with more than two children from running for local body positions. In addition to the electoral reform, the Cabinet discussed irregularities in the Excise Department’s policies from the previous administrations.

The Cabinet has resolved to repeal the existing excise policy, deemed exploitative, and formulate a new policy to address these concerns. Changes to the excise procurement policy were also approved. Other key decisions include the cancellation of the controversial 217 G.O., which was seen as not favorable to fishermen, and the extension of the ban on Maoist activities.

Additionally, the Cabinet approved the removal of former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy’s photo and name from land survey stones and decided to halt the ongoing land re-survey process.