The icon of Indian industry and Tata Trust chairman, Ratan Tata, spent a whole day in Vijayawada, providing the much-needed moral support to the fledgling state. On the occasion, Tata Trusts signed an MoU with the AP to develop 264 villages in Vijayawada LS constituency. "At this point of time, to be associated with Chandrababu Naidu is what creates... excitement within me. The new state will have every bit of support that I can personally give," Tata said.
CONTENTS CM presses for Spl Category Status
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Xiaomi rolls out first smartphone in Vizag
Chandrababu Naidu met the PM and made a strong pitch for extending assistance to ensure level-playing field.
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Tricolour Hoisted On The Sea Shore...
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Amazing AP: Chandragiri Fort
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200 Mn USD Investment For State’s Fisheries 3,000 Cr Investment Boost For Kurnool
Monastery Boulevard to Add Glitter to AP’s Tourism
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Happening Andhra
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Various developments across the state of Andhra Pradesh.
Geetam: A 22 Lalitha Celebration of Life
Snapshot
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24 Chief Minister’s social network
Tourism & Culture
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10 NRIs come forward to Code for AP
Economist lauds Naidu model of land pooling
28 Tata Trusts to develop 264 villages in Vijayawada
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Microsoft To Provide Low-Cost Internet To AP
ANDHRA PRADESH
EDITORIAL
Published Monthly In English & Telugu September 2015 Volume: 9 Issue: 2 Salivahana Era 1937
Publisher & Commissioner Mukesh Kumar Meena, IAS Chief Editor Ramesh Kandula Editor Naresh Nunna
Assistant Editor Shruti Mathur Cover Page CM meets PM
Second Cover Ratan Tata with CM
Third Cover CM at various events
Fourth Cover APIIC Advt on Sunrise State
Published by: Information & Public Relations Department Government of Andhra Pradesh Hyderabad - 500 028 Ph: 040-23300258 Views expressed by various authors in this issue reflect their personal opinions. Design Karthik Beesu
Printed at Caxton Offset Pvt. Ltd. Hyderabad
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his is a make-or-mar time for the state of Andhra Pradesh. The state is beleaguered by a plethora of problems, mainly triggered by the unscientific, undemocratic and inequitable bifurcation thrust upon fifty million people. Thanks to the dogged pursuit of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, AP is making small but firm steps towards getting its act together. The successful initiative for a world-class capital that would be the fount of the state’s economic, social and cultural renaissance, the fruitful efforts to attract worldwide investment and businesses have given a new hope in the otherwise bleak scenario.
At the same time, the CM is leaving no stone unturned to impress upon the Centre the dire need to deliver the promises made to the state in the AP Reorganisation Act 2014, including Special Category Status.
But the way the detractors have been making desperate attempts at throwing hurdles in the way of the development initiatives is befuddling. Crude attempts are being made to provoke a small section of farmers against land pooling, at a time when more than 90 percent of the farmers voluntarily entered the scheme.
Likewise, trying to pit the state government and its leaders against the Central Government leadership in the name of Special Category is another malicious move to score political brownie points rather than to serve the interest of the fledgling state. As the CM pointed out, what is important is accrual of maximum benefits to the state, whatever the form be.
At a time when state’s long-term interests are being sought to be subverted by some self-centred groups, the people should be more vigilant of such elements and reject them forthwith - for the betterment of their and their children’s future.
Each Issue : Rs 5/Annual Subscription : Rs 50/-
RAMESH KANDULA Chief Editor
www.andhrapradeshmagazine.org Email: apchiefeditor@gmail.com www.ipr.ap.nic.in 4
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SEPTEMBER 2015
FISHERIES
200 Million USD Investment For State’s
The world’s largest industrial gas and engineering company, both by market as well as revenue values, has evinced interest in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Germany-based The Linde Group will invest over 200 million USD, in seafood freezing and other areas. SEPTEMBER 2015
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ndhra Pradesh is the largest marine fish producing state along the East coast of the country, and Visakhapatnam, Machilipatnam and Kakinada are the largest centres of fish production. For the last three consecutive financial years, Andhra Pradesh stood first in the country in fish production. And in 2013-14, the undivided state claimed alltime highest record with 20 lakh tonnes of the produce. After the division of the state, the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu framed a one-of-its-kind Fisheries Policy, with an aim to enhance aqua production. The policy aims at increasing the production from Rs 22,000 crore in 2014-2015 to Rs 35,000 crore by 2018-2019.
Giving a thrust to the already blooming sector, The Linde Group, the German multinational industrial gases and engineering company founded in 1879, is investing over 200 million USD in the state, in seafood freezing and other areas. A delegation of top executives from Linde Group including its chief executive officer Wolfgang Buchele and member of execuANDHRAPRADESHMAGAZINE.ORG
tive board Sanjiv Lamba called on Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu at his Vijayawada Camp Office and apprised the latter of the group’s expertise in cryogenic freezing of food. Buchele explained Linde Group's expertise in cryogenic freezing of food, international gases market and engineering expertise in supporting olefin plants, natural gas plants and air separation plants, as well as hydrogen and synthesis gas plants. "Andhra Pradesh has a long coast and has strong production of sea food. We want to support you in freezing of sea food and add value to exports. We are looking to invest over $200 million," said Linde Group's CEO Wolfgang Buchele. The Linde Group CEO added that the company also has a base in Gujarat and is looking for a strong base in Andhra Pradesh. Linde's executive board member Sanjiv Lamba said that the group is also interested in Petroleum, Chemical and Petrochemicals Investment Region (PCPIR) and auto components. Lamba added that the company is also interested to set up an air-circulation plant, a lab and an academy that will train the personnel required for supporting food processing. “This will help us create a self-sustained supply chain around which ancillary industries will mushroom.” Replying to Lamba, the Chief Minister explained the advantages of Andhra Pradesh and said that the government is planning to make it the logistics hub of South East Asia. “You can send your team to study the agriculture and allied activities in the state and identify business opportunities.” Explaining the advantages of Andhra Pradesh, the Chief Minister said that the government is planning to make it the logistics hub of Southeast Asia. He advised the company officials to send their team to study the agriculture and allied activities in the state and identify business opportunities. Stating that Andhra Pradesh has highest fisheries production, the Chief Minister asked the Group to begin work phasewise. 'First you can begin with freezing sea food, then move to freezing fruits,' the Chief Minister added. The Chief Minister said that the Linde Group can also work on cold storage facilities in 13 food parks that are coming up across the state. “You can begin working with Fisheries Development Corporation. Work on an action plan and submit a report within 4 weeks,” the Chief Minister concluded. v
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SUPPORT AP
CM PRESSES FOR SPL STATUS TO BELEAGURED STATE Chandrababu Naidu, in his meeting with PM Narendra Modi and other Union Ministers in Delhi, made a strong pitch to the Centre on the need to extend special assistance to AP in whatever form that would ensure a level-playing field.
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hief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi, made a strong plea to extend a special package for the State and Special Category status for five years. Addressing a press conference after his 90-minute meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, Naidu said he reminded Modi of the assurance given by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the Rajya Sabha that special category status would be extended to AP for
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CM Chandrababu & delegation discuss special status issue with PM & FM in Delhi five years. Modi told him that it would be examined by the Niti Aayog, which would also look for ways to overcome the problem (if granting special status was not possible) and help the State. While asserting that he had not dropped the special category status demand, however, said it was not ‘Sanjeevini’ and insisted that the Centre should handhold the State till a level playing field was achieved with the neighbouring States. Indicating that he was interested in getting a better deal than what the State would get if special category ANDHRAPRADESHMAGAZINE.ORG
status was granted, Naidu wondered whether or not it would be useful if the Centre granted special category without giving incentives. Pointing out that industrial incentives and special status were two different things, Naidu said the latter would only enable the State get 90 per cent grants from the Centre for externally-aided projects and centrally-sponsored schemes. “I don’t know under what name you give. Ensure that AP achieves a level-playing field and rectify the injustice,” Naidu conveyed to the Centre. SEPTEMBER 2015
The Chief Minister said he thanked Modi for the financial assistance given under various heads including Rs 2,000 crore for deficit finances and Rs 1,500 crore for capital among others. Referring to the special development package on the lines of Bundelkhand, for the districts of Rayalaseema and north Coastal Andhra, he said the Centre was informed that the seven districts had a population of 2.38 crore, which was double than Bundlekhand, which was given Rs 7,266 crore. Apart from seeking financial aid for the new capital, he also sought special tax incentives for Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA). He said a package on the lines of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir was sought. The two States were provided 100 p.c. exemption from Central VAT and IT, for 10 years. He said the Centre was asked to provide sufficient funds for various projects, including metro rail for Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam. The Chief Minister said the Government of India was obligated to extend its helping hand to AP till the state reaches the level of other frontline states in the country in terms of development. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who also took part in this hour-long meeting with the Prime minister, said the government was committed to implement all the provisions and promises made in the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014. He said that Niti Aayog vice-chairman Arvind Panagariya would hold discussions on the matter with State Government officials to reconcile it with the Finance Commission’s recommendations ruling out SEPTEMBER 2015
next elections," he said after meeting Bharati. He also urged the Union Water Resources Ministry to make Andhra Pradesh a model state for water resource management. Naidu also asked Bharati to consider linking of Godavari and Krishna rivers in the wake of the NDA government actively pursuing various river interlinking projects in the country. Bharati said the Polavaram project was the nation's pride and offered to extend all possible assistance for the purpose. The Polavaram irrigation project has been declared a national project which the Centre is to execute it as per the AP Reorganisation Act. Naidu also met Union Home MinisComplete Polavaram ter Rajnath Singh, Minister of State The CM also urged Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharati to for Commerce and Industries complete the Polavaram multi-pur- Nirmala Sitharaman. pose irrigation project within four Committee over division years. issues "We have sought completion of the Naidu has requested Prime MinisPolavaram project within four to ter Narendra Modi to constitute a four-and-a-half years before the CM greetng the PM with a flower boquet special category status for any state. Niti Aayog will take a “final view on this,” he said. Jaitley said further implementation of all the commitments made in the AP Reorganisation Act was the agenda of the meeting. These commitments are specific to Andhra Pradesh under sections 46, 90 and 94 of the Act. He said that each of these sections was discussed in detail and the Prime Minister was of the clear view that whatever was in the Act would be given to the State. The vice-chairman of Niti Aayog has been asked to be in touch with the State Government and prepare a road map for each of the provisions, he added.
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high power committee to facilitate early and amiable resolution of all outstanding matters related to the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014. "The people of Andhra Pradesh deserve an environment of progress and development without avoidable tensions arising from the residual matters relating to the Reorganisation Act," Naidu said in his 13 page letter which he personally handed over to Prime Minister Modi in Delhi. The Chief Minister's request for the constitution of high power committee comes within the provision of the Act, which authorises the Centre to intervene and give its decision on any particular matter if the two sibling states fail to resolve the same within a year from the date of bifurcation. It may be recalled that several issues including the division of assets and state level enterprises, river waters and employees are not yet conclusively settled between the two states. Recent developments including the cash-for-vote case filed against the members of the Naidu's party by the Telangana government only widened the rift between the two states. AP government also wrote a letter to the Centre objecting to the construction of certain irrigation projects on upstream of Krishna river in Mahabubnagar district by the sibling state. "I request your proactive support in resolving the outstanding unresolved issues and fulfilling the commitments made in the AP Reorganisation Act and assurances made in the Parliament, which could strengthen the confidence of the people in our government," Naidu said.
Tax exemptions for industries in capital region
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Naidu also requested specific tax incentives to industries and other economic activities in the capital city region. These include 100 per cent excise duty exemption for a period of 10 years from the date of commencement of production, 100 per cent Income Tax exemption for 5 years and thereafter 30 per cent exemption to industries and 25 per cent to other companies. The Chief Minister also requested the Centre to approve an annual grant of Rs 1,000 crore for the next five years to develop industrial townships, estates and parks to initially incentivise the establishment of green-field manufacturing units. v
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“I will not compromise on the interests of my state with anybody or any party. I have a track record that speaks of my commitment and credibility,” the Chief Minister said.
he Chief Minister condemned the attempts of the detractors to belittle the efforts of the State Government to obtain every possible help from the Centre to tide over the bifurcation blues. Speaking to reporters in Vijayawada, Naidu said some political parties were trying to play mischief on the issue of special category status. “Special Status alone may not be sufficient to overcome the difficulties being faced by Andhra Pradesh. It is not a panacea for all our problems. If special status is given without incentives, it may not be of great value to us. Any package that takes care of all the dire financial needs should not be unwelcome,” he said. Ridiculing the innuendoes that he was compromising on the issue of special status, he said he suffered from no Achilles’ heel to surrender to any political pressures. He would leave no stone unturned to get what Andhra Pradesh deserved under the AP Reorganisation Act. “I am only for development, unlike these detractors for whom politics is more important than people,” he quipped.
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SEPTEMBER 2015
3,000 Cr Investment Boost For
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he gateway of Rayalaseema received a major fillip in the form of a Mega Food Park and a maize processing industry. Promising to expand the agro-processing industry of the state, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation stone and unveiled a pylon for the Ultra Mega Food Park in Kurnool’s Tangadacha at Jupadu Bungalow mandal in Nandikotkur. The Jain Irrigation Food Park will come up on 758 acres. As a part of it, fruit processing unit, vegetables and spices processing units, agribiotech, R&D centre, storage capacity, dry godowns, silos, test-
SEPTEMBER 2015
KURNOOL
ing labs, ripening chambers and training centres will be set up. Under the manufacturing set up, the food park includes microirrigation systems, PVC & PE Pipes and Tissue Culture while technology innovations will constitute product and crop demonstration centre, water-harvesting demonstration centres and renewable energy hubs. “Given that food habits are changing with lifestyles and the demand for food is a growing concern, we believe R&D will help us understand the existing trends in food, understand the consumption of certain foods and predict the need for future. We will continue to
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conduct research on various agriculture practices which will help us increase the yield,” the Chief Minister said. The Ultra Mega Food Park will cater to the growing needs of the agro-processing industry and will serve as the anchor for the district, he added. It is likely to be operational by 2017 and will provide employment to thousands and attract crores of investments. The Chief Minister also laid the foundation for Gujarat Ambuja Maize Processing Industry that will process 4 lakh tonnes of maize per annum. This is supposed to cater to the maize production of the entire district, with an investment of Rs 240 crore in 200 acres. The company is setting up the processing unit in Orvakallu of Kurnool district, which will offer both direct and indirect employment to locals. This unit will crush 750 MT of Maize and will have a derivates (of Maize) capacity of 350 TPD. “These investments reflect our decentralised development strategy for the state,” the Chief Minister said, continuing the government has plans to set up food parks in every district. “Local youth will get jobs if industries come,” he said, adding that industries did not come up in Kurnool district as required. The TDP government would attract industries and election promises would be fulfilled,” he vowed. He also said that a six-lane road would be laid between Kurnool and Guntur districts soon. He also assured that he would keep up all the promises he made to the district. v
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CODEforAP
he NRI IT professionals from Andhra Pradesh who are presently residing in US and around the world have come forward to help the new state become a digitally empowered state. CodeforAP is their brainchild towards this noble objective. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu launched the CodeforAP program on August 13 in Vijayawada. Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister said that CodeforAP is supporting Andhra Pradesh. “During Pushkaralu, our government has worked on getting crowd feedback through IVRS system. That worked well. We now want Code for AP to work on applica-
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NRIs come forward to
tions that will not only support the government but also come up with innovative ideas for delivering citizen services.” “One in four techies in the US are from India. Among the Indian techies, 1 or 2 belong to Andhra Pradesh. This shows how we have been able to create a good ecosystem for engineers from Telugu state. We will now create a better ecosystem in the new state of Andhra Pradesh to promote talent and innovation, he said, adding that he appreciates CodeforAP for contributing to the state. “This is their way of giving back to the society.” CodeforAP (http://codeforap.org/) is a nonprofit organization in the US that is supporting Andhra Pradesh in various technology applications in e-governance, economic and social development, delivering citizen services, health and social services, rural education and agriculture.
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SEPTEMBER 2015
Set up on July 4th 2015, the organisation has 100 volunteers working with 30 government departments by offering them through technology-based solutions to streamline work. Some of the projects in pipeline are: 1. “Dial an Expert”, a concept where we bridge the gap between government officials and citizens, 2. “Open Directory” a project to keep track of all the government personnel with their contact details. The Volunteers who run the organisation from the United States with local support say that this is their way of contributing to Andhra Pradesh and help the state grow into a digitallyempowered and a knowledge-based economy.
face for authorised officials to know the details of the personnel on field and active, reports of the data usage, department-wise monitoring, Scheme-wise monitoring, etc.,
Sentry Gate / MPass u
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Products CodeforAP has worked on so far
Central Fund Monitoring Portal u
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A first of its kind application for a State Government. This portal will enable each of these departments to have a thorough understanding of any new scheme floated by the Union Government. Further the portal gives access all the progress made on the funds acquisition in snapshot for the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). This portal shall help keep the CMO abreast with the progress of individual departments on availing of the funds. Further, also allows each department to post updates and monitor progress.
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News Room u
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Mobile Device Management u
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Government officials working on field activities are empowered with latest tablets & smartphones for data collection purposes. Mobile Device Management is a portal that eases the operational work load of the IT&C department. This Portal has an App Service interface that runs on every Tab on field and uplinks the required data to the central data base. The dashboard provides the inter-
SEPTEMBER 2015
The Sentry Gate Pass system is an advanced automation system that empowers the Security Department to allow access to any visitor through a Smart Tab. Any visitor can access the App and raise a request for the particular department he/she is visiting by mentioning the purpose of visit to Secretariat. The User Interface to the portal provides access to the Secretaries of Individual Departments accept or reject the visit. Once notified as accepted, the security tablet PC is informed about the clearance after which security personnel conduct physical security check and allow visitor. This system will keep a track of the visitors’ vehicles that enter and exit Secretariat as well providing valuable inputs like the number of visitors per department.
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News Room is a free Android application that lets the user access leading Indian newspapers in English and Telugu from anywhere in the world. The application allows the user to download and read newspapers both online and offline. Additional functionalities include Automatic Download of favorite newspapers every morning, access to all the available local & main editions and papers up to seven days ago. All that for free of cost! You can download the app for your Android phone or tablet from Google Play Store for free of cost and keep up with everyday news: https://play.google.com/store/app s/details?id=com.shreyaj.paperboy v
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The vision of the people behind CodeforAP ransform AP into a digitally empowered and Knowledge Capital of the world
Mission
Capitalize and leverage the large Telugu IT community’s expertise and eagerness to help enhance the quality of everyday lives of the people from homeland. All the NRI IT professionals from Andhra are impatiently waiting to see their home state in India metamorphose into a cyber-wonder. Not only do they want to see this happen, but are eager to be a part of this transformation in any way possible. All these highly qualified professionals are more than ready and willing to contribute at giving back to their home state in all shapes and forms, as long as they have the opportunity to do so. This very opportunity has now manifested itself in the form of CodeForAP. We want to build open source services and organize a network of passionate people dedicated to give back to the homeland.
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For The First Time In India
Tricolour Hoisted On The Sea Shore...
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atriotic fervour among people, 21 tableaux to highlight the rich culture of the state and various development and welfare schemes of the government, display of ships anchorage and heli-fly past by the Indian Navy marked the Independence Day celebrates in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu unfurled the national flag on the sea coast in Visakhapatnam, which was splashed in hues of orange, white, blue and green. He took the salute and reviewed a colourful parade on Ramakrishna Beach road in the first such celebration on the coast by any state. As many as 16 contingents of state police, homeguards, National Cadet Corps and others participated in the march past. Addressing the people gathered for the I-day celebration, the
Chief Minister said, “This day is a reminder of the rich inheritance of justice, liberty, prosperity, and independence bequeathed by each and every person who fought for a free India. My warm wishes to you on the 69th Independence Day,” he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi would extend his full cooperation in development of Andhra Pradesh, said the Chief Minister, “Strenuous efforts were on to recover from damages caused due to division, and AP’s development was not possible without the active support of Central Government.” He also sought the cooperation of all sections of the society for the speedy growth of residuary State. CM Naidu said that Andhra Pradesh suffered huge damaged due to bifurcation in a non-scientific manner. He stressed on the early completion of Polavaram
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and Pattiseema Projects, and gave full credit to the Centre for the merger of seven mandals of Telangana into Andhra Pradesh to facilitate the Polavaram Project. Explaining his vision for Andhra Pradesh, the Chief Minister said, “I aim to eliminate poverty, reduce economic and social disparities, leading to a healthy, technologically advanced, and knowledge-driven happy and a prosperous society.” Naidu also listed out welfare schemes being implemented by his government. Besides waiving off crop loans worth Rs 26,000 crore, he said steps have been taken for interlinking of rivers to turn AP into drought-free State. He also claimed that his government was working hard to eradicate poverty and illiteracy from the State. v
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NIT LAUNCHED
Rs 3,030 Cr Investment For Higher Education In AP he dream of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu to make our state an education hub received a huge fillip. Foundation was laid for the 31st National Institute of Technology (NIT) in the country, which is all set to come up at Tadepalligudem in West Godavari district. The foundation stone was laid by Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani, Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu and Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. MoS for Science and Technology Sujana Chowdary, Deputy Chief Minister Chinna Rajappa, HR Minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao were also present. An investment of Rs 300 crore would be made in the institute, to be temporarily housed in Vasavi Engineering College premises. With 480 seats, the NIT began classes on August 28th. NIT-Warangal will be the mentor institution for NIT-Tadepalligudem for two or three years. The Director of NIT-W will also be the mentor Director for the NIT-T. Eight disciplines are being offered for the academic session beginning from 2015 – Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Metallurgical and Materials Engineering. Congratulating Endowments Minister P Manikyala Rao, who strived hard in bringing the NIT to his constituency, Smriti Irani said, “The Union Government would spend Rs 3,030 crores on all the five institutions for which she had laid foundations. She said that her ministry would spend Rs 700 crores for IIT, Tirupati, Rs 300 crores for NIT Tadepalligudem, Rs 680 crores for IIM, Visakhapatnam, Rs 870 crores for Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Tirupati and Indian Institute of Information Technology Chittoor (IIIT).” The Chief Minister has a dream to make Andhra Pradesh as an education hub in the world and the Centre's initiatives will help in achieving the goal, the Union HRD Minister said. “My request, especially to the students of NIT Tadepalligudem, is that if you can help infuse technology with agriculture and find new ways of benefiting our farmers then I am absolutely sure, that apart from fulfilling IT dream of Andhra Pradesh, you will also help agriculture in Andhra Pradesh soar to new heights.” Venkaiah Naidu said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s election promise will be fulfilled by his government for setting up All India Medical Sciences (AIMS) near Mangalagiri, However, he suggested to the Chief Minister that the SEPTEMBER 2015
CM Chandrababu with Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani Government should take stringent action against ragging. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu thanked the Union Government for giving five national institutions to the State and at the same time reminded about the fiscal status of the state. He promised to bring Autonagar and underground drainage system to Tadepalligudem. “I had written to the Centre, insisting that it conduct admissions and commence classes from this academic year so that our students do not lose out a year. I'm glad that this has materialised. I'm confident that within two years, I will come back to inaugurate the campus. These national institutions will evolve into growth centres in the region and transform Andhra Pradesh into an education hub,” the Chief Minister said, adding, “They will also attract global talent, enrich our academics, change our outlook and create further opportunities to take the state to global benchmarks in higher education.” Within a year, foundation has been laid for some of the country’s best educational institutions – Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Visakhapatnam; Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) and Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in Tirupati; National Academy of Customs, Excise and Narcotics (NACEN) in Anantapur and one-of-its-kind National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) in Nellore. The entry of NITTadepalligudem is certainly a feather in the state’s cap. v
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Tata Trusts to develop
264 VILLAGES IN VJA
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CM Chandrababu with Ratan Tata in Vijayawada on the occasion of signing of MoU. Govt Advisor Parakala Prabhakar, MP Kesineni Srinivas are also seen. he state of Andhra Pradesh received a huge morale booster through one of the oldest grant bestowing foundations of India - the Tata Trusts. With the objective of building self sustainable and self driven villages, with a focus on the well-being and happiness of the poor, TATA Trusts signed an MoU with the Government of Andhra Pradesh to develop as many as 264 villages in Vijayawada. The major focus areas would be to work on bamboo cultivation, fishers, heath nutrition, as also overall village
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development. This comes as a major boost to the flagship programme of ‘Smart Village-Smart Ward.’ “I can say for sure the future of Andhra Pradesh is going to be great with the kind of plans, resources and leadership it has,” said the Chairman Emeritus of TATA Sons and TATA Trusts, Ratan Tata, who was in Vijayawada to meet Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and for the implementation of the flagship project. Expressing confidence that various corporate houses, including the TATA
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Group will be interested in having a presence in the fledging state, Ratan Tata said he would certainly help the Chief Minister in bringing new industries and ideas to the state. While the ground work for this massive project was initiated in April itself, the programme was formally launched in the presence of Ratan Tata and CM Naidu. The CM said that Ratan Tata’s credibility, simplicity adds value to this social programme. “Ratan Tata is a symbol of India and its industrial might. He has shown how to carry out ethical SEPTEMBER 2015
and moral business. This has made his Group sustainable.” Not only is TATA adopting villages, but also fuelling the start-up ecosystem in the state, he is promoting and encouraging entrepreneurs and ideas that excite him, the Chief Minister said, adding, “Tata is driving India’s start-up growth.” The Chairman Emeritus of the TATA group said, “I’m here to support the MoU signing with the state to undertake various social projects,” adding, “I will advise him (Chandrababu Naidu) on bringing new industries and ideas to Andhra Pradesh. At the end of my career, I realise that money can’t buy one thing… and, that is to create an excitement in your life. At this point of time, to be associated with Chandrababu Naidu (who has knowledge) is what creates that excitement within me. The new state will have every bit of support that I can personally give.” This is the first time such a huge SEPTEMBER 2015
number of villages are being developed by a single institution/ Trust in Andhra Pradesh. “This will set an example in the country as it will be mentored by Industry Titan Ratan Tata. I’m impressed with the background work and research Tata Trust has done on these villages,” the Chief Minister said, adding, “He has given ideas about social responsibility, industrial growth, health and sanitation.” Ratan Tata also shared his views on the start-up ecosystem and about the way he chooses to support-start-ups in the country. “The kind of start-ups that excite me are those which do not emulate start-ups in the US or anywhere in the world. Successful start-ups are those which strike a chord within India and overseas as well as reflect the confidence investors have in them.” Explaining his views on the technologies that need attention in India, Tata said applications of
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technology that meet energy challenges, issues of clean and safe drinking water and health are the issues India needs to look at. w All round development of
villages will be taken up including health, education, drinking water and self employment for the youth. w About 2.5 lakh households of the constituency will benefit under this initiative. w Special emphasis will be given for the development of bamboo cultivation and marketing and Self Help Groups. w Funds will be provided by the Union Government through MP Local Area Development Scheme (MP LADS), State Government and the Tata Trust.
Naresh Nunna
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XIAOMI rolls out first smartphone in VIZAG
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ndhra Pradesh has done it! The efforts of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu to woo global companies to the State have started bearing fruit. Chinese low-cost smart phone maker Xiaomi and electronics manufacturer Foxconn, both of whom the Chief Minister met in China during his visit in April this year, have come together to bring out the first ‘Made in India’ smartphone from Sri City in Andhra Pradesh. Xiaomi announced on August 10 in Visakhapatnam in the presence of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu its first manufacturing unit in India in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh. The company also launched its first ‘Made in India’ smartphone called Redmi 2 Prime. Xiaomi has exclusively partnered with Foxconn for this facility and going forward it aims to manufacture all of its smartphones to cater to the demand in the country. “Redmi 2 Prime is the first smartphone from Xiaomi to be assembled in our facility in Sri City. We would like to thank Andhra Pradesh government for helping us to start local manufacturing within just six months. Initial talks started in February and today we have already started to sell the Redmi 2 Prime,” said Xiaomi Global VP Hugo Barra.
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CM Chandrababu Naidu speaking at the launch of Xiaomi’s first smartphone made in India at Visakhapatnam. Xiaomi has a similar facility, in partnership with Foxconn in Brazil apart from China. “The unit in Brazil and the one here are exactly the same. It took us about three times more the time to
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start manufacturing in Brazil than in India,”said Barra. The company said that they are currently importing every component from China and is assembling at its Sri City plant. SEPTEMBER 2015
Hugo Barra Global Vice-president, Xiaomi Chief Minister Sri N. Chandrababu Naidu
F Today marks a great breakthrough
for Andhra Pradesh. I’m glad that Secretary, DIPP, Amitabh Kanth has given his commitment to AP.
F Having Xiaomi in AP is a proud moment for us. Xiaomi is being rebranded as MI. They say Mi is Mobile Internet and Mission Impossible. I like Mission Impossible because it shows their grand vision and goals.
F We are here in India as part of the Make in India programme. F We kicked off our conversations with Chief Minister of AP Sri Nara Chandrababu Naidu in China. Here, we are now. What thought would’ve taken us 2 years, we have done it in 6 months.
F We have partnered with Foxconn to manufacture our smartphones. We have begun full operations in Sri City SEZ.
F Make in India programme allows us to cut down on costs and enables
us to better our supply chain. We can operate here either with little or zero inventory.
F Manufacturing in India for Xiaomi is a “Just in Time” opportunity. Over a period of time, every single phone Xiaomi sells in India will be made in India.
F We are not only celebrating our first anniversary but also marking the launch of first made-in-India smartphone RedMi 2 Prime.
F Xiaomi is the third largest smart-
F We want our fans in India to suggest/guide us on designing special
F You have shown that it is possible
Amitabh Kant Secretary, DIPP, Government of India
phone-maker in the world after Samsung and Apple, respectively. Xiaomi became the largest smartphone vendor in China in 2014 and at the end of December 2014, Xiaomi became the world’s most valuable technology start-up, valued at $ 46 billion. to bring out a Made in India smartphone within 6 months of our meeting in Beijing.
F I see youngsters are a core part of
this company. They are competing with giants like Samsung and Apple to deliver cost-effective models. Xiaomi is expanding in the East. It shows they are aiming high.
F I’m confident that India will
become a pioneer in Hardware exports.We can create excellent ecosystem for hardware manufacturing.
F I’m a strong believer in Technology. I’m ensuring that welfare schemes use technology. That is the best way to serve people. I wish Xiaomi scales to greater heights.
SEPTEMBER 2015
packaging for India-made Mi phones. We are starting a campaign for this on our social media.
F Welcome Mi to India and AP. F The future of Xiaomi is in India. If you grow or expand and become
bigger in India… “Make your wealth in India.” We are an extremely young country. We’re passing through an interesting phase where we have the advantage of demographic dividend.
F India has been the back office and China a factory. This is gradually changing
F Xiaomi has captured the spirit of young India... Xiaomi is a combina-
tion of Sri City, Foxconn, Andhra Pradesh and CM of AP Chandrababu Naidu.
F Make In India has identified 25 sectors. We want to make AP an electronics hub.
F The dynamic Chief Minister of AP has great ecosystem in Hyderabad
during his earlier stint. Now, he wants to create the best ecosystem for AP. We, from the Government of India, will be your facilitators.
F We hope Mi captures the resounding success of India. ANDHRAPRADESHMAGAZINE.ORG
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CM Chandrababu Naidu and Xiaomi Global VP Hugu Barra releasing ‘Made in India’ smartphone - the Redmi 2 Prime
We are happy to partner with Xiaomi as they set up their first manufacturing unit in India, as part of the Make in India programme. We believe this partnership will provide new opportunities to youth of the state and develop an electronics manufacturing ecosystem of global standards in AP.
However, the company aims to procure locally. “While we will continue to import components from China for some time, we will soon look at getting the packaging of our smartphones done locally. This might be followed by getting chargers and batteries for Mi smartphones from local vendors,” said Manu Jain, Xiaomi India head. Commenting about the capacity of the Sri City facility, Barra said, “This is just the start and we are adding manpower and our related resources every day. It is too early to comment on the capacity, however, the facility is highly scalable.” The facility will focus only on manufacturing smartphones. “We would make smartphones to cater to the local demand and we are not looking at exporting smartphones now,” said Jain. “We have great faith in young leaders and young companies like Xiaomi. These new generation companies and entrepreneurs will be key to the success of Andhra Pradesh and India,” said Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. “We are happy to partner with Xiaomi as they set up their first manufacturing unit in India, as part of the Make in India programme. We believe
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this partnership will provide new opportunities to youth of the state and develop an electronics manufacturing ecosystem of global standards in Andhra Pradesh. We welcome Xiaomi to Sunrise Andhra Pradesh and India.” Amitabh Kant, Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP), said India has a huge amount of young energy right now and in many ways Mi represents the vibrancy, dynamism and innovation for present day India. “The combination of a young company like Xiaomi, Foxconn, Sri City along with a dynamic Andhra Chief Minister will enable Hugo Barra’s team to capture the Indian market and take head on with the likes of Apple and Samsung.”
What Naidu Told Xiaomi Executives in China
Aiming to bring electronics manufacturing to Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu had this year met executives from Xiaomi and electronics manufacturer Foxconn in April this year at Beijing. During the meeting, Naidu had informed the company executives ANDHRAPRADESHMAGAZINE.ORG
about the advantages of Andhra Pradesh, the availability of abundant water and power. "We have a 21-day clearance mechanism for industries. We have a deemed clause and are working with Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore on the ease of doing business," he told them. Xiaomi represented by the company's President Bin Lin and Vice-President Hugo Barra then expressed their interest in AP. Hugo informed the Chief Minister that he was looking forward to building a "great working relationship" with India and AP after an assurance from the Chief Minister about land and power issues. It was these efforts that have now resulted in Foxxcon and Xiaomi coming together to have their manufacturing facility at Sri City. Underlining the significance of this development, the media reports attributed this success to the Chief Minister’s relentless efforts to make AP a business-friendly state. “Xiaomi’s first factory in India in Andhra Pradesh; victory for Chandrababu,” said RTN Asia.”Xiaomi’s ‘Make in India’ begins in AP”, said Times of India. v
SEPTEMBER 2015
MONASTERY BOULEVARD
to Add Glitter to AP’s Tourism
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nthralling beaches, places of historical significance, architectural beauty in temples and mosques and picturesque wonders of the nature make Andhra Pradesh ‘the destination’ for travel lovers. Now, to add more glitz to the state’s Tourism industry, the government under the leadership of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is planning to set up a Monastery Boulevard in Amaravati. Buddhists across the world can come and build their Monasteries here. On the lines of Bodh Gaya in Bihar; this idea is expected to increase Buddhist tourism in the upcoming capital of the state. The area in and around Amaravati is known to have a rich history dating back to the 2nd century BC. These places were ruled by the Satavahanas and Buddhism flourished there. 13 heritage tourism spots have been identified by the state government for being developed as tourist destinations, apart from the Buddhist Boulevard in Amaravati. As a part of it, the Kakinada-Hope IslandCoringa Sanctuary-Konaseema SEPTEMBER 2015
would be developed as tourist circuit. The focus of the circuit will be Godavari backwaters, house boats, mangrove forest, beaches and local cuisine, arts and culture in the East and West Godavari districts. As part of this circuit, the 2,000 hectare mangrove forest of Coringa will be developed into an eco-sanctuary zone. The mangrove forest, the only one on the East Coast, is the second largest in India after the Sunderbans. The government has also identified 10 other tourism projects on the coastal tourism circuit at Nellore, such as Pulicat Lake, Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary, Udayagiri Fort and a few beaches. The Chief Minister in a meeting suggested, we can have 5-6 passenger terminals with jetty across the state, and, e-rickshaws can be introduced to ferry passengers around the tourism spots. This circuit will also envisage water sports, marine or water park, maritime museum, seaplane rides, home-stay facility and convention centre. Stating that most of these projects could be given on PPP basis, the Chief Minister also said a cruise ride from Rajahmundry ANDHRAPRADESHMAGAZINE.ORG
Andhra Pradesh is poised to become a hot-selling tourist destination, as the government plans to set up ‘Buddhist Monastery Boulevard’ in its upcoming capital, Amaravati.
to Papikondalu (through a tunnel) could be introduced. To give a major boost to tourism in Godavari districts, the government is working on the ‘Akhanda Godavari’ project. “From Godavari’s scenic beauty to food and locallymade products like Ratnam Pens, everything has to be branded and promoted,” the Chief Minister said, suggesting, Rajahmundry could become the hub of activity of both the districts. During the meeting, the Chief Minister also suggested officials to work on a plan to set up resorts and entertainment arenas which are not vulnerable to natural disasters. “Tourists’ safety is of utmost priority to us. For this, we need to install every cab with a GPS tracker. We should have information about every tourist. To ferry passengers in cabs, we can talk to cab companies and make it mandatory to install GPS trackers,” the Chief Minister said. Emphasising on creating a tourism circuit including all forts in the state, the Chief Minister asked the department to chalk out a plan and a package. He also directed officials to instruct all home science colleges to research on food and how our cuisine can be mixed with other cuisines from across the world. This will not only generate interest among tourists about the local cuisine but also give them a new look at their own cuisines. v
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Eye Like a SHUTTER Mind Like a LENS
hey say photography is the only language that can be understood anywhere in the world. And in photography there is a reality so subtle that it becomes more real than reality. To highlight various activities across the state, through pictures, a State-level Photography competition was conducted by the I&PR Department, to coincide with the World Photography Day on August 19. The competition was held in three categories on six themes. Godavari Maha Pushkaralu, Neeru Chettu and Pattiseema project fell under the 1st category. The 2nd category included NTR Bharosa, 5 Retlu, Temples in Andhra Pradesh, Ports in Andhra Pradesh. Best News Picture of AP is the 3rd category. The best entries were adjudged by a committee of judges, and first, second and third prizes, besides 10 consolation prizes in each category, were awarded. The prize money was Rs 20,000 for first best entry, Rs 15,000 for second best entry and Rs 10,000 for third best entry, and Rs 5,000 as consolation prize.
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Category – Godavari Maha Pushkaralu - 1st Prize, by Ch Narayana Rao, Vijayawada Category – Best News Pictures Of AP - 2nd Prize, YVV Satyanarayana, Vijayawada Category – Best News Pictures Of AP - 3rd Prize, T Veerabhagavan, Vijayawada Category – Pattiseema project - 3rd Prize, by B Jogarao, Srikakulam
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Category – NTR Bharosa - Consolation Prize, by CN Rao, Vijayawada Category – Ports in AP - 2nd Prize, by Md Navaz, Visakhapatnam Category – Temples in AP - 3rd Prize, by SK Bhasheer Babu, Srikakulam Category – NTR Bharosa - Consolation Prize, by N Venkatasubbayya, Anantapur Category – Godavari Maha Pushkaralu Consolation Prize, by Gottipati Venkatesh, Guntur
Compiled by Shruti
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Lalitha Geetam
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A Celebration of Life
ight music and Lalita Geetalu are distinct genres in Telugu. These two genres in the realm of music and letters coalesced in a seamless manner to such an extent that neither is independent of other in its reach nor it is possible to talk about one without the other. The way the both combine lyrical grace and musical charm immensely endeared it to audience. Both folk and classical music have, here, been centuries old as is wont anywhere, but light music as a genre originated in the early half of the previous century here. Light music, some hold the view, evolved from folk music. However, this seems quite unlikely for the folk strains trace to no known scale in the sense of raga, the idiom of Indian classical music. But in light music the traces of classical scales are obvious. The very word ‘light’ being very roomy to accommodate adaptations from diverse shades of different ragas, it can fairly be inferred as an offshoot of classical idiom with structural flexibility. The arrival of romantic lyrics in the realm of Telugu letters in the first half of 20th century – mostly inspired by English romantic poetry – brought in the refreshing winds of change in expression that fascinated the young minds to no end. With the advent of cinema, music front too underwent a sea change in its structural content. While the pursuant to classicism remained stuck to the traditional classical music, upholding its high and ageless grandeur, common folk with musical sensibilities got tuned in to lighter variant in music that has the streak of classical ragas yet remained free from fetters of rigidity allowing the enthusiasts to earnestly take up singing and make a mark. Unburdened from regimental like rigid template of classical idiom and away from heavy orchestration a la cine music, with a robust blend of just minimum instruments like Tabla, Flute and Harmonium light music remained within the reach of not just enthusiastic crop of singers but that of a thrifty purse as well in its production. Emergence of gramophone records paved the way for its promotion and All India Radio’s patronage lent a
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Palagummi Visvanatham
Balantrapu Rajanikanta Rao
Kavisamrat Viswanatha SEPTEMBER 2015
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Light music now is a far cry from what it used to be. Both in lyrical and musical content it has touched the nadir, among others, the contraction of AIR’s popularity in the face of alternate media particularly TV led to the eclipse of light music and Lalitha Geetalu. Fast paced life styles that befell on the heels of globalisation left no space for the young hearts to ponder over finer shades in life making them insensitive to softer touch of expression and music. Palanki Saraswathi (Vocalist who straddles several genres from classical to folk and is a graded singer of light music in AIR)
Basavaraju Appa Rao
Nanduri Subba Rao
Voleti Venkateswarlu SEPTEMBER 2015
degree of respectability and there by a wide acceptance at the high table of cultural circuit for light music. Over years, its appeal gained currency as it evolved its grammar and aesthetics of its own. A recall of its tale vivifies glories of bygone decades. From Valluri Jaganndha Rao in 1930s to the doyens of classical music like living legend Mnagalampalli Balamurali Krishna, redoubtable Voleti Venkateswaralu, Srirangam Gopalaratnam to name a few among many others enriched this genre through their enchanting rendition of light music numbers in AIR. While literary greats like Viswanatha Satyanrarayana, Devulapalli Krishna Sastry, Kavikondala Venkatrao, Naduri Subbarao, Konakalla Venkataratnam, Basavaraju Apparao, Abburi Ramakrishna Rao, Dasaradhi Krishnamacharyulu and others took it to dizzy heights of lyrical excellence through their lucid songs. Even songs that were a part of musical features or Sangeetha Rupakams like Dhanurdasu, Sarmishta of Devulapalli became popular solos of lasting appeal in light music. The period when renowned lyricist Devulapalli Krishna Sastry, poetcomposer Balantrapu Rajanikantharao and ace music composer Palagummi Viswanadham worked in AIR producing a corpus of lasting works in light music was regarded as a golden ear for this genre. Contribution of legendary playback singer Ghantasala and Saluru Rajeswara Rao is no mean on this count. Replete with poetic turn of phrase and lucid expression, light music compositions are a class apart reANDHRAPRADESHMAGAZINE.ORG
flecting diverse charms of life in its varied ways. First flush of romance, baby in cradle, pangs of estrangement, breathtaking hues of nature in its pristine glory in spring, gurgle of brook, chirping of birds at the crack of the dawn, toll of temple bell at twilight, cattle grazing in meadows, advent of monsoon and arrival of bumper harvest – all these formed the themes of these songs bringing out dormant or latent feelings of sensitive hearts about experiences of life and things around. Couched in soft tunes of lilting melody the lalitha geetalau or light music, in a way, are a celebration of life in its diverse emotive shades. However, as satellite channels superseded AIR and crass commercial trends ruling the roost, light music and lalitha geethalu slowly yet surely slipped into oblivion making its mention turn one nostalgic. ‘Big orchestration a la film music, opines Ayyagari Bhujangarao, an aficionado of music, has taken a heavy toll on light music robbing it of its simple and lilting musical charm. Unlike the veterans of earlier times, later day music composers could not resist the temptation to employ several instruments in orchestration stifling tender and subtle expressional shades of lalitha geetalu. This almost reduced light music to near cacophony making it lose its balmy touch’, bemoans Bhujangarao. Time we took steps to revive this great genre and ensure its rich legacy available to the posterity.
Velcheti Subrahmanyam
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ECONOMIST LAUDS NAIDU
Model of LAND POOLING
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Politicians cannot be expected to put ethics first. But Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has proved it possible to combine ethics, good politics and rapid development. Rarely does that happen.
his is what Swaminathan S Anklesaria Aiyar, the consulting editor of The Economic Times, who has been called "India's leading economic journalist" by Stephen Cohen of the Brookings Institution, commented on the Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu and his LPS (land pooling scheme). SA Aiyar, in his regular column – Swaminomics - suggested Naidumodel to nation on land-acquisition. Aiyar referred to the stalled projects across the country and explained how 2013 Land Acquisition Law ended up as a major hurdle for several projects in India. With the very title of the article - “Naidu proves land pooling is better than land acquisition”Aiyar made his point: “Other states must study Naidu’s example, and adapt pooling for
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their own use. The key to success is that the scheme is voluntary, and makes farmers stakeholders in development.” LPS in Andhra Pradesh initiated by Naidu has been historic. The farmers of the capital region were convinced to take part in the development process in a short time. It was a smooth sail, as more than 33, 000 acres were pooled quickly. The farmers have been offered annuity per acre through monthly payments and the payments have already commenced. The farmers of doublecropped land were offered 1,000 sq yards of residential and 200 sq yards of commercial land for every acre of pooled farmland. This compensation has nothing to do with the regular annuity of Rs 30,000 a year. The amount of annuity is increased by Rs 3,000
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annually for 10 years. Jareebu farmer, that is owner of triplecropped land, got better deal of compensation with 450 sq yards of commercial land, besides 1,000 sq yards of residential land, for a pooled acre. Farm loans up to Rs 1.5 lakh were waived off. Landless labourers are being paid a monthly pension of Rs 2,500. The annuity of the jareebu farmer is Rs 50,000 a year, rising by Rs 5,000 annually for a decade. It is planned to develop the capital city within 10 years to get the farmers emerge as landlords. Through the skill-development centres, already mooted under employment guarantee scheme to train the locals in new careers, the farmers may also become entrepreneurs. Preferring land pooling to land acquisition, Aiyar opined the drastic delay of many SEPTEMBER 2015
projects due to ‘time-consuming procedures’ of land-acquisition law. Aiyar commended the Chief Minister of AP for successfully converting ‘a problem into a solution’. In another article ‘Land issue: How Modi can go on the offensive’, Aiyar suggested Modi to adapt a ‘three-pronged strategy’, in which Naidu-model of land-pooling was highlighted as first priority. For him, landpooling is an upbeat approach that showcases land policy as the road to prosperity, but not as an act of confiscating. Secondly, he suggested land-leasing and third and last option was land-acquisition, which, according to him, is an inevitable choice for the linear projects like roads, railway lines, etc. Emphasising the success of land-pooling, he suggested Prime Minister Modi to take the farmers of Bihar and other states for a meeting with the farmers of Andhra Pradesh, who are voluntarily pooling their land. Aiyar further said the endeavour will get Modi rid of the criticism that he is anti-farmer. Aiyar says – as a compliment to the mutually beneficial scheme - that the farmers of Andhra Pradesh were lured into voluntary land pooling, as they could expect ‘a windfall when they get back the developed land’ in the upcoming capital. This, however, is not entirely true. Cultivation is the life-anchor for the farmers of this region, whose lives are socially, culturally and economically intertwined with their lands bequeathed to them by their forefathers. So while the economic benefit was a major incentive, what really drove them to part with their lands is the clarion call given by Chandrababu Naidu to become stakeholders in the development of a worldclass capital for the new state of Andhra Pradesh. The credibility of the Chief Minister, his personal involvement through interactions with farmers of the capital and the enormous trust in his ability to translate the dream of a state-of-the-art Amaravati into reality are the prime driving forces behind the willing sacrifice made by the farmers of the capital region. When the leader is honest in his dealings, the farmer will not balk from his contribution. Nara Chandrababu Naidu and the farmers of the capital region have proved this once again. SEPTEMBER 2015
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Autonomous Status Granted To CRDA
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n a major policy decision, the Andhra Pradesh government has decided to grant independent status to the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) and de-link it from the municipal administration and urban development department. The move is set to bring changes in the administration as majority of issues concerning the development of the new capital will be dealt by the CRDA independently. The municipal administration department’s role will be limited to supervising the municipal and urban area management and smart cities project. The decision came in the wake of an argument that frequent changes in the municipal administration were affecting the functioning of the CRDA because of which Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu wanted to insulate the affairs of the capital from regular governance. Once bestowed with autonomy, CRDA can directly enter into agreements with foreign companies for the development of the
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capital and raise funds from various foreign and domestic financial institutions. The Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act does not allow state governments to raise loans beyond a prescribed limit and making the CRDA independent is to overcome this hurdle. The independent capital agency will be allowed to enter into agreements with all stake-holders and at the same time mobilise funds from various sources. The AP government is also planning to seek special funds under different heads from the Centre exclusively for the development of infrastructure in and around the capital region and CRDA will play key role in preparing detailed project reports for these schemes. The state government has already announced that it would start works on the new capital on October 22, for which it has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and few dignitaries from Japan and Singapore. v
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MITSUBISHI ADOPTS ANDHRA VILLAGES
One of the primary aims of the Project is to secure urgently needed clean drinking water and install sanitary facilities such as hygienic toilets in the target villages.
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aking a giant leap in Andhra Pradesh government’s flagship programme ‘Smart Village – Smart Ward,’ Japanese company Mitsubishi Corporation has come forward to adopt eight villages in Krishna District. An Integrated Rural Development for Improved Water, Sanitation and
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Livelihood Project being implemented by MS Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) with the support of Mitsubishi Corporation, was launched by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Consul General of Japan Seiji Baba and MSSRF founder MS Swaminathan. It is a part of the State government’s ‘Smart Villages-Smart Ward’ proANDHRAPRADESHMAGAZINE.ORG
gramme which will be implemented in eight villages in Krishna district – Sorlagondi, Nali, Mangalapuram main village, Mangalapuram ward numbers 1 and 2, Mangalapuram, Eenayapalem, Gollapalem and Muthurajupalem in Challapalli and Nagayalanka mandals. One of the primary aims of the Project is to secure urgently needed clean drinking water and install sanitary facilities such as hygienic toilets in the target villages. These villages have a total population of 8,000. Six of the villages are dependent on agriculture, while the remaining two are fishing hamlets. Delivering the key note address, the Father of the Green Revolution, MS Swaminathan, said that growth of the agriculture sector should be computed on the basis on the income of the farmers. “Tonnage of food grains does not indicate the agriculture growth. The degree of income security of farmers does,” he said, adding, “The farmer should get better price for his produce. The proof of pudding is in eating”. He felt that the farmers should have access to not only insurance but also credit for him to play a meaningful role in the agriculture secSEPTEMBER 2015
New Train from tor. He said he was happy to note that the AP state government was moving in the right direction by focusing on soil health, ensuring water security and harvesting of rain water. He appreciated the objectives of the smart village concept which included institutional deliveries which alone could lower the infant mortality rate. This apart, the other objectives included ensuring water safety and sanitation. He underscored the need for the NGOs, government and industry to work together to improve the living conditions of the people. “The wealth that you create is not in fact yours. You are only the trustees of the wealth. You have to give back more than what you have taken from the society,� Dr Swaminathan said, referring to the industry. The Chief Minister stressed the need for extending the smart village project to all the villages in the State to improve basic facilities in rural areas. He said if necessary, the State government will also extend financial assistance for development of rural areas. Praising the Japanese company Mitsubishi Corporation for coming forward to develop villages in Krishna district, Naidu said Japan and India had good industrial relations and added that Japan is the fourth largest investor in India. Inviting Japan to be a partner in capital development, he said India is an ideal destination for Japanese investors. Naidu said his intention was to ensure that all villages and wards in the towns and cities across the state were adopted by one organisation or the other or even individuals who had some money to spend on social causes. The 20 non-negotiable objectives of the Smart Villages included ending open defecation, lowering infant mortality rate, providing skills to the people to help them eke out a living, he explained. v SEPTEMBER 2015
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VIZAG to
DELHI
new train connecting Andhra Pradesh to New Delhi was flagged off by Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu on August 12. Visakhapatnam-New DelhiVisakhapatnam Super Fast AC AP Express began its maiden journey from Visakhapatnam with the minister flagging off the train through video linking from Rail Bhavan in New Delhi. The tri-weekly express will leave from Vizag, as the coastal city is also called, every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 7.45 am and will reach New Delhi at 7 pm the next day. It will stop at Duvvada, Anakapalli, Samalkot, Rajahmundry, Tadepalligudem, Eluru and Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh and Khammam, Warangal, Peddapalli, Ramagundum and Sirpur Kagaznagar in Telangana. It will also stop at Balharshah, Chandrapur, Nagpur JN, Itarsi, Bhopal, Jhansi, Gwalior and Agra Cantt, taking over 36 hours to cover the 2,099 km distance. The train will leave from New Delhi every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6.40 am. Though it was originally proANDHRAPRADESHMAGAZINE.ORG
posed to run the AP Express from New Delhi to Vijayawada on a daily basis, as announced in the railway budget 2014-15, following persistent demands from leaders from Vizag it was decided that the train will originate from the coastal city and run via Vijayawada. The Railways Minister said that with the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, separate trains were sanctioned for the two states. He said the Vizag-Delhi train was launched in tune with the aspirations of the people of Andhra Pradesh. He also announced that the existing AP Express between Hyderabad and New Delhi will now be called Telangana Express. However, officially this will come into effect only from November 15. The existing AP Express is a daily train, connecting Hyderabad with the national capital. Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said discussions were on to make Vizag a separate railway zone. The ceremony in Delhi was also attended by Union Ministers Ashok Gajapati Raju, YS Chowdary and Bandaru Dattatreya, while MPs and state ministers from coastal Andhra were present at Vizag railway station.
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MICROSOFT To Provide Low-Cost INTERNET To AP
Microsoft is set to work with the Andhra Pradesh government on White Spaces, a pilot project to bring low-cost internet connectivity to the masses.
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Anil Bhansali, R&D Managing Director Microsoft India, Prashant Shukla, National Technology Officer with the CM
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he global multinational technology giant, Microsoft will help Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu in fulfilling his promise to provide low-cost internet connection to users in rural areas of the state. This will be done via unused TV spectrum by using the ‘TV White Space Technology,’ which refers to the unused TV channels between the active ones in the VHF and UHF spectrum. These are typically referred to as the ‘buffer’ channels. The American tech-giant is known to effectively allocate unused TV spectrum for internet broadband transmission without disrupting the regular TV transmissions. One of the major advantages of TV White Spaces technology over Wi-Fi is that it has a range of at least 10 km as compared to the 100 meter range of Wi-Fi. The company has already conducted this project on pilot basis in countries such as Ghana, Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania, South Africa, Kenya and Singapore. Microsoft also presented the cloud-
based Machine Learning solution that they have built in collaboration with the Department of Primary Education to help predict student dropouts. This will help the government to assess and reduce school dropout rates. This first-of-its-kind initiative, not only in Andhra Pradesh, but also in the entire country, was approved after a discussion between Anil Bhansali, R&D Managing Director Microsoft India, Prashant Shukla, National Technology Officer, and other executives along with Chief Minister Naidu in Vijayawada. “This is a pioneering step undertaken by the government of AP, and Microsoft is happy to be supporting it," said Anil Bhansali, adding, "We believe that machine-learning technology can help both educators and students to make insightful decisions by analysing large volumes of data. It also offers the potential to transform the future of skilled workforce in India.” The Machine learning solution is currently being put into
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practice in Chittoor under the Badi Pilustondi (School Is Calling) primary education scheme. According to Anil Bhansali, the digital aid has the potential to transform the skilled workforce in India. Commenting on the pilot, Bhaskar Pramanik, Chairman, Microsoft India, said, “We have been a strong advocate of TV White Space technology and firmly believe it can be the affordable answer to last-mile connectivity challenges in India. Not only that, this technology can also be used during emergency or disaster scenarios. We are deeply invested in India’s growth, and we believe that technologies like TV White Spaces can truly support the Government in realising its vision for a Digital India.” Chief Minister, who has always experimented with technology, said, “With this pilot project, Microsoft has shown that innovation and technology can make a society technologically advanced.” The Chief Minister also believes that machinelearning has far reaching impact for gathering insights and taking corrective actions in various sectors, and departments of the Government. This will bring low-cost broadband internet connection to four educational institutions in the district of Srikakulam which had no internet earlier. With Zilla Panchayat High School at Voppangi as the base station, the other three campuses were receivers located at distances of 10 kilometers or more from the base station. As a tech-savvy Chief Minister, Chandrababu Naidu sees the future in data-driven decision-making and the use of cutting-edge technologies to enable better governance. v
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chief minister’s
social network
CM Chandrababu Naidu is an active social media user. Many of you have been actively following his activities with admiration. Here are a few snapshots from his Twitter account.
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Compiled by Shruti
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Amazing Andhra Pradesh
CHANDRAGIRI FORT once upon a time the capital city of the Vijayanagara Empire
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n route Tirupati lays a place that was once upon a time the capital city of the Vijayanagara Empire. Chandragiri Fort, a unique monument in its own right, is the finest example of Indo-Sarcen architecture, representing Hindu architectural elements. Step into Chandragiri Fort, which lies about 14 kms south of the temple town of Tirupati, and you come faceto-face with history. Within its cyclopean walls and corbelled structures, with bastions and a steep moat, built in the 11th century by Ummadi Narasimha Raya, Chandragiri Fort boats of magnificent buildings and temples. Under the control of Yadava Nayudus, who ruled for about 3 centuries, the fort went under the control of the Vijayanagara Empire of Salva Dynasty. It rose into prominence in 1568 AD and remained as seat of power for the later Vijayanagara kings under whose reign the fortified area was further extended and some of the magnificent buildings and temples were constructed. Some of the important kavyas of Vijayanagara period are said to be composed here. In 1646, the fort was annexed into the Golkonda territory, and then subsequently went under Mysore rule till 1792, and then went into oblivion. Inside the fort are 8 ruined temples of Shaivite and Vaishnavatie pantheons, Raja Mahal, Rani Mahal and other ruined structures. SEPTEMBER 2015
attractions:
a The fort stands on a huge granite rock, which is about 183m high. The southern
side of the hill is enclosed by strong walls; now in ruins surrounded by a ditch, once fed by a natural spring.
a The remains of the lower fort contain the two Mahals, the lower portion of
which is built in stone and the upper in brick:
Raja Mahal: One of the finest examples of Indo-Saracenic architecture of Vijayanagara period, this imposing three storied palace adorned by the crowning towers representing certain Hindu architectural elements, was constructed with stone, brick, lime mortar and is devoid of timber. The central tower that covers durbar hall rises through two storeys. The floors are supported by massive pillars while the walls bear fine plaster and stucco decorations.
Rani Mahal: Similar to the Raja Mahal in style and method of execution, this edifice with ground floor looking like a stable and first floor containing quarters adorned with ornamental sikhara has a flat roof. Contrary to the popular belief that this place was meant for the queen or harem, the epigraphical record available from the basement speaks this building being a commander’s quarters.
a A visit to Chandragiri Fort would be incomplete without witnessing the light and
sound shows that are conducted at nightfall. In a whirling hypnotic motion, the two shows, one with a Telugu commentary from 6.30 p.m – 7.15 p.m, and the other, with an English commentary from 7.30 p.m – 8.15 p.m, wove pictures from a past that dwelt on the Chandragiri Fort. The charge is Rs 30 for adults and Rs 20 for children.
how to reach Chandragiri fort is about 12 kms from Tirupati. This place can be accessed by all the available means of transportation. The nearest railway station is in Tirupati, which is well connected with all major trains across the country, and the fort is located at a distance of 17 kilometres from the station. A sound and dense road network is available in Tirupati. National Highway and state highways both cross the Tirupati. Besides it, various link roads within the city and also in outskirts of Tirupati are in a good condition. APSRTC also run their bus services with full amenities to this place on reasonable charges. By air accessing of this fort is also possible as Tirupati is the nearest airport. From the aerodrome, a maximum of 22 kilometres way is left to reach this fort.
accommodation With comfortable and cosy air-conditioned suites, rooms and standard rooms, with a view of the serene, lush green environment, offering unique perspective of the surrounding hills and forests, government-owned Haritha Hotels in Tirupati and Srikalahasti, Haritha Hill Resort in Tirupati and Haritha Resort in Kuppam make the perfect base to visit the exquisite and beautiful places around.
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Shruti Mathur
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HAPPENING AP
egistering a massive growth in tax collections, the AP government earned a record Rs 4,507 crore revenue during July. This is the highest monthly earning reported by AP after the state bifurcation. During the last 14 months, the state has been reporting a modest tax income of about Rs 3,400 crore a month. Improved commercial tax collection has spurred the overall tax revenues of the state. AP is now the fastest growing economy among the southern states.
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ndhra Pradesh government has cleared 1,206 industries with a combined investment of Rs 9,500 crore through the Single Desk system launched four months ago. The state government had introduced Single Desk system for approvals to establish new industries and projects at a single point of contact wherein the investors are given all the clearances on-line within a prescribed time period. According to the industries department, about 72 large and mega projects and 44 medium projects have received the necessary approvals through the Single Desk system so far. Some of the major names include Chettinad Cement Corporation Limited, Greenply Industries Limited, Mylan Laboratories Limited among others.
he State though bogged down by a plethora of problems has done exceedingly well in the number of property and land registrations, way ahead of the real estate market in Telangana. It posted a revenue of Rs 1,239.29 crore, exceeding the target of Rs 1,172 crore up to July 2015, as against Rs 1,008.45 crore garnered by Telangana from the Registration Department.
he state government targets to plant five crore trees in the next five years through various plantation programmes. The Chief Minister launched aerial seeding programme as he flagged off the helicopter at Vijayawada that sprayed around 15 MT (metric tons) of seeds in the new capital region. He said currently under the aerial seeding plan, 150 metric tons will be used across the state, while 15 MT was sprayed through the helicopter in the new capital region.
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ompanies including Airbus, Essel Infra and Srei Infra have evinced interest in setting up large defence and aerospace parks in Andhra Pradesh that could lead to investments of thousands of crores of rupees in the state over the next few years. The state government has identified defence and aerospace manufacturing as one of the key thrust areas for industrial development in the state, aiming to attract at least Rs 20,000 crore of investments over the next five years.
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hennai-based GRT Group opened its new concern, GRT Grand Hotel, in Kakinada in August. This is the first four-
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star hotel in the city and the first in GRT chain out of Tamil Nadu. Located at Ramaraopeta, the hotel, with 85 rooms, will have café, bar, business centre, cake shop, banquet and meeting halls, spa and swimming pool for guests.
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ndhra Pradesh has given its in-principle approval for rolling out the ambitious AP Fibre Grid project to extend broadband connectivity to all mandals in the State. The Rs 333-crore project to be taken up by the Infrastructure and Investment Department will leverage the existing network of electric poles and sub-stations, etc., of APGENCO and APTRANSCO to extend fibre optic connectivity to the nearby villages, towns, schools, PHCs, service delivery points of agriculture, rural and revenue departments and the house-holds.
he Chief Minister directed the Labour Department to set up a call centre to monitor and ensure effective implementation of insurance benefits for workers in the unorganised sector under different social security schemes. The call centre will be connected with a control room which would continuously take remedial steps as soon as it receives complaints or grievances from beneficiaries of the schemes.
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ndhra Pradesh government made it compulsory for twowheeler riders in the state to wear helmets from August 1 Chief Secretary IYR Krishna Rao gave an instruction for implementation of the new rule to the departments concerned during a meeting on road safety. Rao asked senior officials to initiate immediate action for implementing the guidelines of the Centre and the instructions issued by Supreme Court on road safety.
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ellore has gained the unique distinction of becoming the first district in the country with the highest number of etoilets (461) in its schools. Kerala-based Eram Scientific Solutions, the sole manufacturers of e-toilets (electronic toilets) in the country, has deployed these automated and self-cleaning e-toilets in 411 schools in Nellore as part of the corporate social responsibility initiatives of Tata Consultancy Services.
he State Government has allotted Rs 1,100 crore for various welfare programmes to be taken under the Women and Child Welfare Department. Minister for Women and Child Welfare Peethala Sujatha said that a proposal to increase the salaries of CDPOs and supervisors had been discussed in the Cabinet and a decision in this regard would be taken soon.
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iven its preeminent position as the biggest city in the bifurcated State, Visakhapatnam has been selected for the Union Government’s Smart City plans. Vizag comes to the table with a long heritage of being an industrial and PSU hub, a naval base and a population with a metropolitan mix. Also, its planning for smart status is in an advanced stage. A consortium comprising AECOM, IMB and KPMG has already been selected to prepare a master plan for Vizag’s smart push. An MoU has already been signed with the USTDA for funding for the master plan preparation. Additionally, the Greater Vizag Municipal Corporation has considerable experience in implementing the JNNURM, having done much better in that programme than the other cities in Andhra Pradesh.
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ung spaces, which have been a rarity in urban dwellings, will soon be realised under the 'Nagaravanam' Project, in the temple city of Tirupati. The project dubbed as 'city forests' will be set up by the Forest Department, spread across 350 acres in T.N. Palem and Kapilatheertam areas. Decked with facilities like watch towers, children's park, view points and plantations, the project will not only contribute towards biodiversity conservation and ecological rejuvenation but also towards environmental improvement of cities via pollution mitigation. Besides this, the Forest Department is also digging up 'water absorption trenches' in the reserve forest area, to ensure rainwater retention and to stabilise the existing groundwater levels.
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he State Energy Conservation Mission (SECM) would focus on distribution of energy-efficient fans, air-conditioners and refrigerators in the coming years. Distribution of energy-efficient fans would be launched in Narsapuram, West Godavari district, in a couple of months as a national-level pilot project, said Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) Chairman G. Bhavani Prasad. These appliances would bring down electricity bills drastically and save huge costs incurred by the government on power generation.
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rime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with Chief Secretary IYR Krishna Rao and reviewed the pending railway projects in the State during a video conference. The Chief Secretary briefed the Prime Minister about the current status of the project between Nadikudi and Srikalahasthi. Krishna Rao informed that AP government was proactively pursuing with the railways for completion of the project on time and was willing to hand over the acquired land to the railways. Joint inspection was already done by officials of AP government and railway authorities.
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ndhra Pradesh Director General of Police JV Ramudu called for popularising ‘Abhayam’, a mobile app that will enable a person in distress or facing an emergency situation to immediately seek police help by simply pressing a ‘Panic’ icon on the phone. He said the app is available on Google Play store and AP Intranet portal has already been launched in Visakhapatnam for implementing across Andhra Pradesh and 4,000 people have already downloaded. A click on the ‘Panic’ button alerts the centralised Police Control Room by providing instantly the location of the person and a patrol van would be despatched to the spot immediately.
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he State Police department would be providing tablet computers to police stations and police personnel to improve efficiency. 7,000 tablets would be provided in the first phase. One tablet each would be given to Circle Inspector, Sub-Inspector, Deputy Superintendent of Police and Additional Superintendent of Police.
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oncerned over the dwindling tribal population, the State government is chalking out an action plan to provide them with livelihood support to lead a better life, according to Tribal Welfare Principal Secretary A Vidya Sagar. A survey is on to identify tribals living in Yerragondapalem, Dornala, Peddaraveedu, Pullalacheruvu and Markapur and NG Padu and Chirala mandals in the district. They will be trained in life skills to enable them to obtain jobs.
he Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board of trustees sanctioned Rs 4 crore for the construction of a pilgrm amenities complex at the temple Lord Vigneswara at Inavilli in East Godavari district. It also approved a two-year contract for the supply, maintenance and treatment of water at all its four major dam at a cost of Rs 4.3 crore. TTD Chairman Ch Krishna Murthy said that the board had approved purchases of various commodities worth Rs 60.84 crore. In total, 19.25 lakh kg of cow ghee will be procured at a cost of Rs 53.17 core. As many as 3.5 lakh kg of toor dal will be purchased at Rs 4.13 crore, apart from 2 lakh kg of dry grapes worth Rs 3.54 crore.
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he Andhra Pradesh government took a cabinet decision to cancel its order allotting 972 acres of land to NCC Limited for setting up a power project at Sompeta in Srikakulam district, saying the land can be used by the company to set up agri-based industries instead. It may be recalled that Chandrababu Naidu had promised as Opposition leader that he would honour the wishes of the local against the proposed power project. v
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Tourism & Culture
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ourism and hospitality sectors will emerge as major growth engines for the state, and tapping its potential, 9 themes have been outlined by the government: u u u u u u u u u
Beach and water based Eco-tourism Buddhist tourism Religious tourism Heritage tourism MICE tourism & tourism infrastructure Recreation & adventure tourism Spiritual tourism & wellness tourism Medical tourism
Total investments target by 2020 – Rs 10,000 Cr Total investments target by 2029 – Rs 20,000 Cr u
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Industry-friendly Tourism Policy for incentivising investments Hassle-free entry operations through Single Desk Approach 7 key religious destinations identified to boost religious tourism circuit Development of tourist destination in a phased manner International recreation city on the lines of Disney Land is proposed to be set up around Madhurawada Greenfield theme park is proposed for development in Tirupati A mega-theme park is proposed to be set up in Bhavani Island, Vijayawada Initiatives will be taken for capacity building, which would include w Indian Culinary Institute at Tirupati w Hospitality Management Institute at Tirupati and Kakinada 3 academies will be created to boost culture: w Sahitya Acadamy at Visakhapatnam w Sangeeta Acadamy at Vijayawada w Lalita Kala Acadamy at Tirupati
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CM
AMONG PEOPLE
Chandrababu Naidu, during his regular visits to the interior villages of various districts, makes it a point to mingle with the common man and understand how the government is performing. The following are some clicks of his recent tour to Kuppam, the CM’s consituency in Chittoor district. %! &: '! (! )!
A farmer ties a white turban around the Chief Minister’s head. CM Naidu inaugurates ‘NTR Safe Drinking Water Scheme’ in Animigaripalli village. At a local school, the CM has an interactive session with children and their teachers. Public grievances were addressed by the Chief Minister at R&B guest house. A sheep was presented to the Chief Minister by a group of shephards.
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Regd. No. H-HD-1082/2013-15 Published on: 01/09/2015
APENG/2007/20679 Posting Dt: 6th