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3 CM IN DELHI
1.CM Chandrababu Naidu met President of India Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan and invited him to Women Parliamentarians Conference in Amaravati in January.
2.Chief Minister felicitating Piyush Goyal, Minister of State with Independent Charge for Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy and Mines in the Government of India.
3.CM’s meeting with Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas. 4.Chandrababu Naidu discussing with Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Road Transport and Highways and Shipping.
5.CM handing over a boquet to Ms Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of State for the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
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CONTENTS Editor’s Cut: G D JOSHI
A New Chapter of Growth for Self-Help Groups
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Thanks to the all-round support extended by the AP Govt, DWCRA women witness a growth curve in their economic status.
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AP agricultural panel recommends structural reforms
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APP 2016 @ Banks of Krishna
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AP explores funding options for Amaravati Snapshot
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Andhra Pradesh Retail Trade Policy 2015-2020
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AP CM to head sub-committee on demonitisation
Happening Andhra
Take part in Mad About Ideas?
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Cities as Engines of Growth
Mangalampalli: A Legend in his lifetime
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Social Media is the new Battleground
Chief Minister’s Social Network
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AP raises capital subsidy for electronic industry
Kia Motors to set up plant in the state
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Various developments across the state of Andhra Pradesh.
Belum Caves the stone age heritage!
ANDHRA PRADESH
Published Monthly In English & Telugu Volume:11 December 2016 Issue:6 Salivahana Era 1938
Commissioner S Venkateswar IIS Editor Ramesh Babu Kandula Executive Editor Naresh Nunna
Cover Page A new era for self-help groups
Second Cover CM’s Delhi Visit
Third Cover CM in various programmes
Fourth Cover Advt: AP tops in Business Ease
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
Photos: T.Srinivasa Reddy, Vijayawada Printed at Caxton Offset Pvt. Ltd. Hyderabad Each Issue : Rs 20/Annual Subscription : Rs 220/-
Pain & Gain
The demonetisation move by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has indeed ruffled many a feather in the otherwise staid economy of ours. The rather unexpected announcement rendering big currency notes invalid was dubbed as surgical strike against the unaccounted stash lying with the hoarders and black marketeers. Chief Minster Chandrababu Naidu welcomed the move as a much needed action against the all-pervading parallel economy wreaking havoc on all spheres of life. In fact, it was not a coincidence that Naidu had written a month earlier an official letter to the Prime Minister demanding a ban on higher denominations of currency in order to curtail the flow of black money.
The implementation of the demonetisation move, however, left a lot to be desired. Problems at some level were not unexpected and the people at large were prepared to face inconveniences in the short term for the promised long term benefits to the country. But even as days went by, the travails of the common man refused to abate even as the opposition parties upped the ante against the Centre’s action. The Chief Minister expressed his unhappiness over the slow pace of relief in no uncertain terms. Annoyed at the prolonged unavailability of small notes and the rather sluggish inflow of new currency in place of the old, Naidu kept on putting pressure on the Centre and the RBI to act swiftly to tackle the long queues at the banks and ATMs in the state.
As is his wont, the Chief Minister adopted a pro-active approach in resolving the immediate problems, instead of indulging in blame game. He organised meetings with the officials of banks and the RBI at regular intervals to thrash out the issues on one hand, and focussed on implementing measures to enable and encourage cashless transactions on the other.
As the Chief Minister pointed out, “The problems are temporary but the gains in the long run will be fruitful”.
Ramesh Kandula Editor
www.andhrapradeshmagazine.org Email: apchiefeditor@gmail.com www.ipr.ap.nic.in
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EDITORIAL
Printed and Published by Ramesh Babu Kandula on behalf of Director/Commissioner, Information and Public Relations Dept.; Printed at M/s Caxton Offset Pvt. Ltd., 11.5.416/3, Red Hills, Hyderabad - 500 004; Published at Office of Director/Commissioner , I&PR Dept, Govt of Andhra Pradesh, Samachar Bhavan, AC Guards, Hyderabad - 500028. Editor: Ramesh Babu Kandula. Ph: 040-23300258.
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DECEMBER 2016
Take part in our
From the Chief Minister’s Desk
Mad About Ideas? CHALLENGE
Andhra Pradesh Innovation Society, Mad about Ideas Challenge is designed to be an “Innovation Accelerator”, to encourage thousands of participants who identify and develop original, innovative proposals on pressing social and/or environmental, technological issues at the state, national and global level from individuals or teams across all the 13 districts of Andhra Pradesh. On the lines of Digital India theme, the MAI Challenge is focussed on below themes. You can narrow down to a specific category while submitting your form. General purpose Infrastructure as a Utility to Every Citizen. Governance & Services on Demand. Citizen Empowerment Services. Deadline for Submission: 11th December 2016
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s a strong believer in the power of technology and job creation, I invite you to apply for AP Innovation Society's "Mad about Ideas" (MAI) challenge. This initiative aims to encourage participants who identify and develop original, innovative proposals on pressing social and/or environmental, technological issues as individuals or teams, across all the 13 districts of Andhra Pradesh. The entries will be analysed and will be shared with the Departments of the Government of AP. Also, specific business ideas will be provided Mentorship and Incubation support from GoAP-recognised Incubators and other experienced entrepreneurs. Top 10 entries of the MAI Ideathon will be recognised by our Government and cash prizes to top five will be awarded. The Winner, however, will also have an all-expenses covered visit to the University of Texas at Austin. These initiatives, I believe, will eventually create shift in our mindsets from the idea of being job seekers to job creators. Therefore, I encourage interested applicants to participate in this Ideathon that not only will offer you diverse exposure but also open up umpteen career opportunities for you. Come forward to take part in this Ideathon and push your boundaries to innovate. For more details, check this link: www.madaboutideas.in/#/innovation_challenge DECEMBER 2016
Announcement of Short-listed entries: 14th December 2016 Final Round: At StartAP Fest in Vijayawada on 23,24 December 2016 (www.startapfest.com) Top 10 entries of the MAI Ideathon will be recognised by Honourable Chief Minister. And also Full Incubation Program at “XLr8-Andhra Pradesh” Tirupati and Cash prizes to Top Five which includes a Grand prize of Rs.1,00,000 and an all-expenses covered visit to University of Texas at Austin for the FIRST Prize award winner.
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A New Chapter of Growth for Self-Help Groups
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Thanks to the all-round support extended by the AP Govt, DWCRA women witness a growth curve in their economic status.
he success story of Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas (DWCRA) groups in Andhra Pradesh is a testament to the fact that commitment to the cause is as critical as the policy framework. Though DWCRA has been a central scheme, the Chief Minister of AP, Nara Chandrababu Naidu, played a pioneering role to strengthen the scheme for the empowerment of women in rural AP. Naidu's initiatives and implementations instilled a new sense of confidence among women, bringing about a radical change in the economic and social status of rural womenfolk. "I lost my husband in a natural calamity and I was left with two kids. But, our CM, Chandrababu Naidu,
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through DWCRA, provided a window of opportunity for destitute women like me. With the recent initiative of providing capital infusion to DWCRA groups, we now have more avenu;es to grow," Kottakota Sravanti, 26, of Palakonda mandal in Srikakulam district said. Sravanti was not only the collective voice of the thousands of DWCRA members with whom the CM interacted in a meeting, organised for the DWCRA women, during his recent visit to Srikakulam district in Jana Chaitanya Yatra. She was also the representative voice of 89.60 lakh DWCRA group members of the state. The CM aptly describes the DWCRA groups as the largest army fighting poverty to achieve economic empowerment. In turn, DWCRA groups reit-
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erate their faith in the abilities of the CM.
Social Change through SGH
After formally occupying his chambeers at the Interim Secretariat Complex at Velagapudi recently, the Chief Minister signed first the file relating to the second phase of loan waiver for DWCRA women. It may be recalled that the CM decided to infuse a capital of Rs 10,298 Crores in phased manner into the groups for the loan waiver. In the first phase, an amount of Rs 2,442 crore towards the principal amount and Rs 1339 crore towards the interest- that is, a total amount of Rs 3,781 crores was remitted in the accounts of DWCRA members in 2015-16. Marking the beginning of the new administrative headquarters at Velagapudi in AmarDECEMBER 2016
Grateful Women’s Groups thanking the Chief Minister.
SHGs are our biggest strength & these women are driving change. They're making inclusive growth possible in AP. I am overwhelmed to witness the enthusiasm of SHG women who are financially independent & an inspiration to others in AP.
- CM Chandrababu Naidu
avati on November 6, the CM signed the file, approving release of the second installment Rs 2,500 crore towards loan waiver for Dwcra groups. The first installement of Rs 3,000 was credited into the account of each member of DWCRA self-help groups on June 2 in 2015, as part the government’s decision to provide debt relief of Rs 10,000 each. Now, the members are about to receive another Rs 3,000 as second installment, soon. The remaining Rs. 4,000 would be given in due course. According to the CM, the mammoth bandwagon of 89.60 lakh members in 8.7 lakh SHG groups with a total corpus of Rs 5,500 crore, is the active agent of change and the dynamic promoter of social transformation. In order to bring synergy in implementation of poverty reduction programmes, the government of Andhra Pradesh started Andhra Pradesh Mahila Sadhikara Samstha (APMSS) in 2015-16, which is the focal institution for all women empowerment programmes in the state. Taking advantage of the capital infused, the DWCRA groups have leveraged Rs. 19, 505 crores from the Banks for their economic advancement. Taking the SHG movement to a new high, the government of AP relieved the groups from the burden of interest to an extent of Rs. 1603 crore. “We have spearheaded initiatives in bringing down poverty levels through the dynamic participation of women of Self-Help Groups. Self-help Groups (SHGs) are our biggest strength who can make inclusive growth possible,” the CM Chandrababu Naidu said, during his DECEMBER 2016
interactive meetings in Srikakulam. He promised to allot LPG connections for all households in the state by June 2017. According to him, the DWCRA women would be paid to do geo-tagging, geo-fencing, taking photographs of construction of school buildings, farm ponds, toilets etc. and to get them uploaded to the government. “Our government is determined to provide venture capital to enable DWCRA groups to set up start-up companies that would market any innovative products developed by them. In order to economically empower the DWCRA women, they would be made business correspondents to do mobile banking on a commission basis by transacting business of rural customers with banks,” Naidu added. MEPMA to aid DWCRA
State government distributed 1800 Tablet PCs to DWCRA groups and also starting training centers to educate them on on-line transactions. Dwacra women groups are enrolled under the Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas (MEPMA). MEPMA officials are on the mission to get at least 2 lakhv DWCRA women self- employed for ANDHRAPRADESHMAGAZINE.ORG
the current year and one and half lakh more women in coming financial year. The SHG groups took up several livelihood activities such as Generics Medical Stores under Anna Sanjeevani Scheme, Food Joints, School Sanitation Enterprises, Dairy, Small Ruminant development, Livestock Units, Paddy Procurement, Tailoring and Sewing Training in every constituency etc. Government of AP also launched a digital literacy mission to educate all SHG members of mobile Internet and computer literacy. Moreover, the implementation of the World Bank assisted Andhra Pradesh Rural Inclusive Growth Project (APRIGP) is a major development in the pursuit of women empowerment in Andhra Pradesh. The total project cost of APRIGP is Rs. 642 Crores and it is implemented in 150 backward mandals of the state. The State Government is now seeking to harness the potential of nearly ninety lakh members of DWCRA Groups for a major leap in the economic growth momentum through appropriate technology infusion, skilling of groups, product innovation, marketing support, etc.
- Nunna Naresh
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Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu at the Poetic Prism event organised by Vijayawada Cultural Centre.
APP 2016 @ Banks of Krishna
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his is not a What’s App, but more than that. Amaravati Poetic Prism 2016 ( APP 2016) is a CSR initiative of Malaxmi group headed by zesty entrepreneur Y Harish Chandra Prasad , whose forays into Realty, and IT made him a happening and promising corporate talent of the state of Andhra Pradesh. Functioning from the capital region, Harish Chandra Prasad joined shoulders with the cause of culture, and has been promoting fine arts of the nation and playing an inspirational role, which is a welcome measure, particularly, in a state and a region dating back to the mention in millennia old Aitareya Brahmana, and in the subsequent epics.
The language of poetry is sublime, innovative, and romances the world in most critical times too. It is with a song on their lips and banner in the hand, people changed histories of the world. Last year, the nascent idea took shape and happened in a rather humble way with 142 poems in 19 languages, and the burgeoning efflorescence of the project conceived, and the success it has touched this year, is there for all to see. The hefty volume of APP 2016, has between its covers 525 poems in 53 world languages. This stupendous task is a brain child of The Cultural Centre of Vijayawada and Amaravati (CCVA) which is the publisher of the book, and curated by Dept. of Language and culture,
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Govt. of AP, AP Tourism, and Granules. The liaison and networking share of the job is a core function, and here big kudos goes to Dr. E. Sivanagi Reddy, the CEO of the CCVA and Smt. Padmaja Iyengar, Hon.Lit Advisor of CCVA. In the process Padmaja transformed into a source of encouragement, inspiration and a champion of the multi lingual identities that normally poetry sports on its arty wrists. She developed amity with poets of different age groups from Kerala down south, to the misty north east, with equal measure of poets chipping in from the Central India, West and East as well. The poetry movement spread its wings to other countries in Asia, and DECEMBER 2016
Hearing poets from more than twenty languages, and interacting with them on the sidelines, gave every participant a sense of belonging and oneness. touched beyond the continental divides, in the times of digital unity, and lo, you have in your hands, a sincere and spirited endeavor that has been already recognized as the biggest poetry anthology and Unique Record of Excellence by the Records Keepers has already been conferred on this significant initiative. The event shows that corporate strength and cultural depth, once start stepping in unison, we can truly make it manifest before our very eyes, the idea of India, and its enormous goodwill to the peoples of the world and their civilizations and culture. After all it is the wisdom from this land of Light ( Bha – in Ekaakshara Nighantu of Sanskrit means light) proclaimed in the hoary past that the whole world is one family (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam). This is one such drawl of cultural wealth in the shape of poetry, and true to their character, poets came forward and contributed in languages nearing extinction from the international habitats , as well our own Koya, sankethi etc., The inclusive and democratic character of the anthology impresses the reader that rare languages like Mapuzugum, Zapotec, Mizo, Bodo, Sankethi, Kodava Takk, Gondi, Koya and international machine language Esperanto found an expression in this Poetic Prism. Day one went on with poets reading out their contributions from the anthology and warming up to one another, accosting the shore and in the serene banks of Krishna, and a plethora of people are boating in and boating out in the yonder to the Bhavani Island, and the poets inside the meeting hall too are travelling on their boats in the river of poetry, impressed, immersed, and inspired to invoke into the realm of their souls, the life fore of languages, the subtle twist, jab, or a snare effected DECEMBER 2016
by the wordsmiths, young and old mingling and living poetry. Buddhist wisdom from Thai, by Pornpen Hantrakool, understanding the ways the of the capital investments by young Raamesh Gowri Raghavan, (this young poet who is a copywriter by profession, has contributed poems in eleven languages to the Poetic Prism), Odiya poets with a sparkle in their eyes, and Malayalam team staying glued together, Bengali poets beaming their erudite wisdom, the poetic prism is a victory of languages and a procession of poems, and show casing of poets who share in no uncertain terms the amazing faith in the power of poetry. On the day one, all this has manifested, and a mini India was present on the banks of river Krishna. It is a satsangam, meeting place of the good hearted, who discover graciously the power of the words. Second day began with the august presence of the Chief Minister of AP, Nara Chandra Babu Naidu, who addressed the group of poets representing Indian languages, and exhorted that the banks of river Krishna are the most ideal place to produce poetry and register fine thoughts, and invited the poets to visit time and again to fulfill their inveterate yearnings, and promised that the Government would look into the arrangements side, and would strengthen the logistics required for regular conduct of such events of national camaraderie. He lauded the organizers and Harish Chandra Prasad, for wise utilization of the CSR philosophy, and felt that multicultural backdrop of Amaravati is a historic fact, and rivers being the cradles of civilizations all over the world, he reminded that on the banks of river Krishna too, glorious civilizations have flourished. Coming to the present, he stated that it has been the effort of Government now,
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make Amaravati glorious again, in terms if modernization, IT, infrastructure, logistics, and in pursuing many human development indices. Whereas the executive arms can do only that much of facilitation, it is the role of the writers and poets, to use the environment and facilities to create, community inspirational texts in literature. And he hoped that this vigorous interaction would create noble ideas among the writers lot, who gathered with a purpose. He inaugurated the Amaravati Poetic Prism 2016, and felicitated poets from different languages in the session, where the welcome address was proposed by Y Harish Chandra Prasad, compered by Dr E Siva Nagi Reddy, and the felicitation part wascoordinated by Padmaja Iyengar. Hearing poets from more than twenty languages, and interacting with them, on the sidelines, gave every participant a sense of belonging, and a hope that renewed relationships and forged new alliances would take every poet a long way in pursuing the path of poetry in its incessant odyssey for global oneness, eradication of animosities, and to make the sojourn of human being on the earth ever pleasant. All said and done one can safely conclude that at the recruiting and amassing level, Amaravati Poetic Prism has truly emerged as a flagship activity of CCVA powered by Malaxmi Group, and it is in the right direction of developing into more qualitative and creatively quotient realms, which are after all the waves of challenges, the writers love the face, in their one after another rendezvous, with the sea of life. Life, love, and literature are rivers true and majestic as Krishna, and Amaravati Poetic Prism has started to prove this beyond a point. - Rama Teertha 98492 00385
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AP explores funding oPtions for AmArAvAti
he Government of Andhra Pradesh (GoAP) is set for a major infusion of funds for developing the capital city of Amaravati. One of these is in the form of a $6 billion fund through bonds to be raised by the U.K. and Indian governments. Also, World Bank, Hudco and Andhra Bank together have ‘in-principle’ sanctioned an amount of around R17,500 crore for building the greenfield capital city, Amaravati. Besides, the Central government has ‘indicated’ an assistance of Rs.1,000 crore in addition to Rs.1,500 crore already extended by it, according to Capital Region Development Authority Commissioner Ch Sridhar. Sridhar said the modalities of the bond, which is linked to the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), were being worked out by Pricewaterhouse Coopers , which has been appointed consultant by the U.K. Government. It is likely to take a final shape in a couple of months. The bond found a mention in a joint statement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart last year. In addition to GoAP, this massive fund could be utilized by private entities partnering in the development of Amaravati. According to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, the state government has proposed to spend Rs 32,500 crore in the next four years to build Amaravati city.
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Naidu directed officials to scout for international funding agencies that extend loans at cheaper rates of in-
terest. “The state government has to spend Rs 32,500 crore in the next four years for creation of infrastructure in capital city Amaravati,” Naidu said. Ajay Jain, principal secretary, energy, I&I, CRDA, AP, said this is the first time in the country that any of the financial institutions have supported such a massive scale of construction. Corporate majors such as Google, Microsoft, Apple, IBM, Tesla, GE, etc, which are in the front-end for disruptive technologies, may be associated with Amaravati construction for economic development and employment generation. The government plans to pool up required funds and it was necessary to zero in on financial institutions for the funding, a release said.
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Besides, the state government is also exploring alternative funding sources like pension funds and sovereign funds to achieve low-cost funding for capital construction. A loan of Rs 7,500 crore had been tied up with Hudco and the World Bank loan for Rs 4,700 crore had also been approved by the central government. As per rough estimates, the government has proposed to spend Rs 4,967 crore on roads and Rs 750 crore on drinking water and sewerage facilities. Besides, Rs 3,287 crore will be spent on the power sector. Another Rs 1,000 crore was required for flood management and Rs 250 crore for greenery.
Round Table on Financing The Amaravati Financing round-
DECEMBER 2016
Even as plans for the construction of the capital city are firming up, several educational institutes of national and internatinal repute are taking shape in Amaravati. table held recently explored various classes of financing instruments covering debt, mezzanine solutions, equity and non-fund based support. The round-table was attended by senior leaders from financial institutions across the spectrum – banks, infrastructure funds, SWFs, private equities, non-banking financial companies, multi-lateral development agencies, etc. NIIF, Khazanah Nasional, Macquarie Infrastructure and Real assets, Morgan Stanley, IL&FS, the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, SBI, Axis Bank, Kotak Realty Fund, IIFCL, etc were some of the leading participants at the event. The APCRDA delegation was led by C. Kutumba Rao, deputy chairman of AP Planning Commission, Dr Sreedhar Cherukuri, commissioner, APCRDA and V. Rama Manohara Rao, additional commissioner, APCRDA. Collective Investment Scheme and Lease Rental Discounting were two innovative mechanisms discussed during the event. These instruments leverage APCRDA’s assets of land bank and stable yield-generating real estate developments respectively and would enable APCRDA to source up to Rs 4,500 crore capital from banks and financial institutions as well as retail investors in the short to medium term to finance its infrastructure spend. Public-Private Partner-ships in physical infrastructure assets is a mechanism that could lead to private sector investment of up to Rs 5,000 crore in asset classes such as power, roads and water, generated a lot of interest with the workshop participants. APCRDA agreed to interact with the market participants on a one-on-one basis to seek their cooperation for spe-
DECEMBER 2016
cific funding needs. The Amaravati Financing round-table and the positive response it has garnered from the market will mark one more important step towards the construction of a world-class capital. Meanwhile, the CRDA is reportedly preparing to tap the capital markets for raising a part of the Rs. 32,000 crore required for construction of Phase-I of Amaravati. The idea is to mobilise Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 7,000 crore for which there are no existing commitments from prospective lenders by the end of 2017. The process of obtaining credit-rating by reputed agencies and statutory clearances from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is just being set in motion, said CRDA Commissioner.
Educational Institutions
Meanwhile, several educational institutions proposed in the capital city are taking shape In the first official purchase of land by a private player in Amaravati, VIT University has given a cheque for Rs 50 crore to the Capital Region Development Authority. At a review meeting chaired by chief minister Chandrababu Naidu , vicepresident of the varsity Sekar Viswanathan presented the cheque to CRDA commissioner Cherukuri Sridhar. The state cabinet decided to give 150 acres of land in Inavoluin the capital region. The land will be given in two phases - 100 acres, firstly and the remaining subject to condition that the first phase should have 18,000 students within five years of commencement of operations. The Rs 50 crore cheque was given to purchase the 100 ANDHRAPRADESHMAGAZINE.ORG
acres in the first phase. SRM university’s proposal for setting up of university in Amaravati was approved by the state cabinet and it is proposed to allocate 200 acres of land to set up university campus with 17,000 students by the end of phase-1 in five years and 52,000 students by the end of phase-2 in 10 years. This campus would include a medical college and university. Indo-UK Institute of Health (IUIH) in collaboration with King’s College, London, proposes to establish healthcare project in Amaravati with an investment of R1,000 crore. IUIH is allocated 150 acres of land in Amaravati. The phase-1 of project will have a 1,000-bed King’s College Hospital, 200-student nursing school, 200-student paramedic training school, NHS Oncology Unit with rehabilitation centre, and IUIH supply chain centres. The phase-2 project includes King’s College London medical college, Zimmer Biomet PG Medical Centre, IBM Asia data analytics centre, implant manufacturing industry, NHS stem cells — transnational research and medical centre, 5-star and 3-star hotels. Besides, the state government is also contemplating to allot 200 acres of land to Amrita University which has proposed to set up its campus in Amaravati with 18,000 students by the end of phase-1 and 47,000 students by the end of second phase. The Chief Minister is determined that the state should become the knowledge and educational hub of the country. "As many as 19 institutions of higher learning have been set up post bifurcation. Another 30 institutions will come up in the state," he said.
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Baba Ramdev to set up mega Patanjali food park in AP
History creAted as vizAg Hosts first test
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aba Ramdev's brainchild Patanjali Group plans to set up a mega food park in Andhra Pradesh. India's largest Ayurveda Group has approached the state government for allotment of 200 acres in the state. Acharya Balakrishna of Patanjali Group met CM Chandrababu Naidu at Vijayawada Camp Office and conveyed the company’s plans for Andhra Pradesh. According to reports, Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) will look for the land in north coastal Andhra. Patanjali group is also setting up a similar park in Nellore district where it had bought about 150 acres. Besides the two mega parks, it proposes to set up 66 food processing units in the state over the next three years. "We hope that the two mega food parks will bring in an investment of about Rs 700 crore, and generate 10,000 jobs," CEO of Andhra Pradesh Food Processing Society Y S Prasad said. The AP government has offered Rs 50 crore incentives to mega food parks, apart from extending the benefits under central government-assisted schemes for processing units. Patanjali is also in the process of setting up multiple units in Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra and Jammu and Kashmir. In last few years, Patanjali Group has turned out to be a force strong enough to take on the dominance of multinational corporations in Indian retail markets.
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he first-ever cricket Test in Andhra Pradesh recorded the historic moment with Indian captain Virat Kohli and Chateswar Pujara slamming centuries at the ACA-VDCA stadium in Visakhapatnam. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu was present during the Test match. He unveiled a pylon on the stadium premises to mark the first Test. After the match commenced, Naidu spent nearly 40 minutes at the stadium watching the game and later said he was very much happy to see the Test happening here. “I am very happy to see the children enjoying the game and I spent 45 minutes at the stadium and shared their joy,” he said. He explained his plans to make the city a sports hub and disclosed that major sports events like National Games would be held in the State in 2018. The Chief Minister also listed the State government’s plans for sports development like developing playgrounds and stadia all over the State. The Chief Minister presented mementoes to members of English and Indian teams and to former stalwarts like Sunil Gavaskar, VVS Laxman, Ravi Shastry, Sanjay Manjrekar, L. Sivaramakrishnan, Anil Kumble, Nasser Hussain and Mike Atherton and Chairman of BCCI senior selection committee MSK Prasad, who represented India in Tests from AP. Vice-president of BCCI and general secretary of Andhra Cricket Association and MP G Gangaraju, president ANDHRAPRADESHMAGAZINE.ORG
of ACA DVSS Somayajulu, president of VDCA and MLA P. Vishnu Kumar Raju, and Sports Minister K. Atchannaidu were present. Naidu also intereacted with noted writer and film actor Gollapudi Maruthi Rao and former England batsman Geoffrey Boycott who were sitting in the stands. Many who were present reminisced how former ACA president late DV Subba Rao always longed for a Test to be played in Vizag and how the then Collector J.P. Murthy made it possible by allotting the site for the stadium.
VVS releases souvenir on first Test in city
Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman released a souvenir on the historic first Test in Visakhapatnam, the second in the ongoing series between India and England, complied by veteran sports journalist and broadcaster A Prasanna Kumar at a brief function. President of Andhra Cricket Association DVSS. Somayajulu, BCCI selection committee chairman MSK Prasad, general secretary of Visakhapatnam District Cricket Association and former Test umpire K Parthasaradhi, vice-president of VDCA DS Varma and others were present. The souvenir takes one through the past and present, from the first one-day international played in the city at the Muncipal Corporation stadium to the ongoing Test at ACA-VDCA stadium.
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AP ra
ises c ap i t a
ELECT
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RON IC I
sidy f o
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The Andhra Pradesh (AP) government has introduced big ďŹ scal incentives in order to attract companies in the electronic sector.
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company setting up an electronics manufacturing unit in Andhra Pradesh can now get back as much as 50 percent of the capital investment it has made on the unit after its commercial operations. Making the fiscal incentives an ever bigger lure to attract companies in this sector, Andhra Pradesh government has recently enhanced the subsidy on capital investment to 30 percent with a cap of Rs 250 crore. Earlier the capital subsidy in AP was 10 percent, that too limited to a maximum of Rs 5 crore. This comes on top of 20 percent capital subsidy being offered by Government of India, which had recently extended the eligibility to 15 new electronic products, including consumer electronics and Internet of Things(IoT) products. As the subsidy offered by the two governments on this front alone will add upto 50 percent of the capital investment made by a company, the state government believes more investments would flow into the state in electronics industry. After Taiwanese electronics manufacturing company Foxconn had established its mobile assembly plant in Sricity, the government has made sustained efforts to bring more mobile and electronicsmanufacturing companies into this region by offering land and other incentives. The increase in capital subsidy will further boost these efforts, according to AP government officials. The move comes at a time when Foxconn was believed to be looking for a second location within AP for new catchment areas for manpower among other reasons, according to DECEMBER 2016
sources. A senior industry department official informed that currently Lava and Celkon Mobile companies were in the process of establishing their units while Micromax too was expected to set up shop after it completing its plant in Hyderabad. Recently AP government has approved an investment proposal of Gurgaon-based Dixion Technologies Limited, which is planning to set up a manufacturing plant near Sricity at an investment of Rs 150 crore. The company would like to start operations as early as by March next year in an already built facility offered by the government, the official said Apart from increasing the capital subsidy, the government has also removed cap on power subsidy in the latest round of amendment to the existing policy. Earlier the companies were given power subsidy ranging from 10-50 percent on power charges limiting to Rs 50 lakhs over a period of 5 years. As per the new orders, all mega projects(units that hire 1000 or more employees) will avail a subsidy of 25 percent, and other categories a subsidy 20 per cent on power charges for a period of 5 years to what ever extent they may consume the power.
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A LEGEND IN HIS LIFETIME
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angalampalli Balamuralikrishna was that rare musical phenomenon who became a legend in his own life time. He used to say: ’I am just an instrument producing music’. He would also add that he didn’t know how music sprang out of him.
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1922 - 2016 A musical phenomenon that enthralled lovers of music for over eight decades has come to an end. Even beyond the age of eighty years the voice never lost its novelty or variety.
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Balamurali’s parents were great lovers of music besides being musicians. He lost his mother Suryakanthamma while he was still an infant. His father Pattabhiramayya took up the responsibility of bringing up Murali. Pattabhiramayya who was a disciple of noted musician Parupalli Ramakrishnayya Panthulu, taught Murali the fundamentals of music. Astonished by his son’s genius, Pattabhiramayya took his son to Parupalli Ramakrishnayya Panthulu for further advanced training in music. The teacher took a great liking for his tiny disciple and started teaching him vocal music and violin. By the time he was nine, young Murali was performing concerts for over three hours. Even at that young age he carved a niche as a capable exponent of pallavi singing. The child prodigy was taken to Tiruvaiyyaru to sing at the sacred Samadhi of Saint composer Sri Tyagaraja. Murali had to be seated on a box to help the audience get a glimpse of him as he was singing. Once the performance was over, Bengaluru Nagaratnamma safely took the child away and placed him at the feet of Sri Tyagaraja. Balamurali’s fame spread far and wide and his father would take him on concert tours .The constant touring hampered Murali’s schooling. But Murali was keen to learn. He learnt Telugu and Sanskrit, besides English. His scholarship in Telugu and Sanskrit was such that he was able to compose kritis in them by the time he was fifteen years old. He mastered ANDHRAPRADESHMAGAZINE.ORG
playing Mridangam by his own effort. He mastered many other instruments such as the viola, veena and kanjeera. He wouldn’t play the flute in deference to his father’s advice. He accompanied stalwart vocalists Ariyakkudi Ramanuja Ayyangar, G.N.Balasubramanyam and others on the violin. He used to accompany his Guru on Mridangam. He attempted to compose kritis in all the Seventy two Melakarta Ragas, a task which was not undertaken by earlier Vaggeyakaras of South Indian classical music tradition. His effort was lauded by the connoisseurs of music. His JanakaRagaKritiManjari was published when he was just 22 years of age. Balamurali served All India Radio and the Government Music College at Vijayawada for a while and shifted to Madras (Chennai) to pursue his music mission. After a few days he learnt Tamil and started composing kritis in Tamil as well. He was a top ranking Musician of All India Radio in many disciplines including classical music, light music, music composing, violin, viola and mridangam among others. He was honoured by All India Radio as a National artiste of eminence, an honour bestowed on the most senior and extra-ordinary top grade artistes of long years of musical service. He created a rare record where he provided violin and mridangam accompaniment to his own singing. He also made a name as a film personality as a singer and a music director; he also acted in two films. Balamuralikrishna travelled around the globe on concert tours and enthralled millions of music lovers all over the world. He received many National and International honours. He was honored with Padmavibhushan at home; the French Government conferred on him the Chevalier des Arts et Lettres.
DECEMBER 2016
He received National awards for best playback singing and best music direction, perhaps the only musician to have received the awards in both the fields. Balamuralikrishna’s voice range was phenomenal. He was able to sustain the majesty and melody of his voice in the highest and the lowest thresholds of musical scales. He excelled in giving prominence to the literary aspects of the compositions rendered by him on par with the musical content, thereby providing an aesthetic fulfillment to the listening public. He was very fond of experimenting in different musical forms. He created new Ragas, some with just three svaras (notes) and some with four. He authored many Tillanas. He used to welcome innovation. He was perhaps the first classical musician of standing to have used the electronic Tambura. He introduced the provision of intervals during his concerts, thereby weaning away the audience from disturbing the concerts by frequently going out. He was also very generous in encouraging younger musicians. When the now famous Chitraveena exponent Ravikiran was performing at the Madras Music Academy for the first time as a child-prodigy, Balamurali was present at the concert. He left half way through only to return. He went to his residence which was very near the Academy to fetch the silver medal he received as a present when he himself was a child-singer. He adorned Ravikiran with the medal telling the latter that it was the youngster’s turn to receive the medal. It is difficult to compare Balamuralikrishna to any other musical personalities. He was unique and beyond comparison. He would be remembered as one of the greatest musicians of the world. His music would continue to enthrall many more generations of music lovers to come.
- Dr P S Gopalakrishna
(Former Director of All India Radio) DECEMBER 2016
SAChIN TENdulkAR to adopt a second village in AP
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achin Tendulkar made a visit in November to Puttamraju Kandrika village in Nellore district which he had adopted under the Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana.
During the visit, Sachin, who is a Rajya Sabha member, inaugurated various development works completed at a cost of Rs 2.79 crore under his MP Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) funds. The village in the south coast of Andhra Pradesh has undergone a huge transformation after Sachin Tendulkar decided to adopt it in 2014 which he declared “Open defecation free” during the latest visit. “I am satisfied with the complete transformation of the village,” the batting legend said after inaugurating a community centre. The former India captain also distributed cricket kits among the village youth and interacted with a few families about the development of the village. He stressed on the fact that the nation needs to work together as one in order to make central government’s ‘Swachh Bharat’ initiative a success and assured that he will be providing all assistance to the authorities’ plan to build a stadium in the village. Tendulkar also announced that he would adopt Gollapalli village, half a km from Puttamrajuvari Kandriga. It would be developed with an amount of about Rs 3.05 crore, he said. Sachin Joins Couple For Tea
Sachin Tendulkar gave a couple in the village the surprise of their lives, when he joined them for tea during his visit. Vijaylakshmi and Gopalaiah, both in their fifties and residents of Puttamrajuvari Kandriga village, had been promised a visit by Tendulkar when he first went there in 2014. The cricket great kept his word and dropped by for tea at the couple's home. The surprise visit by Tendulkar, who adopted the village in 2014, left the couple overjoyed. The 43-year-old cricketing legend also offered his blessings to the couple's newly-wed son and daughter-in-law during his brief stay. ANDHRAPRADESHMAGAZINE.ORG
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Andhra Pradesh APPsc group 2 recruitment 2016 Age limit
The upper age limit of the candidates must not exceed 42 years. However, the reserved category candidates may apply in the prescribed format as per the notification.
Pay scale
For the post wise details on pay scale, please check the notification.
Selection process
The candidates will be selected on the basis of written exam and interview.
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ndhra Pradesh Public Service Commission has released a notification inviting interested, eligible candidates to apply for the posts of Assistant, Tax Officer, Excise Sub Inspector. The candidates may apply to the posts in the prescribed format on or before December 10.
Vacancy details
Total posts Name of the posts
982 Assistant, Tax Officer, Excise Sub Inspector
Eligibility criteria: Educational qualification: The candidates must possess Bachelor's degree or an engineering degree from a recognised university.
how to apply Application fee w w
General category: Rs 330 SC/ ST/ OBC/ PWD/ Ex-Serviceman: Rs 250
Steps to apply online w w w w w
Visit the official website, www.psc.ap.gov.in Click on the relevant link Fill the form as per notification Upload the scanned copies of the documents Click on submit and take a print out for further reference
Important date
The last date for the submission of online application is December 10.
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tata, Adani among bidders for Andhra Pradesh airport project
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nfrastructure majors GMR, GVK, Adani Ports, Essel Infra, Tata and Airports Authority of India are among a few bidders who have shown interest in developing the international greenfield airport at Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh.
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“Almost 82% of land is under possession for the Bhogapuram greenfield airport. When the environmental clearance is completed, it will be submitted to the PCB by the first week of December 2016,� said a statement from the Chief Minister Office. Naidu wants that the Bhogapuram airport should be one among the top 10 greenfield airports. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) granted 'in-principle' approval for setting up of Greenfield Airports, in Dagadarthi (Nellore), ANDHRAPRADESHMAGAZINE.ORG
Bhogapuram (Vizianagram) and Oravakallu (Kurnool) in the state. Meanwhile, all four airports of Andhra Pradesh located in Vizag, Vijayawada, Tirupati and Rajahmundry have registered a surge in passenger footfalls during the first quarter of 2016-17. Visakhapatnam Airport continues to be the leader among the four airports in terms of passenger traffic in the state, while Rajahmundry Airport registered the highest growth rate of 73.7 per cent in the first quarter of the current fiscal. v
DECEMBER 2016
AP agricultural panel recommends structural reforms
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he Agricultural Commission, constituted by the Andhra Pradesh (AP) government to look into the aspects of inclusive and sustainable agricultural development in the State, has recommended various structural reforms in the farm sector. According to the Commission Chairman Prof R. Radhakrishna, who is also the Chairman of the Hyderabadbased Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS), the recommendations made are valid not just for AP but also other States in the country. During the course of its study, the 11member Commission representatives visited various other states including parts of Telangana, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Karanataka, Maharashtra and Kerala, besides interacting with 5,000 farmers, farmers' leaders/associations/advocacy groups and NGOs in 19 public hearings in 13 districts of AP. "Nearly 100 people were involved in preparation of the Commission report" which has been submitted to the AP government in August, this year, Prof Radhakrishna told The DECEMBER 2016
Hindu . He said that recommendations do not envisage any substantial additional investments by the Centre or the States. The Commission is stated to have examined the institutional issues relating to tenancy, credit and marketing that inhibit inclusive growth. It has also paid attention to the challenges of climate change, water resources and technology and finally put forth an overreaching institutional framework to promote inclusive and sustainable agricultural growth. One of the main recommendations of the Commission was establishment of a State-level agency, which could be called Andhra Pradesh Society for Sustainable Agriculture and Farmers' Empowerment (APSAFE). As per the recommendation, APSAFE is meant to help formation of Farmer SHGs (Self-help Groups) and their federations through handholding support and the provision of professional guidance. The agency should be registered as a society and should have full autonomy and authority for effective functioning. It will coordinate the activities of government deANDHRAPRADESHMAGAZINE.ORG
partments and agencies involved in implementing government programmes. The Commission also recommended that the State should lay greater emphasis on the promotion of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) by relaxing some of the regulations, pumping credit through formal financial institutions and establishing institutions for regular capacity building. In this regard, it said the State should take the initiative for facilitating tieups with reputed organisations like Bharatiya Agro Industries Foundation (BAIF), ITC, Tata Trust, Centre for World Solidarity (CWS) and Rallis India so as to pave way for partnerships for the development of agriculture and well-being of farmers. In the case of tenant farmers, the commission, among other aspects, recommended that the State should create land banks, as it has been doing for industry. Absentee land owners and large land owners may be encouraged to give land to the land bank on lease. The land bank, in turn, may be leased out to tenant farmers for relatively long periods.
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KIA MOTORS TO SET UP PLANT IN THE STATE
AP tops World Bank's energysaving rankings
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ndhra Pradesh added another feather to its cap from the World Bank which declared the Sunrise state as No 1 in India in energy efficiency.
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orean automotive company Kia Motors, one of the few major manufacturers without India presence, is all set to zero in on Andhra Pradesh for its first plant, according to media reports. While several States, including Tamil Nadu, where its parent company Hyundai has a major manufacturing base, and industrial State of Gujarat, have been wooing the company to locate its manufacturing base, AP has managed to pip others by presenting several locations on the AP-TN border and about 80-90 km from the existing Hyundai plant, sources close to the development explained. Kia Motors recently indicated about its plans for overseas expansion, including India, without announcing any time-line or location of the plant. According to Government sources, the company is likely to invest up to Rs 5,000 crore, with Rs 3,000 crore in phase one and manufacturing capacity of three lakh units. The upcoming Chennai-Vizag Industrial Corridor and Krishnapatnam port add to the logistics advantage. “Several sites were offered in Nellore, Chittoor and Anantapur. But the company representatives
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were keen for a location close to the TN border, Krishnapatnam port and the existing supplier base of Hyundai Motors in Tamil Nadu,� said a senior Government official. The company had also been offered a site close to the Sri City Economic Zone, where the Japanese company Isuzu has set up a base and is in the process of creating an auto parts suppliers hub. The recent Ease of Doing Business rating ranks AP as No. 1 in the country, and the expectation that some more sops may be offered as a part of the Central package for the residual State are weighing in its favour. AP could have managed to become a base for the the German automotive company Volkswagen, but it preferred the established auto hub in Maharashtra. AP's efforts to woo Malaysian automotive company Proton for its base in Vizag and Tata Motors for its Nano plant, did not materialise. In recent reports on India plans, the company had stated that it was exploring new overseas manufacturing facilities, including in India. A team entrusted with the task of finalising India plans is on the job, sources said.
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Enthused by the state getting the top spot, principal secretary, energy, Ajay Jain said that the state will now get global recognition and energy-efficiency programmes will be put on fast track. Speaking to the media soon after the World Bank declared the awards for energysaving initiatives, Jain said: "The WB felt that political will, visionary leadership and resultoriented approach of the state administration had helped AP achieve the first rank. AP achieved an overall score of 42.01 followed by Rajasthan 41.89, Karnataka 39.34 and Maharashtra 39.29," he added. The ranks were released in Delhi by World Bank executive director Subhash Chandra Garg during an international conference. Jain said the World Bank was impressed with the effective implementation of energy efficiency and energy conservation activities in the state with an assessed achievement of around 650 MW of avoided capacity. "This is an equivalent to saving of nearly 1,500 MU of per year which the AP achieved in a span of just two years by adopting emerging LED technology in domestic and urban street lighting sectors," he said and explained that chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu was solely responsible for the achievements. The chief minister is keen to turn AP into the best energy-efficient state and has proposed to launch yet another novel initiative called 'AP Energy Star Programme', Jain said. As part of this, the state government has made it mandatory for all the departments to procure electrical appliances such as ACs, refrigerators, ceiling fans and water pumpsets of '5-star' rating. EESL managing director Saurabh Kumar said the spurt in demand for LED bulbs distributed by AP under the UJALA scheme has resulted in free fall of LED prices.
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DECEMBER 2016
Isuzu vehicles in AP to get five-year tax break
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suzu vehicles will be exempted from payment of Motor Vehicle Tax if purchased in the state of Andhra Pradesh from November 18th, 2016 till March 31th, 2021. The five years of exemption of motor vehicle tax is in line with the Government of the Andhra Pradesh state’s attempt
to promote the state as a manufacturing hub. The exemption of the motor vehicle tax is applicable on all the D-Max pickup range which are manufactured at Sri City and purchased in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The Government of the state has exempted a lifetime tax payment for the V-Cross and all the other passenger vehicles that will be launched in future. Whereas the S-Cab and the regular Cab variant of the D-Max will enjoy the exemption from paying the quarterly road tax. For the passenger vehicles, the exemption is on the 14 per cent (or relevant) of invoice value paid as one-time life tax. Whereas for the commercial pick-ups, it is the quarterly road tax of Rs 800 (or relevant) per quarter paid during the life of the vehicles. Isuzu is the first automobile manufacturing company to set up in AP and began operations in April. Spread across 107 acres, the facility has a capacity of producing 50,000 units annually which can be stretched up to 120,000 units in future. Currently, the D-Max range of pickup trucks are manufactured in this facility, which includes the V-Cross, and the S-Cab along with the regular D-Max.
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APollo tyres to invest rs 525 cr State & Apollo representatives signing Mou in delhi.
superior infrastructure and ensure full government support to companies has seen the state emerge at the top of the Ease of Doing Business index in the country.”
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pollo Tyres signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Andhra Pradesh to set up a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. The company is looking at investing approximately Rs 525 crores towards setting up this facility in the state of Andhra Pradesh bordering the south-eastern coast of India. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed today by Sunam Sarkar, DECEMBER 2016
Director, Apollo Tyres and Kartikeya Misra, IAS, Director of Industries, Government of Andhra Pradesh in the presence of N Chandrababu Naidu, Honourable Chief Minister, Government of Andhra Pradesh and Onkar S Kanwar, Chairman, Apollo Tyres. Chandrababu Naidu said, "I am extremely pleased to announce this significant investment by Apollo Tyres to build a world class facility in Andhra Pradesh. Our endeavour to provide ANDHRAPRADESHMAGAZINE.ORG
Onkar S Kanwar, Chairman, Apollo Tyres, said, “I would like to thank Shri Chandrababu Naidu Ji for the support offered to Apollo Tyres, and look forward to working with the State Government for the setting-up of our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility”. The proposed manufacturing facility will be the 5th plant for Apollo Tyres in India. It has two plants in Kerala and one plant each in the states of Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. The company has international manufacturing presence with a one plant in the Netherlands and another Greenfield facility currently being set up in Hungary.
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ENGLISH JOURNALISTS FROM AP
It is the only profession that would not deliver me up to insanity, said the veteran journalist of his passion for journalism.
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KOTAMRAJU RAMA RAO
other Andhra who did the Fourth Estate proud was Kotamraju Rama Rao. There was hardly a newspaper worthy of mention which he did not serve and which did not benefit from his association. Those he did not serve were the poorer for it. It is, however, true that he resigned from almost all jobs. He was never resigned to any. His pocket was often empty, except for the letter of resignation which was always there. Uttar Pradesh was seething with nationalist sentiment. Every class of persons was taking part in the struggle for freedom. They all felt that what they were doing deserved to be more widely known than it was. If it became known in the rest of India that the nationalists of Uttar Pradesh were in the thick of the non-violent battle, the rest of India was sure to follow suit. The only way the information could be disseminated was through a newspaper. So, many prevailed upon Jawaharlal Nehru to start a daily. The result was the “National Herald,” which took birth in August, 1938, launched by a company whose Board of Directors was headed by Jawaharlal Nehru himself. Kotamraju Rama Rao was the automatic choice for the post of editor. What the paper needed was an editor with an intensely nationalistic outlook. There were not many who combined journalistic brilliance with passionate nationalism. Rama Rao made the paper a spokesman of the nationalists. He wrote what the people wanted him to write and liked to read. The then British Government was initially uneasy about this exercise of the freedom of the Press to fight imperialism. Then came the Individual Civil Disobedience Movement of 1942. Congress workers were lathi-charged in Lucknow jail. “National Herald” came out with a truly blowbyLathi-blow accountof the incident. The result was that the editor was arrested, prosecuted under the Defence of India Rules and sentenced to six months imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 700. Rama Rao could be jailed, never gagged. He had had his say, and also the last laugh. Starting with his apprenticeship under T. L. Vasvani of the “New Times”, Hyderabad Sind, Rama Rao served in as many as 26 newspapers and magazines. The resignationspree started with his stint in “The Times of India”. But when he left a job, he also left behind enormous goodwill. He lasted the longest in “National Herald” maybe be-
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cause there he had a free hand. Jawaharlal Nehru was not one to interfere. And Rama Rao, on his part, made such interference unnecessary. Jawaharlal had immense faith in both the ability and integrity of his editor. After all, Rama Rao was not just an editor. He took active part in the struggle for freedom. When a crusader turned an editor, both causes and columns were enriched. Widely travelled not only in India but also abroad, Rama Rao believed in the need for education in journalism and in the welfare of journalists. His coverage of Jawaharlal’s first visit to the United States as Prime Minister can still serve as a model of reporting. After serving as a member of the Rajya Sabha for some time, Rama Rao died in a train accident. But the freshness of his style will live as long as journalism lives in India. Though not the greatest Andhra journalist of the present century, Rama Rao, like Chintamani, was one of the all-time great.
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- Y V Ramakotaiah senior Journalist
DECEMBER 2016
CII PARTNERShIP Summit 2017 in Vizag
The Partnership Summit 2017-Andhra Pradesh to Focus on Partnerships for Sustained Growth in an Emerging Global Economic Order"
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fter the phenomenal success of the CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam last year, the CII has decided to hold another Partnership Summit to focus on Sunrise State as the USP of Navya Andhra. The 2nd Sunrise Andhra Pradesh Investment Meet provides an excellent platform for the business community to interact with government on exploring investment opportunities in the state. The Meet which will be hosted in Visakhapatnam from the 27-28th of January 2017, centres on the theme of "Partnerships for Sustained Growth in an Emerging Global Economic Order." Commerce and Industry Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman and Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh N Chandra Babu Naidu formally announced the Partnership Summit to be held from January 27 28, 2017 in Vishakhapatnam. On the occasion, Smt. Sitharaman said that it was due to the efforts of the Chief Minister Naidu that summit was being held for the second consecutive year in Vishakhapatnam. She said there is so much economic activity in the state by way of logistics hub, corridors, newer seaports and airports. Chief Minister N Chandra Babu Naidu said that the state of Andhra Pradesh was not only competing with other states but also globally in ease of doing business rankings. The Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Government of Andhra Pradesh is organizing the 23rd edition of its major international flagship event The Partnership Summit 2017 for global and Indian industry to discuss innovative policies and path-breaking strategies. Apart from the Plenaries, the Summit will host a Make in India virtual exhibition, the Time Awards for Business Excellence, B2B-B2G Meetings, sessions with transformational leaders and social impact icons to name a few. The State Partner will also host focused sessions in pre-dedicated slots throughout the two days. Ms Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister for Commerce and Industry, is the Chair of the Summit and Andhra Pradesh is the ‘Partner State’ to this prestigious initiative. The Partnership Summit, which started in 1995, to mark the centenary of CII, has since become one of the most important international business events in the country. It aims to further partnerships, to build ideologies based on shared dreams that bind societies together in this knowledge driven world. The Summit has established itself as an ideal ground for business networking and sharing of ideas among stakeholders on the best strategies and policies to help countries overcome the obstacles to improving competitiveness and integrate better into the globalized world. DECEMBER 2016
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6-lANE
expressway in AP This will be a unique straight road with no twists or turns. It will have many bridges and tunnels along the way for a seamless flow of traffic.
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ndhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu unveiled a roadmap for building a sixlane expressway of 598.83 kms, connecting the state's new capital Amaravati with Anantapuramu district, at a cost of Rs 27,600 crore. Addressing a video conference with Collectors of five districts and other top officials, the Chief Minister said 26,793 acres of land has to be acquired for the project. Of this, 9,324 hectares was forest land that has to be de-notified. "You have to complete the land acquisition process in six months. Where the cost of land is high, go for land pooling to reduce the costs," he told the Collectors. The project will cost a staggering Rs 27,600 crore, the Chief Minister said, adding that a railway line would also be built parallel to the expressway. Close to a year after Union Minister for Highways Nitin Gadkari promised to fund the expressway, the state government is yet to prepare a detailed project report. The proposed expressway would traverse through Guntur, Prakasam, Kurnool, Kadapa and Anantapuramu districts with interlinking roads to Chennai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. A separate road each to Kadapa and Kurnool would cut the expressway. "This will be a unique straight road with no twists or turns. It will have many bridges and tunnels along the way for a seamless flow of traffic. Presently, it will be a six-lane road but in future, it could be expanded to eight lanes, so keep adequate land in reserve," Chandrababu said. The expressway would change the face of the backward regions in the state, he said, adding that industrial townships could be developed along the road in places where water and mineral resources were available. A high-level committee would be constituted to monitor the project and he himself would review it every week as it was the third important project for him after Amaravati and Polavaram, the Chief Minister said. Special Chief Secretary (Transport, Roads and Buildings) B Sam Bob and other officials attended the meeting.
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(In this brand new series we bring to you non-Telugu technicians who have worked for the growth of Telugu cinema).
G D JOSHI editor’s cut
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diting is such a vital aspect in filmmaking that it is there that the movies are either made or marred. As the popular American filmmaker, editor and actor Joseph James ‘Joe’ Dante puts it, “many a film has been saved and many a film has been ruined in the editing room.” One of the earliest film editors who made a rich contribution to Telugu cinema was Govind Dinakar Joshi, popularly known as G.D. Joshi. Though he made his entry into the South Indian film industry as early as in 1938, it was his association from 1949 with N.T. Ramarao, much later that won him fame as an editor par excellence.
Early days
Born on June 12, 1917, G. D. Joshi was attracted towards movie making from an early age. He would often visit Saraswati Movietone Studios, a kilometre and half from his house in Pune. He quit his academic studies at school and joined the studio to learn editing and (film) printing. His father neither encouraged nor discouraged his move. Those were the conservative times more so in a Brahmin family. However once he found young Joshi’s passion towards film field, he whole- heartedly supported him.
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Joshi soon found himself in charge of the film printing section and worked in that capacity till 1934. He was an expert at film printing and also knew the nuances of laboratory work in the studios. Like
“The essence of cinema is editing. It’s the combination of what can be extraordinary images of people during emotional moments or images in a general sense, put together in a kind of alchemy.” - Francis Ford Coppola other technicians from the early talkie era, Joshi was also a selftaught editor, learning by trial and error. R. G. Torney, Managing Director of Saraswati Movietone Studios, and producer-director K.P. Bhave in appreciation of his work awarded him certificates in 1937.
ANDHRAPRADESHMAGAZINE.ORG
South Side Ahoy
His tryst with Telugu films came in 1937 when he edited, K. P. Bhave’s directorial ‘ Dasavatharamulu’ starring Parupalli Subbarao (he played Lord Rama in the 1934 super hit film, ‘Lava Kusa’ directed by C. Pullaiah) and Rajakumari. However DECEMBER 2016
Joshi won many accolades for his crisp cut in nearly 50 films in Telugu comprising all genres, devotionals (Thyagaiah and Ramadasu), offbeat films (Todu Dongalu, Chivaraku Migiledi), mythologicals (Sri Krishna Pandaveeyam, Dana Veera Soora Karna), folklores (Jayasimha, Rechukka), historical (Vemulawada Bheemakavi) and socials (Samsaram, Ummadi Kutumbam). after working in this film, along with 25 other film technicians from Maharashtra Joshi left for Lahore to seek better prospects. Finding no work there and disappointed, most of them moved to Kolkata. Joshi met C. Pullaiah there and that changed his destiny. For two years he worked with Pullaiah in Rajahmundry and Kolkata where the veteran director had shot his three-in-one movie, ‘Sathyanrayana vratham,’ ‘Kasulaperu,’ and ‘Chal Mohanaranga.’(1938). Joshi then shifted base to Madras and visited studios to watch film shoots and also to seek work. One day the legendary producer-director Gudavalli Ramabrahmam asked him to help him out by editing some portions of his film ‘Rythubidda,’ as his editor had not turned up that day. That brought him back to the editing table after a lull. Ramabrahmam liked his work and took him under his wings. Joshi later said that he owed his career in the South to Ramabrahmam. Joshi had edited for him such hits as ‘Illalu,’ ‘Pathni,’ ‘Pantulamma’ and ‘Mayalokam.’ Among his other works were the all -time classics, Nagaiah’s ‘Thyagaiah’ and ‘Ramadasu,’ Ghantasala Balaramaiah’s ‘Swapnasundari,’ ‘Mugguru Marateelu,’ ‘Chinna Kodalu,’’Rechukka’ and ‘Sri Lakshmma Katha’. Joshi’s repertoire as an editor also include such big hits as ‘Mangamma Sapadham,’ ‘Samsaram,’ ‘Paramanandayya Sishyulu,’ ‘Jayasimha’ and ‘Dana Veera Soora Karna’ to name a few. He also edited over a score Tamil movies mostly starring M.G. Ramachandran, and also a couple of movies each in Hindi, Malayalam and Kannada.
From Editing to direction
Joshi got his long cherished wish fulDECEMBER 2016
filled when he directed the movie ‘Pasupu Kunkuma’ (1955). A remake of the Marathi film, ‘Haldi Kunku,’ the Telugu version starred G. Varalakshmi, ‘Shavukaru’ Janaki and Jaggaiah in the lead. Joshi’s friends, cinematographer B.S. Jagirdar and art director Goadgavnkar worked for the film. Interestingly they both had come to the South along with Joshi. However the movie did not run well, dashing his hopes of making it big as a producer- director. As one of the producers of the movie he also lost his hard earned money. It was at this juncture that his long association with the legendary NTR and his brother N. Trivikrama Rao came to his rescue. ‘Samsaram’(1950) was his first major film assignment with NTR. The iconic actor used to address Joshi as ‘Joshi Saab’ and held him in high esteem. Apart from Joshi’s slick editing skills, NTR and Trivikrama Rao liked him most for his dedication, politeness and affable nature.
NAT & NTR
NTR and his production company National Art Theatres played a vital role in Joshi’s career. Such was the bonding between the Nandamuri brothers and Joshi that from the banner’s first production, ‘Pichi Pullaiah’ (1953) to ‘Dana Veera Soora Karna’ (1977) he was their editor. But their friendship lasted even beyond. Ravi Joshi, the veteran editor’s son, a retired bank officer who now lives in Pune reminisces about his father’s rapport with NTR. “My father admired the values and morals that NTR had pursued and also his physical fitness. He used to tell us that the legendary actor would get up at 230 am in Brahma muhurtham. After his morning rituals, he performed
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Editor G D Joshi
yoga and meditation and by 6-30 am, he was ready to receive hundreds of his admirers and fans who thronged his Bazullah Road residence. When not shooting, he will be in the editing room by 7 am to work with my father. They had deep respect for each other and mutual understanding. My father was also a special invitee at the inauguration of Ramakrishna theatres in Hyderabad.” Ravi Joshi recalls that his father hardly discussed films at home and no film magazine was allowed inside their house. Needless to say none of his children are in film industry today. He gave them good education and all are well settled.
ThE CARING NTR
This incident illustrates how caring N.T. Ramarao was with his staff. When he was 23, Ravi Joshi was afflicted with jaundice and even after a bout of medicines there was no respite. G.D. Joshi was working at that time for an NTR home production. Finding Joshi pensive, he asked him the reason. The worried Joshi told him about his son’s health. NTR consoled him by saying, ‘Joshi Saab do not worry, music director Venu’s wife treats jaundice and her medicine works wonders. I will make a call to her now’. So saying he imme-
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AP to hold
diately rang her up and said, ‘Joshi garu will be coming there please treat his son.’ Presto… within a week Ravi was cured and was back to work soon after. Sharing this anecdote Ravi Joshi said, “We owe a lot to that great man.”
hONOuRS & ACCOlAdES
Joshi won many accolades for his crisp cut in nearly 50 films in Telugu comprising all genres, devotionals (Thyagaiah and Ramadasu), offbeat films (Todu Dongalu, Chivaraku Migiledi), mythologicals (Sri Krishna Pandaveeyam, Dana Veera Soora Karna), folklores (Jayasimha, Rechukka), historical (Vemulawada Bheemakavi) and socials (Samsaram, Ummadi Kutumbam). G.D. Joshi was felicitated by the Cine Technicians Association of South India (CTA) in 1970 with a medal and a scroll of Honour as a pioneer in the field. He had groomed many assistants and among them were the later day popular editors, Mani and Subrahmanyam. Though Joshi made Madras his home since 1937, he was in touch with his Marathi colleagues, veterans Balaji Pendharkar and Bhaskara Rao Dharap. Joshi breathed his last on July 19, 1981 in Madras. As the first generation editor, he made immense contribution for the growth of Telugu film industry working with a ‘splicar’ editing machine which finds a place during the Joshi family’s Durga puja celebrations even today.
M l Narasimham Film historian & Critic
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KALACHAKRA
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ndhra Pradesh wants to invite Dalai Lama for Buddhist ritual in Amravati This comes as part of the serious efforts by the AP govt to promote Buddhist centres in the state, and the ancient Buddhist town of Amaravati as a major tourist destination. The Andhra Pradesh Government has proposed to hold ‘Kalachakra’ initiation — ‘wheel of time’ or ‘time-cycles’ rituals in Buddhism, where disciples are initiated into higher forms of meditation and rituals — in the presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. This comes as part of the serious efforts by the AP govt to promote Buddhist centres in the state, and the ancient Buddhist town of Amaravati as a major tourist destination. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, in a review held on tourism sector in Vijayawada Friday, asked the Tourism Department officials to invite His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and also Buddhist monks from 71 countries for the ‘Kalachaktra’ programme. “The Chief Minister asked the officials to consult Buddhist monks and take suggestions for organising the initiation. He said that the largest Buddha statue will be built on the Seta Nagar hill near Vijayawada. He also said that the tourism sector in AP would become one of the main revenue generator,” a Tourism Department official said. The AP Government is also developing a Buddhist Pilgrimage and Tourist CirANDHRAPRADESHMAGAZINE.ORG
cuit including the ancient city of Amaravati which is 18 kms away from the new capital city of Amaravati near Vijayawada; Undavalli Caves near Vijayawada which are said to be the finest rock cut architecture caves of Buddhists in India; Nagarjunakonda in Guntur; Chandravanam Buddhist sites in Prakasam district; Anupa in Guntur, the site of an ancient Buddhist University; Gopalapatnam stupas, and Bojjannakonda which has a huge statue of Buddha cut into rock, on the outskirts of Vizag; Thotlakonda near Bheemli town, 50 kms from Vizag, which was a popular exchange post for Buddhist culture between India, Sri Lanka and South East Asia in ancient times, and the site of a Hinayana Monastery; Bhattiprolu in Guntur, the site of an ancient Mahachaitya Stupa from Sala Kingdom; Dantapuram in Srikakulam district which was a popular religious centre; Pavuralakonda in Vizag district which was an ancient Buddhist settlement; and 17 other Buddhist excavation and settlements sites. Tourism department officials proposed to extend the 100 per cent exemption of the luxury and entertainment tax for 2 years, which as of the 2015 tourism policy is valid only for 3 years. Officials informed the Chief Minister that to promote local tourism, the regional cooking contests will be held in Vijayawada and Tirupati this month and in Vishakhapatnam in February 2017.
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AP CM to head sub-committee on DEMONITISATION While welcoming the decision on demonitisation, the Chief Minister left no stone unturned in ensuring the common man did not suffer due to the impact.
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to face it in a challenging spirit. He, however, expressed his unhappiness over the difficulties people continue to face even 12 days after demonetisation of high value currency notes.
ndhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu will head a committee of Chief Ministers to suggest measures to reduce hardships caused to the common man by demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes by the Modi government.
To overcome the problems post scrapping of the high value currency of Rs 500 and 1,000, the State Government is planning to distribute free mobile phones to people, particularly the economically backward classes to undertake cashless transactions, Naidu said.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley invited several Chief Ministers, including Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, to be part of the panel. The panel is also expected to work on ways to move towards a cashless economy. Another CM tapped for the committee is Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who has not joined the Opposition’s protests against the note ban and has offered issue-based support to the BJP government. Arun Jaitley called Chandrababu Naidu on the phone to ask him to head the panel, according to reports. Chandrababu Naidu, an ally of the BJP, had been seeking a ban on high value notes as a way to combat black money, much before the Centre came out with the move. He welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision on November 8 to scrap Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes, but questioned the introduction of a Rs 2000 note.
CM stands by notes ban
Demonetisation problems are temporary but the gains in the long run will be fruitful, Naidu said, listing the steps taken by his government to help the people in this situation. The Andhra government has adopted several innovative ways to solve the problems of the people and become a role model state in the country in cashless transactions. The steps taken by the state government include setting up of four committees to oversee cashless transactions, arrangement of 19,000 e-PoS (point of sales) machines involving students and self-help women’s groups and starting a mobile application ‘AP Purse’. The Chief Minister urged the people to endure the currency crisis for some more time to come and asked them DECEMBER 2016
Naidu, who had been holding teleconferences with bankers and officials to ensure that problems of people are minimised, announced the decision to set up four committees to oversee cashless transactions, Jan Dhan bank account and Rupay dealings and overall expenditure. Naidu said the government was planning to start a mobile app - 'AP Purse' - to provide short term, middle term and long term benefits to the people. "I want to make Andhra Pradesh the first state in the country to adopt cashless transactions," said Naidu. While terming as unfortunate that the demonetisation problem has prolonged, he lauded the people for having patience by being in such long queues at banks and ATMs. He asked the people to make effective use of mobile currency, online transactions and debit and credit cards and Rupay cards. He wrote to Union finance minister Arun Jaitley, seeking more funds of smaller denominations to the state to ease out the problems of people. He asked the bankers to review the situation constantly with their top officials through teleconference, till the problem eased out. “This crisis has hit us hard. However, any crisis gives us opportunities to do better and emerge stronger. We will ensure that we carefully take into account the issues of the unbanked population who need to be trained and try to come up with solutions for a better and brighter India”, he said.
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SOCIAL MEDIA is the new
BAttLEgrOUnd
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Social networking platforms have turned into new avenues for Tollywood celebrities and their fans to stake their claim for supremacy. Here's a sneak peek into the world of shares, likes, hashtags and viral videos.
DECEMBER 2016
book/Twitter to getting scores of people tweet about the film to spread the word, film marketing itself is undergoing a sea change. In Bollywood, this sort of marketing has become so advanced that tweets appear more than a month before the actual release of a trailer or poster. With Tollywood and Kollywood taking a cue from Bollywood, social media has given rise to its own set of 'influencers', who have thousands and at times, lakhs, of followers who rely on the influencer's tweets for information.
#DhruvaTrailerStorm, #WKKB, #2PointOFirstLook‌. the list is endless. If you are wondering what exactly are these phrases...well, welcome to the world of social media, especially Twitter and Facebook, which has become a preferred destination for movie buffs to voice their opinion, showcase their love and admiration for their favourite stars among other things. There was a time when the 'first look' of a film was enough to get people excited about what's in store for him. However, today, a mere launch of a poster or trailer isn't enough. Its success is judged by how viral it goes. The more the number of views on Youtube or shares/likes on Twitter and Facebook, the better the response. For instance, take the trailer of Ram Charan, Rakul and Arvind Swami's Dhruva, which began trending on Twitter as #DhruvaTrailerStorm. The trailer got 3.5 million views in less than three days, which is an indication of how strong the buzz is about the film. On a similar note, the first look of Shankar's upcoming film 2.0, starring Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar and Amy Jackson, was trending on Twitter for more than a day. While that's the case on Twitter, on the other hand, Youtube too has become a crucial parameter to judge the pre-release hype of any given film. Every other week, there's some news or the other that a certain film has been viewed more than a million times in a short duration. This, in turn, turns into an important marketing tool to grab more eyeballs before the film's release. Over the past 2-3 years, the trend has become so visible that producers and filmmakers have made social media promotions an integral part of the promotional campaign of a film apart from banking on print, electronic and traditional marketing.
In Tollywood, one of the films that has continued to intrigue people's imagination long after its release is Baahubali. And the success story of Baahubali is incomplete without mentioning its social media strategy. The makers began sharing info about the film and engage the audience a year before the film's release. And it generated so much buzz on the internet that everything that was happening (related to the film) on social media had a positive impact in the real world. As the film's release date approached, scores of people began tweeting how tough it was for them to get tickets (some even shared pictures of people standing in half-a-mile long long queues to get the tickets) and it fuelled more hype for the film just three days before the release. Unlike others, the team didn't let go their advantage on social media after the film's release. With Baahubali - The Conclusion slated for release on April 28, 2017 and plans to expand into TV series, comic books, gaming among other things, social media will continue to buzz with news about Baahubali. The presence of scores of celebrities on social media too has lent credence to the medium. This, in a way, is an emulation of real world where stars and their fans engage in some sort of discussion. So, everything that the star does or says has an impact on his/her followers. Pawan Kalyan, one of the top stars in Telugu cinema, uses Twitter to talk about politics and social issues in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Since everything he tweets is coming directly from him, without any filtration and misinterpretation, the impact is much more than other instances, where people get a second hand information about him. Meanwhile, Mahesh Babu, Nagarjuna tweet about their films and when it comes to actresses like Samantha, Shruti Haasan, Kajal and Tamannaah, they use their social media platforms to talk about things like movies, art, music, travelling and fashion depending on their interests. Considering all these things, it has empowered millions of people with information to draw the battle lines and engage in an argument with their rivals, so to speak, about movies, success and failure etc. Everything is magnified, every achievement looks bigger than what it is, every failure is blown out of proportion‌social media is now a beast that can't be tamed anymore. And at the same time, it has changed the nature of conversations and that is its biggest power.
Right from organising Live Q&A with a celebrity on FaceDECEMBER 2016
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- hemanth kumar CR 27
SWACHH SURVEKSHAN
2017 Workshop
33 cities of AP gear up for survey
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wachh Survekshan 2017 is a survey to be conducted between January 4 and February 4, 2017, to evaluate 33 cities in Andhra Pradesh by collection of data from municipal bodies, data collected from direct observation by a team and citizen feedback. All these three put together have 111 parameters and the maximum marks that a city can get are 2,000. The ranking will be announced on February 15, 2017. The whole daylong workshop, which was conducted recently for all civic officials of the 33 cities, set the ball rolling for Swachh Survekshan 2017. The workshop was organised by the Union Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD), in collaboration with Vijayawada Municipal Corporation. The workshop was aimed at apprising the officials about the parameters of Swachh Survekshan. “The Swachh Survekshan is going to be carried out in 500 cities, 472 cities which are having more than one lakh population as per the 2011 census, 7 cities which are the capital cities of State/UTs but have population of less than 1 lakh, 21 other cities which is less than 1 lakh but in near an important river or is of religious importance,” J B Ravinder, advisor, Central Public Health & Environmental Engineering Organization (CPHEEO) told the session.
spective urban local bodies and capture the progress towards achieving Open Defecation Free status. The main aim of the workshop was to encourage large scale citizen participation and create awareness among all sections of the society about the importance of working together towards making towns and cities a better place to live in. “It is important to realise that the administrative and technological machinery can work only up to a certain extent. What is needed here is participatory governance seeking commitment from the communities and people as well. Construction of toilets only is not going to ensure cleanliness. There has to be utilisation of toilets as well by the people. This can be made possible by bringing changes in social, attitudinal and behavioural aspects of the people,” Dr Sanghamitra Bhattacharya, National PMU- Swachh Bharat Mission, said. The survey being conducted by the Quality Council of India this time has increased its ambit from 73 to 500 cities and the incentives various players involved by rewarding the cities performing better, rewarding RWAs and workers at the grassroot level, D. Muralidhar Reddy, Managing DirectorSwachh Andhra Corporation, said.
According to him, Swachh Suvekshan2017 is aimed at assessing and ranking 500 cities and towns based on levels of sanitation and efforts made by the re-
He further said, the total marks of the survey is of 2000 marks out of which 900 marks is on documentation, 600 on citizen participation and feedback and 500 on the evaluation by an external agency. Out of 900 marks for documentation, 380 marks are for garbage man-
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agement, 180 marks are for the abilities to convert that trash into energy; 135 marks are for the construction of private toilets and another 135 marks are for the public toilet construction. And there are a few parameters like bringing awareness among the public etc. Followed by this, the officials from Municipal Corporations of cities like Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam shared their experience under Swachh Bharat Mission and the visible changes in the condition of these cities. "The need is to change the mindset of public because only with public support we can achieve our target of total open defecation free city. We would work hard and perform our best to get better ranking in the competition," G.Veerapandian, the Commissioner of Vijayawada Municipal Corporation, said. Meanwhile, the Commissioner GVMC, M Hari Narayanan told that experience was good as they came to know about activities going on in other cities. In the end, the officials also showed the staff six presentations which were sent by the ministry of urban development carrying the details of this Survekshan, swachh bharat app launched for citizens grievance redressal mechanism, toll free number 1969 for citizens call center, SBM thematic drives etc. Mayors, deputy mayors, mission directors, municipal commissioners, executive officers, sanitary inspectors and engineering department and administrative employees from the cities took part in the workshop.
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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 and those on him.
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AMAZING ANDHRA PRADESH
belum caves the stone age heritage! 30
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DECEMBER 2016
N
estled in the hinterlands of Andhra Pradesh in the midst of a rocky terrain abounds in limestone formations belonging to the Kurnool series of the Cuddapah system, which comprises shales, slates, limestones, sandstones, and quartzites, a prehistoric site, called Belum caves in Kolimigundla Mandal (Kolimigundla village) of Kurnool district, is uniquely preserved. These rock shelters tell us the stories of Palaeolithic (Old Stone Age) era and exhibit the earliest traces of human life in India. According to the citation of the official website of Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC), ‘Belum Caves is the second largest cave in Indian subcontinent and the longest caves in plains of Indian Subcontinent, known for its stalactite and stalagmite formations’. India’s first longest underground cave system is 21.5 km long Krem Um Lawan cave in Meghalaya. As the remnants of vessels discovered in the caves were scientifically dated to 4500 BC, the Belum caves are stated to be thousands of years old. Belum Caves derives its name from the Sanskrit word Bilum (meaning ‘cave’). The underground caves have three well-like sinkholes, of which the central one has been altered by APTDC into the main entrance with a trim flight of steps for people to enter. The concrete staircase into the cavity is about 30 feet below ground level. The visitors should ease themselves through some of the really tight passages. As visitors get lower, the stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations awe them to no end. The stalactites hang from the ceiling of the cave like icicles while the stalagmites are found in myriad formations on the cave floors. The local villagers familiar with the caves named some of the landmarks inside the caves as Simhadwaram, Kotilingalu, Mandapam and Pathalaganga. Simhadwaram (a natural archlike formation where the stalactites look like the head of a lion) into a narrow passage that leads into a large chamber known as the ‘Kotilingalu’, so called because it has thousands of stalagmites and stalactites that look like lingas. The deepest point of the cave
DECEMBER 2016
system is a descending passage to Patalaganga. At Pathalaganga, there is a small perennial stream flowing from the southeast to northwest, disappearing and believed to be heading towards a well at the Belum village, located 2 km away from the caves.
The unique feature of Belum Caves is the metallic sounds that its stalactites make when tapped on. Saptasvarala Guha (musical chamber) has this feature, as the metallic sounds the stalactites make when hit with a wooden stick or one’s knuckles.
the trail of rediscovery The Belum Caves were originally discovered in 1884 by a European surveyor Robert Bruce Foote. Nearly after a century, a team of German speleologists headed by H Daniel Gebauer conducted a detailed exploration of the caves. As the caves have great archaeological as well as geological importance, the then Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N T Ramarao declared the entire area as protected in 1988. In the regime of Nara Chandrababu Naidu as the CM of AP, APTDC took charge of the caves in 1999 for beautification and maintenance. APTDC cleared up the slush inside, fashioned pathways, provided illumination and laid oxygen shafts before making the caves accessible to the public. The well-planned illumination rids the caves of its claustrophobic feel and creates a brightness that enhances their grandeur.
visiting hours
Belum caves are open on all days from 10 am to 5 pm. Visitors are not allowed to venture into the caves on their own. There are many guides who take groups of 10 to 15 at a time for a guided tour of the caves.
how to get there
Belum caves are located in Kolimigundla Mandal (Kolimigundla village) of Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, about 106 km from Kurnool, 85 km from Ananthapuramu, 270 km from Bangalore and 320 km from Hyderabad. Frequent buses connect Kurnool with Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and other major cities in the southern part of India.
where to stay
The APTDC operates Punnami Hotel in the vicinity of Belum Caves. The accommodation offered is a 32-bed dormitory, which is comfortable and clean. There is also a restaurant and a small shop operated by Andhra Pradesh Tourism at the entrance to Belum Caves. One can find accommodation at Tadipatri (30 km) and Banganpalli (20 km), the nearest towns to Belum Caves. Kurnool (106 km) and Anantapuramu (85 km) are other places, which have good hotels.
- B Sivakumaraiah, APRO, Nandyal
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HAPPENING AP ASI museum gets Buddhist umbrella
A Buddhist Chaitya Chaitram (Umbrella) dated back to the 2nd Century A.D was handed over to the Archaeological Survey of India’s Buddhist museum at Ghantasala village in Krishna district. The family of Ch. Rama Deekshitulu of Siddhantam village possessed the umbrella since six decades, and had recently decided to hand it over to the government for conservation. The umbrella made of Datchepalli stone bears an inscription in Pali language and style of the script has been identified as ‘Brahmi’. The inscription talks about donation of the umbrella by Deekshitulu family to the Buddhists.
u.S. official interacts with entrepreneurs
U.S. Consul-General in Hyderabad Katherine B. Hadda interacted with women entrepreneurs of the Vasayva Mahila Mandali (VMM) and enquired about their business activities. She also visited the orphanage being run in the VMM premises. Ms. Katherine, who assumed charge last month in Hyderabad, was on her first visit to Vijayawada on Monday. VMM president Chennupati Vidya told the visiting dignitary how the organisation, established in 1969, had been conducting various training, literacy and entrepreneurship development programmes for women.
Sailing club on krishna
Volga Sailing Club has been floated on the banks of river Krishna to cater both recreation-seekers and wannabe professionals. Buridi Madan Mohan Rao, an ex-Indian Navy officer, has chosen Vijayawada as his destination to promote water sports with the support of Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department. After serving the Indian Navy as Chief Petty Officer, Madan, along with three others, has anchored one large keel sail boat for elders who wish to learn sailing as recreation and five Optimist (dinghy) sail boats for children of above eight years.
dilip Buildcon bags EPC order
Dilip Buildcon has been declared as successful bidder (L1) by the Ministry Of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India for the project ‘rehabilitation & up-gradation from km 108/850 to 160/200 of Rayachoti - Kadapa Road of NH 18 (New NH 40) two lane with paved shoulder in the state of Andhra Pradesh on Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) mode at a project cost of Rs 198.00 crore having length of 51.350 km and completion period of 18 months.
Godavari urban authority soon 32
East Godavari district Collector H. Arun Kumar released
the notification for the formation of the Godavari Urban Development Authority (GUDA) consisting of Kakinada and Rajamahendravaram municipal corporations, Peddapuram, Samalkot, Pithapuram and Gollaprolu municipalities and 203 villages spread over 20 mandals.’ The detailed notification was available on www.eastgodavari.nic.in and public could give their feedback on the proposal within 30 days from the date of notification.
AP Bill a Financial Bill, rules kurien
Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien on Friday ordered removal of The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2015, from the house register on pending bills since it "is a financial bill" and ended further discussions on it forthwith. "After going through the Bill's provisions carefully, and considered advice of the Ministry of Law and Justice, I hold the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2015, is a financial bill within the meaning of Clause(1) of Article 117 of the Constitution," Mr Kurien announced in the house.
State hardsells tourism
The Government of Andhra Pradesh hard made its presence felt at the World Trade Market in London by showcasing the State as a dream destination. Andhra Pradesh Tourism wing set up a stall in the pavilion to showcase the “Sunrise State of Andhra Pradesh” as part of the country’s Incredible India programme. Officials held deliberations with representatives of global tour operators, travel agencies, tourism hotel groups, tourism investors, travel writers of the U.K, tourism specific associations and delegates of Indian origin and invited them to visit Andhra Pradesh, particularly the new capital, Amaravati.
AP to introduce heli service to temple towns
As part of its efforts to promote temple tourism in the state, Andhra Pradesh government is set to introduce helicopter services to important temple towns from Vijayawada. Summit Aviation, a private operator, will operate the helicopter tours, while the state government will provide necessary logistical support, including ‘darshan’ for pilgrims in important temples like Tirumala. According to Principal Secretary (Revenue-Endowments) J S V Prasad, Summit Aviation will initially operate heli-tourism services from Vijayawada to Tirupati and Srisailam. The state government directed collectors of Krishna and Chittoor districts to build helipads in Vijayawada and Tirupati on a war footing so as to launch the copter services soon.
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DECEMBER 2016
ITC partners with NhAI for green highways
ITC has partnered with the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) for developing green highways under National Green Highway Mission (NGHM). ITC's Paperboards & Specialty Papers Division will develop a project for tree plantation, focused on productive as well as conservation attributes, on the available stretches of NHs located in Andhra Pradesh. Two stretches have been identified for the pilot phase, with a total NH length of about 264 Kilometers. "The first stretch on NH 40 from Kurnool to Kadappa is of 114 Kilometer, with an estimated plantable area of 100 hectares, while the second stretch on NH 44 from Hyderabad to Bengaluru is of 149 km, with an estimated plantable area of another 100 hectares," ITC said.
Family health insurance scheme
The Andhra Pradesh government plans to introduce a family health insurance scheme in the state from January 1. A family can avail of the scheme by paying Rs 100 premium per head. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said that Andhra Pradesh will be the first state to implement such a scheme. He added that the World Health Organisation, Bill Gates Foundation and other noted health organizations will be involved in the scheme. He promised that best global health insurance practices will be introduced. Officials have been asked to complete premium collection and enrollment within two months to launch the scheme that is estimated to cost Rs 160.56 crore
No delimitation of constituencies for now
The Centre has once again poured cold water on the hopes of political parties in the State by reiterating that there was no proposal to increase the number of seats in the AP and Telangana Legislative Assemblies. Replying to a query from TDP member TG Venkatesh in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Gangaram explained that increasing the number of Assembly seats requires an amendment to the Constitution, which he pointed out, may not be possible in the near future. “The AG opined that as per Article 170 (3) of the Constitution, the total number of seats in the Assembly of each State shall not be readjusted till the first Census is published post the year 2026.
Grupo Antolin to set up shop in Amaravati
Grupo Antolin Engineering Design Centre has come forward to set up its unit in Amaravati. The firm is known for manufacturing automobile interiors. At present, the company is supplying interiors to Audi and Mercedes Benz cars. The company’s representatives scouted for
DECEMBER 2016
land at various places in the State and have decided to set up the unit in Amaravati. The representatives on Thursday met Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to discuss their investment plans. The company plans to set up its designing unit at Medha Towers in Gannavaram. It is planning to start with 120 employees and increase the strength to 400 in a phased manner.
Cashless travel in RTC buses
Making it easy to travel by Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) buses, the government has introduced use of e-PoS machines at Pandit Nehru Bus Station. Travellers can use their credit, debit or RuPay card to buy or book tickets at the bus stand now. To begin with, 50 machines have been placed in Vijayawada and Guntur but soon the process will be replicated in all districts across the State, according to a statement released by the APSRTC.
Four new urban bodies set up in AP
The Andhra Pradesh government on Friday notified four new urban development authorities. It has sought public opinion on the proposed new bodies that will come up in Anantapur-Hindupur, Kurnool, Nellore and Kakinada (Godavari) under the AP Metropolitan Region Urban Development Authorities Act, 2016. The Anantapur urban development authority will extend over Anantapur municipal corporation and Hindupur and Dharmavaram municipalities. It will also comprise 177 villages. The Kurnool urban development authority will have jurisdiction over Kurnool municipal corporation, Nandyal municipality, Gudur Nagar Panchayat and 111 villages. The Nellore urban development authority will comprise the five urban local bodies of Nellore, Kavali, Naidupet, and Sullurpet, besides 156 villages. The Godavari urban development authority (GUDA) will cover Kakinada and Rajahmundry municipal orporations, Samalkot municipality, Peddapuram municipality, Gollaprolu Nagar Panchayat and 204 villages.
AgriGold property worth Rs. 7,326 cr. attached
The Economic Offences Wing of the Crime Investigation Department probing the inter-State fraud allegedly committed by the AgriGold Group of Companies said on Saturday property worth about Rs. 7,326 crore (as per market value) had been identified and attached in Andhra Pradesh. However, the government value of the attached property was Rs. 2,635 crore. CID Additional Director General Ch. Dwaraka Tirumala Rao said cases had been registered in various police stations across Andhra Pradesh in January last year.
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Andhra Pradesh retail trade Policy 2015-2020
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ndhra Pradesh is the first state to unveil retail policy in the country. The state, which currently accounts for nearly 8 per cent of India's total retail market of 13 million stores, hopes to attract at least Rs 5,000 crore investment by 2020.
Simplification of labour laws
Food and Grocery business retail enterprise shall be included under the Andhra Pradesh Essential Services Maintenance Act as ‘Essential Services' to dissuade strikes.
Electronic Bills
Retail giants such as Walmart, Future group, Spencer's and Arvind Lifestyle are among those who have agreed to set up large format stores, involving an aggregate investment of at least Rs 1,500 crore. Together, they promised to provide at least 25,000 new jobs.
For enhancing traceability of transactions and need to save paper, organized retail enterprises shall be allowed to have option to issue bills (tax invoices) to consumers in an electronic mode and thereby replace physical printing of paper.
Make Andhra Pradesh one of the most preferred destinations for retail trade in India.
GoAP will work with retail associations to encourage local sourcing from Andhra Pradesh through buyer-seller meets.
i. Attract new investments worth Rs.5,000 crore in the sector by 2020.
i. Projects with an investment of at least 100 crore or direct employment generation of 2,000 will be accorded mega retail enterprise status. Such investments will include setting up of at least one of the following components–large distribution Centers, Warehouse and Retail Enterprise.
Objective Targets
ii. Create 20,000 additional employment opportunities in the sector by 2020.
Policy Applicability
The policy will be applicable to all Retail Enterprises which fulfil any one of the following criteria: i. Retail Enterprise shall have an annual turnover of 1 crore or more ii. Retail Enterprise shall directly employ 10 or more people on full time basis at all times.
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local Sourcing
Mega Retail Enterprise
ii. The Government will extend tailor-made benefits to mega retail enterprises to suit particular investment requirements on case-to-case basis taking into account the gestation period, locational aspects, technology automation, project’s importance to the state’s economic growth and its ability to generate large scale employment for people or revenues for the state.
ANDHRAPRADESHMAGAZINE.COM
DECEMBER 2016
IN PICTURES
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Pic 1: Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu inspecting the IVF technology-using facility for the conservation of our indigenous Ongole Bull. Pic 2 Chief Minister inaugurated FICCI Higher Education Summit in Delhi.
Pic 3: Katherine Hadda, US Consul General in Hyderabad, called on the Chief Minister in Vijaywada and discussed on opportunities in AP.
Pic 4: A high-level business delegation from Andhra Pradesh, led by its Economic Development Board (EDB) CEO J Krishna Kishore, participated in the Cross-Border Investment and Trade Fair at Guizhou Inland Opening-up Pilot Economic Zone in China.
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