KOCHI: The Andhra Pradesh cabinet has approved a new excise policy aimed at making alcohol more affordable for the public. Under the new policy, 180 ml bottles of quality liquor will be available in government markets for Rs 90. Additionally, private retail outlets will be permitted to sell liquor, with 3,736 outlets set to open across the state. 10% of these outlets will be allocated to coconut workers through a lottery system. The policy will take effect on October 1.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has instructed officials to ensure the availability of high-quality liquor at reasonable prices.

In addition to the excise policy, the cabinet approved a proposal to provide 33% reservation for backward classes in legislative bodies. It also decided to establish an Artificial Intelligence University and a Skill Academy in the state.

Further decisions included renaming Bhogapuram Airport as Alluri Seetharamaraju International Airport and renaming the "Vikasita Andhra 2047 Vision Document" as the "Swarnandra Vision Document," which is set to be released on November 1.