The Andhra Pradesh police on Wednesday launched the AP Investment Safety and Security Cell with the aim of creating a safe environment for investment in the state, by non-resident Indians (NRIs) as well as foreign and domestic investors.
The AP police also launched an NRI grievance redressal cell “to inspire confidence among non-resident Telugus, foreign and domestic investors about speedy redressal of their grievances.”
The two cells would function under the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and would deal with any matter related to safety and security, for setting up industries in the state, said RP Thakur, Director General of Police for AP, at the launch of the two cells on Wednesday.
The Investment safety cell would deal with issues related to protection of property from encroachment, protection of industry and individuals, maintenance of law and order in and around the industrial unit. It would also render pre-emptive advice on traffic restrictions and events like mass agitations, said the DGP. “The cell will take care of matters related to cyber crimes and visa-related issues for foreigners connected to the industry," he added.
The cell will help NRI investors identify safe residential areas for overseas employees in consultation with the local police. The cell would be guided by an advisory board comprising senior police officers, government officials and industry representatives, representatives of Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and Andhra Chambers of Commerce and Non-Resident Telugu (AP-NRT) Society. The advisory board will act as a bridge between the state government and the investors, he added.
The NRI Cell will deal solely with cases of domestic violence and dowry harassment, cheating, fraud, forgery, criminal breach of trust and other issues related to NRIs. “These cells will receive complaints via the Internet, email, WhatsApp (9440700830) and a toll-free call centre (180030026234),” the DGP said.
“If the state is marked as a safe haven, more overseas investors will invest here. As many as 357 new industries in various sectors have been set up in AP after the state bifurcated and 421 more are in the pipeline,” said Thakur, while pointing out that the state has won many awards for maintenance of law and order.