Andhra Pradesh English Sept 2017 by Andhra Pradesh Magazine

VOW FOR A HAPPY STATE

ndhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu unfurled the tricolour in the state-level Independence Day celebrations at Tarakarama stadium in the temple town of Tirupati. Speaking on the occasion, he vowed to complete construction of Amaravati, the capital city, and develop the State as a Gateway to the East with six airports within three years and eight ports within a decade. The Chief Minister said concerted eﬀorts were on to transform AP into a Happy State by 2029. The stunning feats performed by Andhra Pradesh special police personnel on the occasion attracted the visitors at the 71st Independence Day celebrations.

The ceremonial parade comprising 12 wings, including three battalions of APSP, Tamil Nadu State police contingent, Prohibition and Excise dept, NCC boys and girls, Kalikiri Sainik School, Bharat Scouts and Guides, AP Social welfare residential educational institutions, AP Red Cross and AP Sainik Welfare department made the event colourful. The Chief Minister, who inspected the Guard of Honour, also gave away awards to police personnel, besides felicitating freedom-ﬁghters. After the bifurcation of the united Andhra Pradesh State, the AP government has been choosing diﬀerent places every year to celebrate the Independence Day.

CONTENTS When a preface becomes a piece of literature

Honoured as Son of Soil

Vice-President of India M Venkaiah Naidu received a rousing welcome from the Andhra Pradesh Government in Vijayawada during the civic reception in his home state.

Housing plans for judiciary and govt staﬀ

9 23

CM’s work on irrigation receives praise CM’s Social Network

AP will approach Centre to provide quota to Kapus Happening Andhra

First phase of Purushothapatnam completed Araku gets makeover

Foundation laid for King’s College Hospital

Reforms launched for an industry friendly AP

Belum Caves: Nature’s canvas of art

E-Pragati services to go online from Oct

CM lays foundation for first FDI project

28 State-of-the-art Police HQ inaugurated

Various developments across the State of Andhra Pradesh.

Guts & Glory

ANDHRA PRADESH

Published Monthly In English & Telugu Volume:12 September 2017 Issue:3 Salivahana Era 1939

Commissioner S Venkateswar IIS Editor Ramesh Babu Kandula Executive Editor Naresh Nunna

Cover Page Venkaiah Naidu Portrait (By S Sankara Narayana)

Second Cover 71st Independence Day Celebrations Third Cover Month in pics

Fourth Cover APIIC Advt on Sunrise State

Published by: Information & Public Relations Department Government of Andhra Pradesh Hyderabad - 500 028 Ph: 040-23300258

Views expressed by various authors in this issue reflect their personal opinions. Design Karthik Beesu

Photos: T.Srinivasa Reddy, Vijayawada Printed at Caxton Offset Pvt. Ltd. Hyderabad Each Issue : Rs 20/Annual Subscription : Rs 220/-

Pulling out all stops on Polavaram

he way Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has been going about pushing the construction of Polavaram project has been exemplary. Conceived in 1941 and foundation laid in 1980, the project, aimed at transforming the economy of the state, got stuck in bureaucratic tangles and political lethargy for a long time. After the bifurcation, the incumbent Government took it upon itself to complete the project on a war footing. However, the task has been mammoth, and the obstacles in the way too many. Legal wrangles, environmental bottlenecks, inter-state disputes, cost escalation and lack of ﬁnances are only a few of the challenges faced by the administration.

After the State Government decided to take over the construction from the Centre, the pace of works has shown admirable progress during the last couple of years. The CM has been conducting a virtual inspection from his oﬃce using CCTVs and drone-mounted cameras every Monday. He has been visiting the project site at least once every month. The CM’s weekly monitoring of the project and his frequent visits to the site have helped better coordination among various agencies involved in the gigantic project.

As the CM pointed out recently in one of his regular reviews of the works, meeting the targets in earthwork, rock excavation and other dam works at this juncture was crucial for timely completion of the Polavaram project. Thanks to his rigorous pursuit, the excavation work is reportedly fast coming to a close. Of the total 1,055 lakh cubic metres, excavation of 755 lakh cubic metres of rock and earth had been completed and there was only 300 lakh cubic metres left to be removed. Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharati and members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Water Resources have expressed admiration at the progress of works.

Even as the revised estimates of the project cost are said to have shot through the roof from Rs 16,000 cr to around Rs 58,000 cr, the much needed funds are being released by the Centre in a trickle. The State has already submitted the detailed project design, which is crucial for release of monies. With a little help from the Centre, which is bound to bear total expense of the project under the AP Reorganisation Act, the Chandrababu Naidu Government will pull out all stops to complete Polavaram in record time.

Ramesh Babu Kandula Editor

www.andhrapradeshmagazine.org Email: apchiefeditor@gmail.com www.ipr.ap.nic.in

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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SEPTEMBER 2017

ARAKU gets MAKEOVER vasis to utilise locally available resources to multiply their income. Organic foods were in great demand and tribal farmers could use manure to grow vegetables, rice and other crops. The export potential of the popular Araku coffee should be tapped, he said. The Governor in his speech urged the government to promote tourism in the region. He advised the government to set up nature cure centre at Araku. Narasimhan also exhorted the tribals to educate their children.

he tribal region of Araku is all set to get a makeover. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu announced the sanction of a women’s degree college, an eco-tourism project at an estimated cost of Rs 110 crore with private participation and a double road with central lighting on the main road, among other things in the Agency area of Araku.

Naidu participated in the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People (Adivasi Day) celebrations along with Governor ESL Narasimhan at the NTR Grounds in Allaying fears of the Visakhapatnam. tribals, the Chief

Minister announced that the Government would not take up bauxite mining in the area against the wishes of the local people.

The Chief Minister said that tribal children from AP had scaled Mt. Everest, some of them put up a good show in international archery competitions and now many of the tribal youth were proving their talent in studies by joining the civil services. On the improvement of livelihood of the tribal people, he said coffee plantations along with the inter-crops like pepper and silver oak could give high returns to the farmers. “My objective is to ensure that five lakh acres in the Visakhapatnam Agency is brought under coffee cultivation. Already 1.5 lakh acres is under coffee cultivation.” The CM said the tribal areas were blessed with rich natural resources and clean environment and called upon the Adi-

SEPTEMBER 2017

The CM said the Government will promote Araku as a tourism spot under eco-tourism circuit and develop it under public-private partnership. He also said he would concentrate more on medical and education facilities in the area while developing it as a model tourism destination by restoring its culture.

CM and Governor participating in the Adivasi Day at Araku.

Crafts bazaar

The Governor, during his address, suggested setting up of a permanent crafts bazaar at Araku to showcase the traditions and culture like clothing and jewellery to tourists. Similar bazaars should be opened in all major cities and towns of the country. Araku MLA K Sarveswara Rao outlined development works initiated in the constituency and pending works which needed early action. Minister for Tribal Welfare N Anand Babu, Ministers Ganta Srinivasa Rao and Ch Ayyanna Patrudu, District Collector Pravin Kumar and GCC MD ASPS Ravi Prakash were among those present. No bauxite mining

Allaying fears of the tribals, the Chief Minister announced that the Government would not take up bauxite mining in the area against the wishes of the local people.

Adivasi Health Programme

Meanwhile, Social Welfare Minister Nakka Anand Babu launched Adivasi Health Programme in the tribal welfare department hostel at AT Agraharam in Guntur city on August 2. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said the Government is aiming to provide better healthcare to inmates of tribal welfare department hostels in the state.

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FIRST PHASE OF PURUSHOTHAPATNAM COMPLETED A total of 28 irrigation projects would be completed within next three months, the CM announced.

he first phase of the Purushothapatnam Lift Irrigation Scheme (PLIS) envisaged to take Godavari river water to Yeleru reservoir through the Polavaram left canal has been completed. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on August 15 dedicated the Purushothapatnam lift irrigation scheme first phase to the nation by switching on two motors pumping Godavari waters into Polavaram left canal and from there to Yeleru reservoir. The foundation for this Rs 1638 crores lift irrigation scheme was laid by Chandrababu Naidu himself on January 5. The scheme was aimed at linking Godavari river with Yeleru canal and divert 3,000 cusecs to meet the irrigation and drinking water requirements of East Godavari district and neighbouring Visakhapatnam district. Addressing a public meeting at

Jaggampet , Chandrababu has said that the Purushothapatnam scheme would supply water to 2.15 lakh acres of ayacut in East Godavari district besides meeting drinking

The Purushothapatnam scheme would supply water to 2.15 lakh acres of ayacut in East Godavari district besides meeting drinking water requirements of Visakha city and industrial needs of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. water requirements of Visakhapatnam city and industrial needs of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. Reiterating the Government's commitment ANDHRAPRADESHMAGAZINE.ORG

on supplying water for irrigation for every acre of land in the state by completing the ongoing irrigation projects, the CM said that a total of 28 irrigation projects would be completed within next three months at a cost of Rs 13,000 crore. Already Rs 44,000 crore was spent on these projects, he added. Claiming that both the Pattiseema and Purushothapatnam lift irrigation schemes would benefit 11 districts supplying water for two crops, Naidu said the Government had recognised the need for water security, according utmost priority to Polavaram project. Despite facing heavy odds, he said, the Government was determined to complete Polavaram project by 2019 and supply water to Polavaram canals for irrigation by gravitation. Two pumps, each with a capacity to lift 350 cusecs of water, were ready and would start lifting 700 cusecs from the Godavari. Stating that his Government was dedicating one irrigation project to the State on every Independence Day, Naidu said it would be the turn of Polavaram irrigation project next year. He said the government granted Rs 550 crore for taking up repairs to all irrigation projects. After 40 long years of wait, the people of East Godavari would get irrigation facility to 2.15 lakh acres spread over Rajanagaram, Peddapuram, Prattipadu, Pithapuram, and Jaggampeta through the Purushothapatnam project.

SEPTEMBER 2017

PARLIAMENTARY panel visits ANDHRA

CM’s work on irrigation receives praise crops in one crore acres of land and provide micro-irrigation to one crore acres by the end of the current fiscal.

he Parliamentary Standing Committee (PSC) on Water Resources lauded the efforts of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for efficient water management and construction of irrigation projects.

During a meeting with the Chief Minister at his camp office, the PSC members felt that the vision of Naidu in terms of conservation of water resources and efficient water management was a role model to the entire nation. As part of studying the progress of irrigation projects, the PSC came to the State for inspection of Polavaram project, Pattiseema and Purushothapatnam lift irrigation schemes and Thotapalli project. Naidu conducted a virtual inspection of Polavaram project along with the committee members and said that by making use of advanced technology, the Government had been continuously monitoring the groundwater level, rainfall and examining the weekly forecasts of soil moisture and rain at the project site. Stating that groundwater level should be a priority for the nation, Naidu said that his Government had SEPTEMBER 2017

taken up works of one lakh farm ponds (out of a target of 10 lakh ponds) to boost groundwater level and facilitate irrigation. Reiterating that top priority was being accorded to the early completion of the Polavaram project, which was declared a national project by the Centre, the Chief Minister explained that every Monday, a review meeting is held to discuss the

“The committee is extremely happy with the pace of works here. We have inspected the spillway concrete works and radial gates making,” chairman of the ninemember committee, Hukum Singh, said. progress on Polavaram and other irrigation projects. Naidu said that the Government had set a target of increasing cultivation of horticulture ANDHRAPRADESHMAGAZINE.ORG

The meeting held between officials of the Water Resources, Central Water Commission and State Government discussed matters regarding Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP), Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM), Command Area Development and Water Management (CAD&WM), rain water harvesting programme, packing drinking water industry and its effect in the State. PSC chairman Hukum Singh, members Siddhant Mohapatra, Aparupa Poddar, V Sathyabhama, Ananda Bhaskar Rapolu, Pradeep Tamta, Balwinder Singh Bhunder, A V Singh and Harshvardhan Singh Dungarpur attended the meeting. Minister for Water Resources Management Devineni Uma Maheswara Rao, MPs Maganti Venkateswara Rao and M Murali Mohan were also present. This meeting is a part of a study visit conducted by the Standing Committee on Water Resources in Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Chandigarh and Shimla, from 18 to 23 August. Later, the members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee made a whirlwind tour of the Polavaram Irrigation Project and expressed satisfaction over its progress. The chairman of the nine-member committee, Hukum Singh, stated that Andhra Pradesh would become a state with surplus water reserves by the year 2019, as the functioning of the Polavaram Project would be commenced as per schedule.

Airports Authority outbids GMR for Bhogapuram International Airport

CM and B R Shetty at the foundation laying ceremony for Medi City at Amaravati.

he Airports Authority of India has pipped GMR in bagging the mandate for developing the greenfield Bhogapuram airport in Andhra Pradesh. “In the financial bids, AAI offered a revenue share of 30.2 per cent as against GMR’s 21.6 per cent, thereby managing to outbid GMR for development of the airport,” Ajay Jain, Principal Secretary Industries, Energy and Infrastructure, Andhra Pradesh Government said.

ndhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation stone of the first Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) project in Andhra Pradesh. The B R Shetty group of Abu Dhabi is setting up Medi City-an all in one destination for medical needs in Amaravati, the new capital of Andhra Pradesh. Padma Shri award recipient and business tycoon B Raghuram Shetty

said. The CM explained that the new initiative aims to make this Medi City a state-of-the-art facility. He said, “They are going to invest 6500 crore in the project for which foundation is laid today. As many as 400 medical seats will be created. Every year 500 placements will be created. Further, a 1000 bed hospital will be set up that will serve free of cost. The group will invest another 6000 crore at next level.”

is investing $2 billion in the project. Chief Minister Naidu said the farmers cooperated with the officials while negotiating for the project.

The Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board (APEDB) says this is the beginning of FDIs into the state. J Krishna Kishore, CEO of APEDB, said, “Many more FDIs will start materialising in Andhra Pradesh soon.” The BRS Group plans to complete the first phase of the construction by next year.

CM lays foundation for

FIRST FDI PROJECT

“Farmers of this area thought wisely and responded to my call for cooperation after state bifurcation. They have given 35,000 acres of land to the Government immediately,” he

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“The empowered group of secretaries will present the details of the financial bids and respective offers made by AAI and GMR. It is for the State Government and Cabinet to finalise the offer,” he said. Only AAI and GMR were left in the fray where GVK Power & Infra and Essel Group were the other participants in the initial stages and in the pre-bid meetings. While AAI and GMR submitted their technical and financial bids, the GVK Group backed out. The Rs 2,260.73-crore Bhogapuram airport project will come up about 40 km from Visakhapatnam in the Vizianagaram district under the public-private partnership initiative. The international airport project has secured environmental clearance and the land for the airport has been allotted by Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation. As per plans, in Phase-I, an airstrip is proposed to be developed which will have capability to operate a wide bodied aircraft like AirbusA380 aircraft. The AP government had formed a special purpose vehicle Bhogapuram International Airport Company Ltd to execute the project under the PPP mode.

SEPTEMBER 2017

HOUSING PLANS for judiciary and govt staff Total cost of development housing is Rs 1,991 cr

ital city must be prepared to accommodate 2 lakh people.” Officials of the CRDA also reported other developments of the Amaravati city plan to the Chief Minister. The contract with Fosters and Partners has been issued to the British firm, and work has begun in the capital. There is an increase of 40% of allowance on the labour charges in the projects. The MoUs with the revised estimates will be submitted and signed by the authority soon.

RDA has come up with plans for housing of the judiciary, MLAs, AIS, gazetted and nongazetted officers and government staff in Amaravati. The plan includes 4,016 units in total, out of which 3,820 units are multi-storeyed apartments. The total cost of the housing will be Rs.1,991 crore.

Out of the apartments, 300 units have been allotted to MLAs costing Rs.386 crore and 130 for AIS officers costing Rs.167 crore. The plans for the apartment layouts were pre-approved by officials, and made vaastu compliant. The APCRDA will be taking up the planning, design and execution of the staff housing project on behalf of the Government. The Chief Minister also ordered the officials to allocate housing for media persons in Media City, a part of the capital’s masterplan. The CM reviewed all the plans, and approved them. He encouraged better speed in the construction of the projects and reminded the officials that every building must look unique. He said, “By the end of the year 2018, the capSEPTEMBER 2017

The Chief Minister was also informed about the progress in the Sakamuru Park project. A workshop will be held soon, gathering stakeholders and identified vendors. The final proposals for the iconic bridges on Outer Ring Road and Inner Ring Road will be presented soon.

MoU with British Geological Survey

The Chief Minister met the representatives from British Geological Survey, a part of the Natural Environment Research Council. They are keen to play a role in the development of Amaravati, by advising the state on all aspects of geoscience and providing impartial geological advice to industry, academia and the public. The MoU includes a100% grant, commissioned by the world-leading geological survey. The agency aims to dedicate a proportion of the core funding/research to the UN’s sustainable development goals.

Japanese MNC to invest Rs.1,000 crore in Sri City

he Chief Minister approved of a manufacturing project proposed by Toray Industries Inc., a Japanese multinational corporation. The company will invest Rs.1,000 crore for the manufacture of technical textiles in Sri City, as part of Toray’s India expansion plan. Their preferred site for the plan is spread across 109.35 acres in Chitoor district, which will be the largest Japanese company footprint in Sri City. Important delegates who took part in the discussion include Yukichi Deguchi (Senior Vice President and the General Manager), Katsuyuki Takao (Director), Shigekazu Suenaga (MD), Ajay Singh Sirohi (Head Strategic Planning) and Jaasthi Krishna Kishore (CEO of AP Economic Development Board). The project will provide direct employment to more than 100 people, and indirect employment to around 300 to 400 people. Toray also informed the officials that foundation stone for the project will be laid in the next year.

The association with Amaravati is a part of the agency’s plan to set up an Asian Research and Innovation Hub. They have picked Amaravati among 3 cities in Asia, to act as lighthouses; Hanoi and Kuala Lumpur being the other two.

Toray Industries is known to be the leading manufacturer in fibers and textiles, performance chemicals, carbon fiber materials, life science and environment & engineering. They have expanded across 25 countries with their net sales overseas adding up to 9.5 billion dollars, as of March 2017.

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Foundation laid for

King’s College Hospital

Arrival of UK's leading hospital a boost to health tourism CM, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel and others at the foundation ceremony

hief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation stone for King’s College Hospital, which is coming up in Amaravati, by Indo-UK Foundation at an estimated cost of Rs 1,600 crore. “With the project, Amaravati gets its largest investment in the health sector,” said Naidu, adding that the first phase of the hospital would be inaugurated on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti on October 2. Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel and Member of Parliament of UK Andrew

Mitchell were also present on the occasion. Naidu said that he aspires to make the State a Medical hub. The new capital of Amaravati is going to be the Medical Tourism Hub in near future, he said. Chief Minister announced that yet another 20 medical colleges are coming to the State soon. “Kings is one of the world’s most famous hospitals which has come to Amaravati the headquarter for all the future projects of that group in the country,” the Chief Minister said. “India and United Kingdom had government-to-government agreement for developing 11 Indo-

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SEPTEMBER 2017

UK Institutes of Health (IUIH) in India by Indo-UK Healthcare Private Limited. It will create over 10,000 job opportunities in the health industry. The first phase of King’s College hospital with nursing school, NHS oncology unit and liver transplant unit will be ready in the next two months and I want it to be inaugurated on October 2,” Naidu said. “The hospital will also have PG medical centre, IBM Asia data analytics centre, implant manufacturing industry and many more health essentials,” the Chief Minister The King’s Medical added. Union Minister of College enables the State for Health and Family CM’s goal of making Welfare Anupriya Patel said, the state a medical “Andhra Pradesh is redefining access to health by makhub in the near future. ing advanced medical Plans are afoot for treatment available at affordsetting up as many as able price, boosting medical 20 medical colleges tourism.” “We are hopeful of a bright future as UK’s Naacross the state. tional Health Services is one of the finest integrated healthcare systems in the world. I am glad that AP have got UK’s expertise in training, research, innovation and clinical delivery, the forefronts of any modern healthcare system,” she said. Asserting that it is a great privilege to be part of the project, Andrew Mitchell, Member of Parliament, United Kingdom, said, “It is a wonderful project which is going to help transform the lives of millions of people. It is in the finest tradition of the long standing relationship between Britain and India.” As a part of government-to-government agreement on developing of 11 Indo-UK Institutes of Health (IUIH) in India by Indo-UK Healthcare Private Limited, the IUIH, AmaraSEPTEMBER 2017

vati, has proposed to set up the first KCH in Amaravati. Besides, it will house the headquarters and some common facilities for all the 11 institutes to be developed across India. King's College London is a public research university located in London and a constituent college of the Federal University of London. The proposed IUIH Medicity project in Amaravati is estimated to cost Rs 1,600 crore and expected to create 10,000 jobs. AP Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) said that Amaravati will benefit from UK healthcare expertise with direct links to UK and National Health Services (NHS, London) organisations. The APCRDA said that the State Government proposed to allot 150 acres at Navuluru in Amaravati. Fifty acre will be allotted in the first phase and another 100 acres in second phase. The components for Phase-1 Project in 50 acres which would include 1,000-bed King’s College Hospital, nursing school of 200 seat strength, paramedic training school of 200 students, NHS oncology unit with rehabilitation centre and IUIH supply chain centres. The Phase-2 project in 100 acres will have King's College London Medical College, Zimmer Biomet PG Medical Centre, IBM Asia data analytics centre, implant manufacturing industry NHS stem cells-translational research and medical centre, five-star and 3-star hotels and 1,000-bed King’s College Hospital. The proposed 1,000-bed hospital is a tertiary care multi-speciality hospital, which will be operated by King’s College Hospital, London. It includes departments like Gastro, Cardio, Ortho, Nephro, Trauma, General, Neuro, etc. The hospital will provide world-class health facilities in Amaravati. Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, an academic faculty within King's College London, will also be set up. The APCRDA said the faculty was the world's first

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nursing school to be continuously connected to a fully serving hospital and medical school. APCRDA said start of construction of hospital and nursing college and post-graduate training academy and Indo-UK clinic would be in 2018 and opening of Indo UK Clinic and Diagnostic Centre will be in 2019. Opening of post-graduate training academy would be in 2019, opening of 250-bed hospital in 2019 or 2020, opening of 500-bed hospital will be in 2022 and medical college will be opened in 2023. The Chief Minister thanked KCH Chairman Lord Robert Kerslake, and IUIH Managing Director and CEO Ajay Rajan Gupta for agreeing to make the facility coming up in Amaravati, the headquarters for 11 such hospitals being established in India at a cost of Rs 17,000 crore.

R&D units

Apart from a medical university, the KCHIUIH Medicity would have dedicated oncology and cancer liver transplantation centres and a host of R&D units. The Chief Minister said the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) being set up at Mangalagiri, a world-class hospital proposed to be established by L.V. Prasad Eye Institute and 13 medical colleges which are on the anvil in the capital region bear testimony to the fact that Amaravati was the most happening place as far as the healthcare sector was concerned. Lord Robert Kerslake said the Amaravati project was a significant step in collaboration of the Indian and British governments, for the development of healthcare in India. Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel said the KCH-IUIH Medicity at Amaravati was the second one to have the foundation laid for, the first one being Nagpur, and promised to extend all possible help for implementation of the projects. First Secretary of International Trade of the British High Commission Haden Spicer, British Deputy High Commissioner Bharat Joshi and A.P. Ministers Kamineni Srinivas and P Narayana were present.

DESIGNS for HIGH COURT and ASSEMBLY Ready

Buddha Wheel to be installed at Varadhi Junction

he Chief Minister reviewed changes in the designs for the High Court and the Assembly buildings submitted by Foster & Partners. The APCRDA announced that 30th September is the target date for the commencement of the project. The Chief Minister insisted that the final outcome must result in iconic and unique buildings. “You can spend more time to thoroughly explore limitations of design, and find solutions. I want the delivery of the project to be perfect”, he said to the firm. In the last meeting with the architects, the proposed designs were a Buddhist stupa for the Assembly, and a diamond-like structure for the High Court. The Chief Minister had asked F&P to interchange the two ideas, as he liked the idea of the Assembly representing the Kohinoor diamond. Fosters & Partners presented a report titled ‘Government work places of the future’ on the designs of proposed government buildings in Amaravati to Chief Minister. Naidu suggested that the government offices in the capital city and those of corporate entities should be modelled on the lines of the iconic structures of Google and Infosys. He wanted facilities to be created for the recreation and relaxation of those visiting Amaravati for different purposes. The designers told the Chief Minister that quality, choice and flexibility were the salient features of their plans.

Varadhi Junction

Officials proposed the designs for a structure of the “Buddha Wheel” at the Varadhi Junction. The Chief Minister approved of the 40 feet high structure, entirely carved out of sandstone. The construction of this structure will take 4 months, and the estimated cost of the sandstone is Rs 9 crore. By January 2018, the landscaping, finishing and transporting of the structure is scheduled to be completed.

Sakamuru Park

The boundaries of the 250-acre park were proposed to be a compound wall and a grill, 50 feet away from each other. The Chief Minister said that the park must remain without a compound wall or a grill. “Make the park free, and ideate for an elevation that surrounds the area. The park should not be closed. It should resemble a township”, he said. v

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SEPTEMBER 2017

AP power companies adopt Bharat QR

Digitization of transactions will ultimately lead to a reduction of costs for all stakeholders involved,” said Nara Lokesh, Minister of IT and Rural Development. be 1.7% of its GDP, while accelerating the country’s economic growth,” said TR Ramachandran, Group Country Manager, Visa, India and South Asia.

wo major power distribution companies of Andhra Pradesh have started acceptance of electricity bill payments digitally via BharatQR, becoming one of the first discom companies to adopt this mode of payment. BharatQR launched by the Reserve Bank of India, is a QR code based interoperable payment method and accepts payments via all four major payment networks, Visa, Mastercard, RuPay and American Express. Both Eastern Power Distribution Company of Andhra Pradesh and the Southern Power Distribution Corporation of Andhra Pradesh have started accepting QR code based payments. This development assumes significance in the context of the less cash smart city initiatives of the Government of Andhra Pradesh in collaboration with Visa.

"Further, in keeping with the promotion of digital payments, we are exploring the possibility of abolishing surcharge levied to consumers on digital payments. Digitization of transactions will ultimately lead to a reduction of costs for all stakeholders involved,” said Nara Lokesh, Minister of IT and Rural Development, Government of Andhra Pradesh. “Visa is humbled to have had the opportunity to steer the launch of BharatQR, the world’s first interoperable QR code standard that can help achieve India’s less-cash vision. A low-cost acceptance solution, BharatQR has the potential to drive payment digitization at scale, and be a convenient way to pay and get paid for both consumers and merchants alike. Further, digitization of such citizen to government payments at scale, would significantly help reduce India’s net cost of cash estimated to

In a statement to the press, Visa said that along with the Government of Andhra Pradesh through the lesscash initiative, Vizag Digital Dhan Sankalp, have identified electricity bill payments as an important use case for payment digitisation. Given their wide reach, recurring nature of transactions and low ticket sizes, such payments are expected to drive shift in consumer behaviour towards digital payments; in particular, among first-time users. Bharat QR is a secure, networkagnostic interface that enables customers to use their smartphones to make payments without divulging information like card numbers and CVV. To use Bharat QR to pay their electricity bills, customers will simply need to log in to their bank’s app, and scan the QR code displayed on their electricity bill, enabling instant payment. Alternately, customers may enter their unique Customer IDs online and generate a QR code that can be scanned using their bank app. BharatQR code, the world's first interoperable payment acceptance solution, was launched in March last as part of efforts to move towards less-cash economy.

Naidu urges Nadda to release funds for AIIMS

hief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu urged Union Health Minister J P Nadda to expedite release of financial assistance for early completion of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) near Mangalagiri in Guntur district. Naidu, who invited Nadda to his residence during the latter’s visit to the State, also said the Centre should release funds promised to Andhra Pradesh for implementation of other projects. Naidu felicitated him with a shawl and offered him Tirupati prasadam and a packet of Araku coffee prepared by the tribal community in the forest area in Visakhapatnam. SEPTEMBER 2017

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Reforms launched for an

INDUSTRY FRIENDLY AP

A new Public Service Delivery Guarantee Act (PSDGA) proposed

The Government has proposed a new act which will deďŹ ne the competence of authorities, timelines for delivery of services (clearances, approvals, licenses, renewals) and compensation to applicants in case of delay and mechanisms to appeal.

n a bid to further the industryfriendly image of Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has approved the launch of important reforms to guarantee efficient public service. The Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Committee presented the Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP) 2017 and analysed the preparedness of all the departments.

Public Service Delivery Guarantee Act

The BRAP 2017 proposed 40 new services that require a new Public Service Delivery Guarantee Act (PSDGA) or an equivalent legislation. This Act will define the competence of authorities, timelines for delivery of service (clearances, approvals, licenses, renewals) and compensation to applicants in case of delay and mechanisms to appeal. Compensation to applicants will be a penal provision, when officers or departments miss their deadlines. "Such a provision is unheard of, and I ANDHRAPRADESHMAGAZINE.COM

want the people to have nothing less than a 100 per cent efficient government", said the Chief Minister parsing the move of his government.

Industry friendly Government

The EODB committee also proposed that the Single Window Act (2002) will be amended and named Industries Services Delivery Right and Guarantee Act. "Our Government has a long list of industries associated with us, and it will henceforth be our responsibility to maintain good relations with them. All stakeholders must be sensitised to the new reforms, using comprehensive brochures," said the Chief Minister. He requested all the departments to share flowers, sweets or savouries over a pleasant conversation with the companies, and renew their relationship with the government.

EoDB Report

The Ease Of Doing Business reported the status of implementation of the reforms.

SEPTEMBER 2017

Out of 373 reforms, 245 have been implemented, and 128 are under implementation. There are 33 reforms that are yet to be expedited. Automated service restoration in industrial areas will ease the process of obtaining electricity connection; paper-less courts including esummons, e-filing, e-cause lists and e-payment of court fees and process fees; and commercial dispute resolution enablers are among the many reforms that were discussed.

As many as 33 reforms will be introduced to automate various statutory processes for ease of doing business. Overall, out of 373 reforms, 245 have been implemented.

The Chief Minister said that all departments must work towards implementing the reforms as soon as possible. "All officers of all departments must be made aware of our new and strict deadlines. By end of August, all reforms must be implemented, and the EODB committee must meet once in fifteen days to discuss the extent and quality of implementation" added the Chief Minister.

New Industrial Parks

Meanwhile, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) under Ministry of Commerce and Industry has approved two projects under 'Modified Industrial Infrastructure Upgradation Scheme (MIIUS)' for development of industrial clusters at Hindupur (Anantapur) and Bobbili (Vizianagaram). s Upgradation of Hindupur Growth Centre & IP, Gollapuram, Anantapur District Project Cost Rs 54.20 Cr

s Upgradation of industrial Growth Centre, Bobbili, Vizianagaram District Project Cost Rs 30.61Cr

These projects aim to provide road network, drainage, power and water supply networks and some other common services like health centres, canteens, creches, dormitories, parking areas, etc. These projects are likely to be functional by 31st March, 2018. The projects have employment potential of about 5500 persons (direct) and 8500 persons (indirect).

Land allotted to APIIC in Visakha, Krishna

The State Government has allotted land to the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) in Krishna and Visakhapatnam districts for development of industrial parks. The Government has allotted 200 acres for the formation of an Industrial Park at Penta village in Padmanabham mandal of Visakhapatnam district. The APIIC will have to utilise the allotted land within three years of the orders of alienation. The APIIC will have to submit an annual report before March 31 on the progress of utilisation to the District Collector. SEPTEMBER 2017

To a proposal submitted by the Krishna District Collector, the Government allotted 43.50 acres in G. Konduru village of the district, which is classified as ‘GU Chinnakonda” to the APIIC for establishment of Industrial Park. To another proposal, the government allotted 50 acres at Gudimetla village in Chandralapadu mandal of Krishna district free of cost to the APIIC for establishment of an Industrial Park. The Government also allotted 10 acres land at Bhimavaram village in Vatsavai mandal of Krishna district to the APIIC Vijayawada for establishment of an Industrial Park.

Creating An Ecosystem For Fintech Startups

The AP Government is leaving no stone unturned to make AP the digital state in India. With the fast-paced world of fintech, technology is transforming the conventional financial industry. While addressing a seminar in this regard in New Delhi on August 9, J A Chowdary, Special Chief Secretary & IT Advisor to the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, explained the initiatives of AP government and its programs that are driving fintech and blockchain space. Chowdary highlighted the Andhra Pradesh’s new startup initiative, Fintech Valley Vizag, a flagship initiative which intends to bring together industry, academia, and investors to innovate, co-create, and build the fintech ecosystem, with the intent of making Visakhapatnam the fintech epicentre of the world. “Andhra Pradesh Govt intends to catalyse fintech sector’s growth by hosting global business competitions and awarding innovation,” said Chowdary. Apart from this, the Global Blockchain Summit 2017 marks the next leg of the journey, after the Fintech Spring Conference 2017 in March 2017. This will be a two-day conference and expo that aims to connect, the blockchain community, government bodies and the industry stakeholders, working on blockchain technologies to create business and investment opportunities. Not only this, the Government of Andhra Pradesh and other governments from countries such as Dubai, Estonia, USA, and Australia will be showing their case studies on blockchain and its implementation within the government. Chowdary is hopeful that the AP Government will be able to create as many successful fintech startups as they can through these initiatives. Chowdary said AP Electronics and IT Agency (APEITA), an autonomous institute formed by the government, had tied up with GITAM University and Broadridge of the United States to introduce jobready courses in blockchain technology. He said J C Bose Institute of Cryptology would set up a centre in Visakhapatnam.

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Tech Hub in

Vizag

As part of our plans for IT industry, we'll have 90 lakh sft dedicated to the sector in the next 18 months & create 1 lakh jobs in 2 years - Lokesh Nara jobs by 2019, he said the Tech Hub itself would house about 4,000 employees by March 2019. Earlier, he interacted with the promoters of the new companies that started their operations at the Tech Hub.

Millennium Tower

Lokesh said the Millennium Tower, which is under construction to create a built-up space of two lakh sft at the sea-facing Rushikonda, would be ready for allotment of space by October. Wipro, which has a technology centre opposite Tech Mahindra, would provide jobs to 3,500 people. Tech Mahindra would employ nearly 1,000 people in the next few months on its expansion. Reiterating the government’s commitment to create one lakh IT jobs in Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Amaravati, and other places in the State by 2019, he said they were keen on promoting next generation technologies in the city.

oosting the image of Vizag as a commercial and technology centre, IT Minister Nara Lokesh launched Tech Hub at the 11-floor new building of Tech Mahindra, which was taken on lease by the AP Electronics and IT Agency (APEITA).

Later, he handed over allotment letters to BPOs – Patra India BPO Services and WNS. The two global BPO firms will get two floors each with a built-up space of over 30,000 sft. WNS, which currently employed 900, will add 1,600 in the new facility, taking its total manpower in the city to 2,500. Patra BPO has at present 1,600 employees, and the new facility, as part of its expansion, will create 800 jobs.

IT units inaugurated

The Minister, who earlier launched eight IT units — Amzur, Digipub Apex, ID Analytics, InsuranceBox, Inventrax, VGS-Provigil, Virtual Offshore, and Vismaya Premedia — said in less than two months, the Tech Hub would have two large BPO companies to add close to 2,500 jobs by March 2019. He said Tech Hub had further space for two more companies. Stating that they were keen on developing the ecosystem in the city by providing 70,000

Special Chief Secretary and IT Adviser to Chief Minister J A Chowdary said that the new companies that were allotted space at the Tech Hub would specialise in blockchain, Internet of Things, analytics, and artificial intelligence. He said the inauguration of Tech Hub was a red letter day in transforming Visakhapatnam into an IT hub. NRI affairs adviser Ravi Vemuru, APEITA CEO (Promotions) Tirumalla Chamalla, GITAM University president and MLC M.V.V.S. Murthi, District Collector Pravin Kumar, and IT Association of AP president Ravi Eswarapu were present.

Kapuluppada Project

A world-class IT city on the lines of Cyberabad of Hyderabad will be developed at Kapuluppada on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam. The first phase of the layout taken up in 158 acres would be completed by March, 2018, the IT Minister said. Once the layout was developed the Government would allot individuals plots as well as create towers for plug and play facilities. Necessary infrastructure would be created by roping in BOT operators and realty firms, he said.

Vizag, the Growth Driver

Speaking at the the launch of the refreshed edition of The Times of India, Vizag. the Minister declared that it is only Vizag that can drive the growth of the economy of Andhra Pradesh. "Vizag is going to be the important growth driver for Andhra Pradesh. There are no second thoughts about it," Lokesh said while addressing a gathering of eminent personalities of the city.

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SEPTEMBER 2017

E-PRAGATI Govt services to go online from Oct The Chief Minister said four officials from each department were selected from all the 32 departments for the six-week training to be provided by ISB. He stressed the need for using technology as per the present day demand for effective administration. He said by using technology the State Government is able to save 15 per cent in Public Distribution System, 6 per cent in pensions and 25 per cent in scholarships by curbing misuse of the schemes. Speaking on the occasion, Minister for IT and Rural Development Nara Lokesh said that Government is committed to bringing digital revolution in all departments. He said the Government has been using drones to monitor the development works in villages. IT secretary K Vijayanand said all the government transactions will be made available online under e-Pragati.

Now, get pattadar passbook in a jiﬀy

For the first time in the country, farmers in Andhra Pradesh can get their pattadar passbooks in 15 minutes flat at the Mee Seva centres by paying a nominal fee of Rs. 25.

ll the 32 departments of Andhra Pradesh Government will start using the latest technology from October for administration, e-governance, bringing in transparency, and make everything visible online. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu declared 2017-18 as e-Pragati year while inaugurating a training programme for governofficials at Vijayawada. The For the ﬁrst time in ment six-week training programme the country, farmers was conducted by a team from in Andhra Pradesh Indian School of Business, can get their Hyderabad. “The e-Pragati training programme is for AP governpattadar passbooks ment officials to familiarize and in 15 minutes ﬂat update new technologies and its at the Mee Seva usage,’’ said Associate Professor centres by paying Deepa Mani.

a nominal fee.

Naidu said that AP aims to emerge as number one state in using technology. He said e-Pragati should be implemented in all departments and all the certificates should be made available online. The use of new technology is expected to bring transparency in administration, creation of wealth and employment. For instance, AP developed a mobile app to predict exact location of lightning strikes which helps the administration to alert and prevent loss of life.

SEPTEMBER 2017

They need not make rounds to the offices of the Revenue Department to get the passbooks that would be printed from the government’s ‘Meebhoomi’ portal. Launching the passbooks along with National Informatics Centre Director-General Neeta Verma and other officials on Saturday, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said Andhra Pradesh stood as the role model in digitisation of its departments under the e-Pragati project, and a stage had been reached where files could be cleared through the mobile phones. He suggested to the officials to adopt the e-Office-2 architecture, which was yielding impressive results in public governance around the world. Chief Commissioner of Land Administration Anil Chandra Punetha said the passbooks would be printed on the basis of pattadar authentication, land records’ validation through Webland, Mee Seva operators’ authentication, unique e-pattadar passbook numbers, QR codes, MROs’ digital signatures, and IP addresses.

‘Bhusodak’

Punehta informed Naidu that an App, ‘Bhusodak’, was developed to verify the land records and the owners’ identity. The Field Map Book (FMB) digitisation process was in full swing, Punetha said, adding that so far 39 lakh records had been digitised and digital village plans were being prepared.

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Kanyasulkam 125 years

WHEN A PREFACE BECOMES A PIECE OF LITERATURE

preface or a foreword to a piece of literary work may sometimes itself acquire a cult status. Gurazadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s preface to the second edition of Kanyasulkam, regarded as an alltime classic in Telugu literature, is one such gem of a writing that stands the test of time like the play itself. Whether it is his commentary on the plight of Telugu drama production, his playful satire on the lack of book selling enterprise in Telugu, or his passionate advocacy for elevating the spoken word in literary writings, Gu-

razada makes a telling commentary on the contemporary Telugu social, cultural and literary inadequacies. In the Telugu country, he says with tongue firmly in cheek, an author has generally to be his own publisher. The povery of invention in regard to complex social conditions of modern life that he complains of remains relevant even to this day. But this statement on the importance of spoken idiom in creative writing brings out the genius of Gurazada both as a writer and as a social reformer into sharp focus:

My own vernacular, for me, the Living Telugu, the Italian of the East in which none of us is ashamed to express our joys and sorrows, but which some of us are ashamed to write well. Literature in the Vernacular will knock at the door of the peasant, and it will knock at the door of the Englishman in India. Its possibilities are immense. On the occasion of 125 years of the composition of Kanyasulkam, we reproduce the second preface to the play that remains a classic to this day.

PREFACE To THE SECoND EDITIoN KANYASULKAM Gurazada Vemkata Apparow Pamtulu, B.A. It was my original intention to reprint the play with slight alterations but at the suggestion of my friend Mr. S. Srinivas Iyengar, for whose literary judgements I have great respect, I recast it. In the process, it has gained considerably in size. In its present shape it is almost a new work. The first edition was a marked success. The press gave it a cordial reception and hailed it as an event in the history of Telugu Literature, and men, women, and children read it with interest. The only exception was Mahamahopadhyaya K. Venkataratnam Pantulu Garu who cannot stand two things in this otherwise perfect world -Social Reform and Spoken Telugu. The first edition was exhausted in a few weeks and there has since been a constant demand for copies. I long postponed the worry of a second edition and undertake it now only at the importunity of friends.

In the Telugu country an author has generally to be his own publisher and bookseller. There is no book-selling enterprise, and what book-reading enterprise there is, is

due entirely to the exertions of that venerable body, the Board of Studies. The Christian Gospels do not speak of an eleventh commandment "Thou shalt read!" but it is given to the Telugu Board of Studies to command "Thou

ANDHRAPRADESHMAGAZINE.ORG

SEPTEMBER 2017

The Christian Gospels do not speak of an eleventh commandment "Thou shalt read!" but it is given to the Telugu Board of Studies to command "Thou shalt read!" and straight thousands of unfortunate young men read books that no mortal can read with proďŹ t or with pleasure. shalt read!" and straight thousands of unfortunate young men read books that no mortal can read with profit or with pleasure. When I wrote the play, I had no idea of publication. I wrote it to advance the cause of Social Reform and to combat a popular prejudice that the Telugu language was unsuited to the stage. Itinerant Maharata troupes staged Hindi plays in the Telugu districts and made money. Local companies copied their example and audiences listened with delight to what they did not understand. The bliss of ignorance could not have been more forcibly illustrated. Kanyasulkam gave little scope to vulgar stage attractions such as flaring costumes, sensuous dances, bad music and sham fights; yet it drew crowded houses and vindicated the claims of the vernacular. I am glad to find that Hindi plays are on the decline. But the condition of the Telugu stage can, by no means, be considered to be satisfactory. There are no theatres worth the name, and no professional actors who practise acting as an art. There are not many good plays either. Modern life which presents complex social conditions is neglected by playwrights except for purposes of the broadest farce and poverty of invention is manifested by the constant handling of threadbare romantic topics. Few writers display any knowledge of technique. Such a low level of literary workmanship is a matter for wonder after fifty years of University Education and domination of Western Culture, and it can be attributed only to the defective teaching of English Literature in our Colleges. A better state of things cannot, perhaps, be expected until a strong sense of duty impels English Professors and Educational Officers to cultivate the vernaculars. The Telugu intellect is also seriously handicapped by the tyranny of authority -of a highly artificial literary dialect, a rigid system of alliterative versification, and literary types which have long played out. I shall say a word here about the literary dialect. Since I wrote the preface to the first edition, the Spoken Dialect has gained ground. My friend, Principal P.T. Srinivas Iyengar, recently started a Telugu Teaching Reform Society among the aims and objects of which the cultivation of Vernacular Telugu holds a prominent place, and Mr. Yates, whose name will always be remembered in the Telugu districts for the introduction of rational methods of teaching into our schools, has lent weight to the movement by accepting the PresiSEPTEMBER 2017

dentship of the Society. I cannot understand how modern writers fail to see the merits of Spoken Telugu, its softness which elicited the admiration of foreigners, and its range of expression. At this moment, the best prose in the language is in the Spoken Dialect. Strange as it may sound, Telugu prose owes its origin and development not to the patronage of kings or to the influence of foreign literatures, but to the exertions of a curious Englishman who stimulated compilation of local histories in the vernacular during the early years of the last century. The Mackenzie collections, no doubt, comprise tracts of unequal merit but for the rhythm, flow, and directness some of them beat the best work in the Literary Dialect, and what is rare in Telugu literature, they reflect the mind of the people and bear impress of the times. Unconsciously possibly, Rai Bahadur K. Viresalingam Pantulu garu rendered great service to Telugu by issuing as the first volume of the collected works, adaptations of English acting plays and farces of Indian life written in vernacular of various degrees of purity, and the choice does credit to his shrewd common sense, because that first volume contains his very best work, in fact, his only work that took the public by storm. The credit of deliberately introducing the vernacular into Telugu drama in keeping with Sanskrit tradition belongs to my friend V. Venkataraya Sastri Garu whose Prataparudriyam owes not a little of its charm to dialogue in the dialects. I believe my play is the first ambitious work in the spoken dialect and certainly it has not failed, but success or failure of individual authors is no test of the capacity of a language. While the vernacular is thus gaining recognition, the Literary Dialect itself is approximating to the Spoken Dialect in the best modern prose which manifests great freedom of usage. Rai Bahadur K. Viresalingam Pantulu Garu, the most Prominent figure in the Telugu World of letters at the present day, has set the example of laxity in the observance of the Law of interchange of soft and hard consonants after drita nasal. Hardly a modern writer would escape censure if judged by rules of grammar and established usage, and in the schoolroom, Pandits have relaxed insistence on rigid observance of rules of sandhi. The moral of this tendency to break through traditional restrictions is clear. The old Literary Dialect is felt to be an inconvenient instrument, and there is an un-

ANDHRAPRADESHMAGAZINE.ORG

conscious effort to form a new Literary Dialect. My complaint is that the movement is illogically slow. I view the Telugu Literary Dialect as a great disability imposed by tradition upon the Telugus. Let those who love fetters venerate it. My own vernacular, for me, the Living Telugu, the Italian of the East in which none of us is ashamed to express our joys and sorrows, but which some of us are ashamed to write well. Literature in the Vernacular will knock at the door of the peasant, and it will knock at the door of the Englishman in India. Its possibilities are immense. No argument in favour of a Vernacular Literature is needed with persons who are conversant with the history of English Dialects and the Prakrits, and I know it is not arguments that will evolve a New Literary Dialect for Telugu. A great writer must write and make it. Let us prepare the ground for him. The cause of Social Reform has received strong support from a recent decision of the Madras High Court in which a full bench consisting of Chief Justice Sir Arnold White, and Justices Miller and Munro ruled: "That a contract to make payment to a father in consideration of his giving his daughter in marriage is immoral and opposed to public policy within the meaning of section 23 of the Indian Contract Act." I had to contend with one difficulty in printing this book. There are many sounds in the Spoken Dialect which are not represented in the Telugu Alphabet. In the present state of Telugu phonetics, I had to content myself with indicating such sounds by a horizontal line placed over the nearest symbols; and I employed the arthanusvara after a nasal va. The creation of new symbols and their adoption into type can be effected only after a more widespread recognition of the Spoken Dialect. My best thanks are due to Messers G. Ramaswami Chetty Co., who carefully undertook to adopt my innovations, and did their part of the work to my entire satisfaction. ELK HILL HOUSE OOTACAMUND 1st May 1909

Ruling Party secures Nandyal seat

nce in a while, a by-election can become a test of the ruling party’s image in the public. The Nandyal Assembly by-election was fought bitterly, as the opposition YSR Congress Party made it a prestige issue. After an intense campaign, marred by exchanges of harsh criticism, the poll was held on August 23. The result was a resounding victory to the policies of the Government. The Telugu Desam Party won the seat with a margin of more than 27,000 votes.

The election was necessitated following the death of Bhuma Nagireddy. In a do-or-die battle, TDP candidate Brahmananda Reddy and YSR Congress Party candidate Silpa Mohan Reddy carried out vigorous campaign, with their respective party leaders pitching strongly for their nominees. The election was keenly watched by media as well as political observers, given the high political stakes involved. It was widely believed that the winning candidate would have a marginal victory, but contrary to expectations, the ruling TDP candidate secured sizeable majority.

CM To RELEASE AMARAVATI DECLARATIoN

P Legislative Assembly Speaker Kodela Sivaprasada Rao said that “Amaravati Declaration”, aimed at empowerment of women, has been finalised and will be released by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu soon.

The Speaker said that the committee, under the leadership of Transport, Roads and Buildings Department Principal Secretary Sumita Dawra, prepared the Declaration after taking into consideration the opinions voiced by several women during the National Women’s Parliament (NWP) held from February 10 to 12 at Pavithra Sangamam near Vijayawada. Rao said that the advisory committee earlier prepared the draft copy of Amaravati Declaration and after a crucial meeting in August, they prepared the final declaration after making some minor changes to the draft declaration. v

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SEPTEMBER 2017

State-of-the-art

POLICE HQ INAUGURATED C

hief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated the AP Police Headquarters building complex constructed on the NH-5 in the AP Sixth Battalion premises. The Director General of Police and Crime Investigation Department(CID) offices occupy the second, third and fourth floors in the building.

Maintaining a corporate look, the HQ boasts of doubleglass doors and windows. All the cabins are air-conditioned. The DGP chambers are made of bullet-proof glass. Also, bio-metric system is installed at several rooms to ensure attendance system. From now the DGP office will be shifted to Mangalagiri and it will work from here. AP Police headquarters on the Vijayawada-Guntur highway in Mangalagiri has a host of modern security equipment. The AP State Police Housing Corporation Limited (APSPHCL) has completed the construction of the fivestorey police headquarters in a record time of 10 months at a cost of Rs 40 crore. The centrally air-conditioned building is having all the modern facilities including canteens, reception halls, work stations and rest rooms in every floor where about 500 staff members will be working. The police headquarters constructed in 1.1 lakh sq ft plinth area with hills located behind and overlooking the National Highway has been built with global standards where the offices of the CID and DGP will be located. The DGP hopes to instil the right work ethic in the department and also ensure the officers' happiness. Digital transformation is also underway where they hope to digitise all the records in the near future. Latest computers with high-end configuration are now available even for junior officials. DGP said that AP police have been known to use technology to the optimum. Andhra Pradesh Police are among the top in the country and can face any situation, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu complimented after inaugurating the newly constructed five storied building Naidu said that ‘Octopus’ and ‘Greyhounds’ teams are added strength to the police and they rank among the top in the country with their operations. He added that 52 out of 195 police awards were won by our state which shows their commitment. Mr Naidu appreciated DGP N. Sambasivarao for constructing such a huge, SEPTEMBER 2017

modern building. “This building was very nice and I feel like hijacking the building and setting up my office here,” said Mr Naidu in a lighter vein. The CM said that the Government is focused on the welfare of police and every policeman should own a house. Maintaining one’s health is essential for cops, he added. “The Octopus drill was marvelous and I am proud of those who performed in Tirupati. Our guys are better than robots,” said Naidu. He asked the police to conduct monthly crime reviews and think out of the box. “Policing should be visible and the police should be invisible, Naidu added.

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Tribute

DR SARVEPALLI RADHAKRISHNAN The Philosopher President

ne of the most learned scholars and statesmen Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan became President of India in 1962. He had asked his students and friends, who were seeking permission to celebrate his birthday, to consider celebrating it as Teachers’ Day. "Instead of celebrating my birthday, it would be my proud privilege if 5 September is observed as Teachers' Day," he said. Since then, his birthday is celebrated as 'Teacher's Day' in India. Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born on September 5, 1888, in a middle class family in the pilgrim town of Tiruttani. It was a Telugu-speaking region later merged in Tamil Nadu. He went to school at Tirupati and then Vellore. Later, he joined the Christian College, Madras, and studied philosophy. In April 1909, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was appointed to the Department of Philosophy at the Madras Presidency College. Thereafter, in 1918, he was selected as Professor of Philosophy by the University of Mysore. By that time he had written many articles for journals of repute like The Quest, Journal of Philosophy and the International Journal of Ethics. He also completed his first book, The Philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore. In 1921 he was appointed as a professor in philosophy to occupy the King George V Chair of Mental and Moral Science at the University of Calcutta. He represented the University of Calcutta at the Congress of the Universities of the British Empire in June 1926 and the International Congress of Philosophy at Harvard University in September 1926. He was the Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University from 1931 to 1936. In 1936 Radhakrishnan was named Spalding Professor of Eastern Religions and Ethics at the University of Oxford, and was elected a Fellow of All Souls College. That same year, and again in 1937, he was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature. In 1939 Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya invited him to succeed him as the Vice-Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University (BHU). He served as its Vice-Chancellor till January 1948. When India became independent in 1947, Radhakrishnan represented India at UNESCO (1946–52) and was later Ambassador of India to the Soviet Union, from 1949 to 1952. He was also elected to the Constituent Assembly of India. Radhakrishnan was elected as the first Vice-

Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan drawn by Bujjai and signed by Radhakrishnan in Telugu as "Radhakrishnayya".

President of India in 1952, and elected as the second President of India (1962–1967).

Great Teacher

'Teachers' Day' was a tribute to Dr Radhakrishnan's close association with the cause of teachers. Whatever position he held whether as President or Vice President or even as Ambassador, Dr Radhakrishnan essentially remained a teacher all his life. The teaching profession was his first love and those who studied under him still remember with gratitude his great qualities as a teacher. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who was one of his closest friends throughout, said about Dr Radhakrishnan: "He has served his country in many capacities. But above all, he is a great Teacher from whom all of us have learnt much and will continue to learn. It is India’s peculiar privilege to have a great philosopher, a great educationist and a great humanist as her President. That in itself shows the kind of men we honour and respect." Bharat Ratna, the highest award of the nation, was conferred on him in 1954 in recognition of his meritorious service to mankind.

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SEPTEMBER 2017

AP will approach Centre to provide quota to Kapus

he Andhra Pradesh Government will recommend the Centre for providing reservation to Kapu community under the backward classes category as soon as a commission on the issue submitted its report, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said. "The commission report will be submitted soon and the cabinet will approve it. And then we will send it to

The Government is working on Kapu reservation in such a way that other BC communities are not aﬀected, the Chief Minister said. the Centre seeking reservation for Kapus in education and jobs," he said addressing a meeting of the community here. He said due care would be taken to ensure the existing reservation structure for backward classes was not affected by the move. The state government had constituted Justice Manjunatha Commission last year to look into the issue. SEPTEMBER 2017

------------------

"I will take responsibility for ensuring social justice and extend reservation to Kapus. We have already initiated a number of programmes for their welfare through the Kapu Corporation," Naidu maintained. Deputy Chief Minister N China Rajappa, Power Minister Kala Venkat Rao, Telugu Desam Parliamentary Party leader Thota Narasimham, party MPs and legislators attended the meeting. “No other political party has the commitment for uplift of the Kapus except the Telugu Desam Party. Some forces are trying to divert the attention of the Kapus by making attempts to create ruckus out of nonissues. Beware of such forces and be with the TDP,” the CM told the Kapus during his road show in Kakinada for the municipal elections. Meanwhile, Kollu Ravindra, Minister for Law & Justice, said that distribution of stipend for unemployed youth will take another two months as the government has been working on the scheme guaranteed under the TDP manifesto. The stipend would be somewhere between Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000, the Minister said and added that the Government would hold two more meetings to finalise the modalities of the scheme.

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Minimum wage to temple priests under consideration The State Government has spent Rs 200 crore in the last three years for the welfare of the poor among the Brahmins, Endowments Minister P Manikyala Rao said. The Government expended not less than Rs 58 crore in the financial year 2016-17 to benefit 33,162 Brahmin families. Manikyala Rao laid the foundation stone the ‘Kailasam’ guest house proposed to be built with 120 rooms at Bharadwaja Theertham by the Srikalahasti temple board. On the ‘Divya Darshanam’ scheme meant to provide free transportation and stay of the Hindus at 13 places of religious significance in the State, Rao said it had received encouraging response from the devout. “We are going to extend the scheme to 2.6 lakh persons from next year,” he added. While reiterating his resolve to renovate the dilapidated temples, Rao pointed out that the department was experiencing shortage of funds, as 95% of its revenue was being ploughed back to pay salary to staff members and help small temples perform ‘dhoopa, deepa, naivedyam.’ He said the government was considering forming a special fund with Rs 250 crore under the joint control of the Endowments Department and the TTD. The Government was contemplating introducing minimum wage to the priests having an annual income less than Rs 2 lakh. “The priests need not get agitated,” he said. He also disclosed that bhumi puja for the department’s regional office in Tirupati will be performed soon. Poster released

Under the aegis of the Ganesh Nimajjana Committee, the Minister released a poster on ‘clay Ganesha’, an activity meant to create awareness on the need to avoid Plaster of Paris or synthetic colours while making huge Ganesh idols. Endowments Assistant Commissioner D Bhramaramba was present.

CULTURAL CENTRE in VIJAYAWADA

‘Ananda Lahiri’ from the ﬁrst week of September

ALAPATI’S PUBLIC SERVICE RECALLED

oon, Vijayawada will have a cultural centre. The Chief Minister approved a proposal submitted by the Department of Culture, to set up a cultural centre or ‘Kala Bhavan’ in Satyanarayanapuram, Vijayawada. The plot of land has been identified, and the project will cost Rs 10 crore. Officials also proposed the ‘Ananda Lahiri’ plan, a weekly event conducted in all 110 municipalities and corporations of the state. For 4 hours every week, authorities will organise talent shows for professionals, amateurs and students to exhibit and nurture different talents. The Chief Minister readily approved, saying that this will be a successful community building exercise and induce overall morale development of citizens. “Talent will not just be encouraged as hobbies, but the events will help create a platform for building soft power for Andhra Pradesh”, he said. These events will open dialogue to address social evils like dowry, child marriage, gender inequality, drugs, alcohol and caste, as these are the themes assigned for professional artiste performances. The Chief Minister also encouraged the officials to include more activities like sports, artisans and handicraft stalls, classical arts and theatre.

Food Festival

Officials presented the idea of a Food Festival, and have narrowed down to a list of 30 dishes to be promoted. The event will be launched at the Secretariat, inviting the Council of Ministers, Secretaries, Advisors and senior staff. They will also release a booklet, which has been prepared after thorough research of food varieties in the state. The Food Festival will be held in the next month, and is being planned as a large-scale tourist attraction. The Chief Minister said, “First, appoint a Director and conduct thorough research on how we can market the food varieties in our state.” “Make a yearly calendar, marking the important tourism festivals, religious events, conventions and other tourism-related events.” He asked them to ideate further to include creative activities like adventure sports near the Bhavani Islands, shopping complexes, amusement parks, sports activities, streets for handicrafts, Rose Garden etc.

ice-President Venkaiah Naidu unveiled the statue of Alapati Venkataramaiah on the occasion of the centenary celebrations held in Tenali. He recalled Alapati Venkatramaiah’s vision and his activities during the freedom struggle and said his life was an inspiration for future generations. He urged the youth to read the biography of Alapati Venkataramaiah. Alapati was elected four times as MLA from Tenali. In his short life, Alapati had an illustrious public career. One notable and memorable event is his victory in the first Assembly Elections held on 27-31952, when many Congress stalwarts lost in the landslide of communists. He probably was one of the very few people who from 1944 at the age of 27 years took his first position as a director in the GDCC bank, held a position continuously until his death in 1965. He was also the only leader who held many positions including Municipal Chairman, Dist Co operative bank Chairman and an MLA - all simultaneously. He had an early and untimely death in 1965 at a young age of 48 as a minister in Brahmananda Reddy's Cabinet. His political legacy was carried on by his Daughter Doddapaneni Indira who was elected to Tenali assembly seat 3 consecutive times in 1967,1972 and 1978. The programme was organised by former MLA Dr Gogineni Uma and the book was written by Dr Ch Baba Vali Rao. The Vice-President released the book on this occasion. AP Assembly Speaker K Siva Prasad Rao, Social Welfare Minister N Anand Babu, MP Galla Jayadev, MLAs Alapati Rajendra Prasad and D Narendra were present on the occasion.

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SEPTEMBER 2017

SNAPSHoT

SHOWING EMPATHY

n a bid to root out the widespread kidney disease being faced by the villages in Uddanam area of Srikakulam, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu announced a series of measures for comprehensively tackling the problem. The Government accepted the recommendations submitted by a team of doctors from Harvard Medical School. The team from Harvard studied the causes for high prevalence of chronic kidney disease or 'Uddanam Nephropathy', which has claimed many lives in the region during last 30 years. Health officials, in their presentation, said the screening of over one lakh

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people in 176 villages shows the prevalence rate of the disease is 13 percent, which is extremely high according to any standard. Principal Secretary, Health, Medical and Family Welfare, Poonam Malakondaiah, said that 46 per cent of the patients are female and 54 per cent male. She said that each case is recorded and tracked electronically, so that the government can provide the required medical care and attention. Naidu also announced that safe drinking water will be provided to the Uddanam area.

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Literary reminiscences Of

GURAZADA APPARAO PANTULU k k k

- Ongole Munisubrahmanyam Elk Hill House, Ootacamund, 17th May, 1909.

Elk Hill House, Ootacamund, 7th May, 1909. My dear Munisubrahmanyam, I have lost sight of you again. Where are you now? If I do not write to you frequently, it is not because I lack the will, but because I lack the energy. 152 pages of Kanyasulkam are printed. It will exceed 200 pages of small type. Modesty apart, I think, I have made it a great book. The test of it is, I am myself fascinated, with it. It more thoroughly represents my mind than the first edition which came up from the surface. I asked my printers to send you the forms already printed. Please read them carefully, and to your friends and bring to my notice any inconsistencies or absurdities you may notice at once. Also please underline all the words which people in Nellore district do not understand. I shall add them in the glossary. Existing plays in Telugu are poor stuff though some of them do not lack poetic merit and imagination like Mr. Venkataraya Sastri's Prataparudriyam. You will find even in that play whole pages which neither advance the plot nor help to develop character. The one thing I like most about that book is the atmosphere of literary and patriotic romanticism which the poet has successfully conjured up in dramatizing one of the most stirring episodes in the history of our country. But the historical colouring is false and improbabilities transcend literary license. (Thinking that) you have read Prataparudriyam, I have written about it. If you have read Viresalingam's or Chilakamartiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, I shall furnish you with short critiques so that you may gain some knowledge of technique. Wishing you every success. How is (your) father doing? My Pranamas. Are there book-sellers in Nellore and Ongole? Can you arrange for the sale of copies of my books there? I remain, Yours affectionately,

My dear Munisubrahmanyam Pantulu, I was glad to receive your letter. I am surprised at your command of the terminology of criticism. I do not know if I have much to teach you. Do write a review of my play. I shall see that it is published in some Madras Daily when the book comes out. I shall ask the book-sellers Messers V. Ramaswami Sastrulu & Co., Esplande, (Proprietor V. Venkateswara Sastri, a literary enthusiast whose acquaintance you should make) to send some copies to you for presentation and for sale through local book-sellers. Yesterday I sent you my 'Songs of the Blue Hills" and Preface to Kanyasulkam, along with it. I could not write the Telugu grammar (as I have) a great deal to do and my health is not good. I wish you could collaborate with me on my work. What can I say? In a country where there are no openings to intelligent young men, I would recommend literature. Let me see how my literary ventures fare and if they prosper as business. I should take you as my collaborator. I want to follow people who will stick to some place like my friend Mr. G.V. Ramamurti, working in the High School. If he takes it up with you with a place there (...) yourself in your work, because the school will be run as an experiment on modern methods. If you come to Vizianagaram I do not know what help I can do. The inspector of Schools will help us. I think we can help ourselves. Yours very affectionately,

Letters Written by legendary Gurazada to ongole Munisubrahmanyam (1886-1969)

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SEPTEMBER 2017

VENKAIAH NAIDU FELICITATED

Vice-President Honoured as Son of the Soil

ice President of India M Venkaiah Naidu received a rousing welcome from the Andhra Pradesh government in Vijayawada during a civic reception in his home state. The felicitation programme was organized by the state government in honour of a leader who made the state proud by his achievements at the national level.

Governor ESL Narasimhan and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu welcomed Naidu at Gannavaram Airport from where he was taken to the city in an open jeep. Thousands of people including school children were stood along the road to get a glimpse of the Vice President who is a native of Nellore of the state. The state government invited around 5,000 people including Opposition parties and educationists and other eminent persons for the felicitation function of VP arranged at Interim Government Complex in Velagapudi of Amaravati. Speaking on the occasion, Venkaiah Naidu reminded his fight and efforts he put up for the benefit of Andhra Pradesh I will continue to during state bifurcation. Venkahelp Andhra iah Naidu said that chief minisPradesh in the ters of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana should meet often best possible and discuss issues with an open manner in my heart and resolve issues amicanew role as bly. The Vice President recalled his participation in Jai Andhra Vice President. movement in 1972 which had its - M Venkaiah Naidu genesis in Vijayawada and felt that both the Telugu states would have developed with giant strides by now if the state was bifurcated during the Jai Andhra movement itself. "I retired from politics, but not tired. I tried my best to help Andhra Pradesh during state bifurcation which was done unscientifically and injustice was done to the state. I didn't care for the criticism in Delhi circles that I'm working only for Andhra Pradesh ignoring other parts of the country being a Union minister. I will continue to help the state in the best possible manner in my new role as Vice President," he said. Venkaiah Naidu assured that he will uphold the dignity of August role of Vice President and play the role Rajya Sabha chairman effectively. He said he will bring past glory to Rajya Sabha allowing meaningful debates. Chief Minister, N Chandrababu Naidu who spoke on the occasion lauded the efforts of Venkaiah Naidu who worked for the cause of Andhra Pradesh in Rajya Sabha SEPTEMBER 2017

during the state bifurcation. "It was only Venkaiah Naidu who fought for the cause of Andhra Pradesh in Rajya Sabha during state bifurcation,â&#x20AC;? he said. "Venkaiah becoming Vice President is a great opportunity to Telugu people, we are proud of him" the CM said. The Vice-President later laid the foundation stone for Prime Minister Awas Yojna Scheme of Group Housing with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. Under the scheme, more than 2,25,000 houses are to be built for people living below poverty line in Andhra Pradesh. Venkaiah Naidu had sanctioned 2.25 lakh houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana as Union Minister for Urban Development, and now as the Vice-President he inaugurated a pylon of housing scheme near the Secretariat. Naidu said that he will never forget the reception he received, and will live up to the standards of Vice President. "I am a bit sad, as I cannot come and interact freely with you people," he added. Next to former President Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy and former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao, Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu also hails from the Telugu States of Andhra Pradesh.

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World Badminton Championship 2017

guts & glory

In one of the greatest matches in the history of the World Championships, P V Sindhu may have lost the gold medal by a whisker, but widely celebrated for her gritty performance that shone brighter than her silver medal.

f there is glory in defeat, the final match that P V Sindhu played against the Japanese Ninja Nozomi Okuhara in the World Badminton Championship is its ultimate example. She lost the coveted Gold by a whisker, but her gritty play all through inspired a billion fans. Congratulating ‘the daughter of Andhra’ for winning the silver medal, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said, “You are truly an inspiration for the

youth of the nation”. The lanky shuttler gave it her all to the epic, gruelling final, that clocked 110 minutes, but still had to settle for silver in the World Championships. In the one-hour 50 minute slugfest, the longest match of the tournament so far, Sindhu lost the title 19-21, 22-20, 20-22 to Nozomi Okuhara. The 22-year-old shuttlers were involved in perhaps the

ANDHRAPRADESHMAGAZINE.ORG

SEPTEMBER 2017

best women's singles final with all the strokes, dribbles or drives on display. Only six points across three sets separated Sindhu and Nozomi. Sindhu saved a championship point trailing 19-20, but luck deserted her as the Japanese girl scored the next two. Nozomi became the first Japanese women's singles champion while Sindhu is the second Indian after Saina to secure silver. After mowing down Chen Yufei of China in straight sets in the semifinal, Sindhu was the clear favourite in the final. She even played like one and led 11-5 at the break. But Nozomi came back strong, hitting the shuttle hard and returning everything. The Japanese girl surprised the Indian with her guile and retrieving ability. From 10-14, Nozomi came up with an eight-point burst and dominated thereafter. Sindhu started on a strong note after losing the first game and both players indulged in lengthy rallies. With Sindhu ahead 15-13, she won a rally which lasted 43 shots. That gave the Indian a lot of confidence as she powered ahead to 20-17. But Nozomi was so determined that she saved three game points before both players delighted the crowd with the longest SEPTEMBER 2017

rally of the match. Sindhu won that 73-shot rally and clinched the game 22-20. At the start of the third game both players looked tired but their will to win the title kept the contest alive till the last point. The fact that the game itself lasted a good 46 points (the time usually taken to finish three games) is an indication of the intense battle. This is the third medal for Sindhu after the two bronze medals at the 2013 and 2014 championships. Almost a year on from claiming the highest honour in the history of Indian badminton (a silver at the Rio Olympics), Indian badminton queen PV Sindhu claimed silver at the World Badminton Championships. The scarcely believable 73-shot rally, that gave Sindhu the second game, was heart-thumping, to say the least. Sindhu's silver made it two individual medals for India at the World Championships - a first - with Saina Nehwal taking home bronze. On how the final ebbed and flowed “Each point was equally tough, but in the third game when it was 20-20 it was anybody's game, I felt. I have no words. It's been really upsetting beANDHRAPRADESHMAGAZINE.ORG

cause anybody would aim for the gold, and that last moment just changed everything. I'm happy with silver, but that feeling is always there,” Sindhu said after the match. The Badminton Association of India (BAI) announced cash award of Rs 10 lakh for PV Sindhu and Rs five lakh for Saina Nehwal following their medal winning performances in the World Championships that concluded in Glasgow. The social media erupted in admiration at the standard of game displayed by Sindhu in the finals. Minutes after the riveting game ended with a crestfallen Sindhu walked out of the court, twitterati paid her rich compliments. “Pusarla Venkata Sindhu - Remember the name. A role-model for a generation, aged 22. India is proud of u @Pvsindhu1 Most breathtaking finals,” said cricketer Virender Sehwag. “Nobody even bothered about the cricket scores today. @Pvsindhu1 you are a star! And may you keep shining! #Sindhu,” said journalist Rajdeep Sardesai. Meanwhile, there are reports that actor Sonu Sood is planning to produce a biopic on the life of the ace badminton player.

AMAZING ANDHRA PRADESH

BELUM CAVES Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s canvas of art

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SEPTEMBER 2017

elum 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. Belum Caves of Anantapuramu district have long passages, spacious chambers, fresh water galleries and siphons. This natural underground cave system was formed over the course of tens of thousands of years by the constant flow of underground water. Even though the Belum Caves were known to local people, the first records of site come from the expedition report of British geologist and archaeologist Robert Bruce Foote in 1884. From 1982 to 1984, a team of German speleologists headed by H. Daniel Gebauer conducted a detailed exploration of the caves. Thereafter in 1988, the state government declared the site protected, and Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) developed the caves as a tourist attraction in February 2002. Today, 3.5 km (2.2 mi) of the caves have been successfully explored, though only 1.5 km (0.9 mi) is accessible to visitors. There are 16 different pathways, including the main entrance and there are deposits of quartz in the caves. The caves consist of black limestone. The caves reach its deepest point (120 feet from entrance level) at the point known as Pataalaganga. Belum Caves derives its name from "Bilum" Sanskrit word for caves. In Telugu language, it is called Belum Guhalu. Belum Caves has a length of 3229 metres, making it the second largest natural caves in Indian Subcontinent.

SEPTEMBER 2017

other attractions • There is a sizeable Buddha statue on a hillock near the caves. One of the caverns at Belum is known as the "Meditation Hall", which was used by Buddhist monks.

Inside the Caves

• Saptasvarala Guha or Musical Chamber - Saptasvarala Guha means chamber of seven notes. The stalactite formations in this chamber reproduce musical sounds when these are struck with a wooden stick or knuckles. This section was opened to the public in 2006.[7] • Dhyan Mandir or Meditation Hall - This section is near to the entrance. An interesting formation at Meditation hall looks like a bed with pillow to recline. The local legend has it that in ancient times many sages used to live here. This section was used by Buddhist Monks. Many relics of Buddhist period were found here which are now housed in museum at Anantapuramu. • Thousand Hoods - This section has amazing stalactite formations shaped like hood of Cobra. The stalactite formations on the ceiling looks as if thousands of cobras have opened their hoods. • Banyan Tree Hall - This section has a huge pillar with stalactites hanging from the ceiling. This gives a look of Banyan Tree with its aerial roots when seen from below. The locals call it "Voodalamari" since it looks like a Banyan Tree with its aerial roots hanging from the branches

access

The nearest railhead to reach Belum Caves is Tadipatri, 30 km (18.6 mi) away. There are daily trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Tirupati, Kanyakumari, Thiruvananthapuram, Coimbatore and Goa which halt at Tadipatri railway station. From Tadipatri, one can take a bus to the Belum Caves.

accommodation

Andhra Pradesh Tourism 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 Anantapur (85 km) are other places, which have good hotels.

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HAPPENING AP SAAP academies inaugurated

R & B Minister Ch Ayyanna Patrudu inaugurated Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh’s academies for archery and riﬂe-shooting at Sanskruti Global School at Parawada, Visakhapatnam district. Ayyanna Patrudu said the potential of Girijans in archery and ﬁshermen in swimming should be put to good use for getting medals. Principal Secretary, Sports, L V Subrahmanyam said as part of the sports policy physical literacy would be introduced in 60,000 schools. Six SAAP academies- three each for boys and girls- were being launched and those selected would get national and international-level coaching.

300 trees on highway to be trans-located

Following instructions of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, the Andhra Pradesh Urban Greening and Beautiﬁcation Corporation Ltd. (APUG&BCL) has taken up the task of trans-location in Vijayawada. To avoid axing of trees from the Circle to the Ramesh Hospital junction for the construction of ﬂyover at the Benz Circle, the State government has decided to rope in experts for trans-location of trees to villages near Gannavaram. It takes up to three weeks to relocate a fully grown tree after carefully trimming the roots and allowing regeneration. The government has allotted two to three places for trans-location of about 300 trees. It would take a month to complete the process.

SIT to Re-Investigate Ayesha Meera Case

The Andhra Pradesh government ordered re-investigation into the Ayesha Meera murder case. The home department ordered the constitution of a special investigation team, headed by Deputy Inspector General rank oﬃcer. The SIT will include a woman oﬃcer and will be supervised by the commissioner of Vijayawada. Satyam Babu, the main accused in the murder and rape

case, was acquitted by the Andhra Pradesh High Court earlier this year. Ayesha Meera, a 17-year-old student, was found raped and murdered on December 27, 2007 in her hostel in Ibrahimpatnam, Vijayawada.

Lokesh urges Centre to release NREGS funds

Minister for IT and Panchayat Raj N Lokesh requested Union Minister for Rural Development Narendra Singh Tomar to release Rs. 1,351.81 crore towards material budget under the MGNREGS that is due to the State and Rs. 600 crore for the labour budget. In a meeting with Tomar in New Delhi, Lokesh said the Centre should extend assistance for laying 4,772 km of roads in 2,207 habitations that had been wrongly shown by the previous government as connected. A sum of Rs. 165 crore was due to the Swachh Andhra Corporation towards the second instalment for construction of Individual Sanitary Latrines (ISL), Lokesh stated.

Anna Canteens in all municipalities by Sept

The State Government is making all efforts to open Anna Canteens in all municipalities by September first week. The municipal commissioners who visited the Amma Canteens in Chennai and Annapurna Canteens at Hyderabad have submitted their report to the government. The Chief Minister, who wants to open Anna Canteens in all towns and mandal headquarters on October 2, is about to take the final decision soon on the subsidy and number of Anna Canteens per one lakh population.

Rs 220 Cr Project to Vizag

Coromandel International, the country's second largest phosphatic fertiliser player, has received environmental clearance for raising production capacity of its facility at Vishakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. The company's proposal is to raise phosphoric acid production capacity from 700 tonnes per day to 1,000 tonnes per day and

CM with the team that rescued the boy from tubewell

Rescue strategy for tubewell victims

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu asked the oﬃcials to create awareness among the people on the need to report to the authorities concerned about any borewell that has been left uncovered. The CM’s direction came during his interaction with the team that recently rescued two-year-old Chandrasekhar from a borewell at Ummadivaram in Vinukonda mandal of Guntur district. He asked the oﬃcials to document the strategy adopted in rescuing the child as it could be used as case study for future reference. Naidu made a deposit of Rs 2 lakh in the name of the child. The deposit, on maturity after 20 years, would help the child get Rs 20 lakh.

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SEPTEMBER 2017

The new headquarters of TRANSCo, GENCo

TRANSCo, GENCo headquarters inaugurated

Governor E S L Narasimhan inaugurated the new building complex for electricity department’s headquarters in Vijayawada. Speaking on the occasion, the Governor praised the ultra modern facilities provided in the complex. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said that the government is brining the second phase of power sector reforms and focussing on renewable energy such as solar power and wind power. He added that the new building has adopted disruptive technologies such as Sequential Data Control and Data Acquisition, through which the authorities can monitor power management systems.

other auxiliary facilities at Sriharipuram to achieve daily complex fertiliser production of 3,900 tonnes. The Coromandel International's proposal was ﬁrst vetted by an expert panel constituted under the Environment Ministry. Based on its recommendation, the ministry has given a ﬁnal nod to the project, according to a letter issued by the environment ministry to the company. The estimated project cost of the proposed upgradation and installations will be Rs 225 crore.

SDI gets coveted award

Skill Development Institute-Visakhapatnam has bagged an award for being the best institute in innovation of skill development. The award was presented by Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Rajiv Pratap Rudy in Delhi. It was a great moment for the institute to receive such a coveted award within 8 months of its operations at Arilova with the funding from HPCL and seven other public sector oil companies.

AP to lead pan-India campaign

The bureau of energy efficiency under union ministry of power designated Andhra Pradesh State Energy Conservation Mission as the chief coordinating agency for national media committee to campaign for energy conservation and efficiency across the country. APSECM was reportedly chosen after thorough study and deliberations at the national level from among 29 states designated agencies as the chief coordination agency, in recognition of its significant contribution to the field of energy efficiency and conservation in Andhra Pradesh.

Petroleum institute in Andhra Pradesh

A bill providing for setting up of the Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy in Andhra Pradesh was introduced in the Lok Sabha. The institute would be established in Visakhapatnam district in pursuance of the Central government’s commitment for setting up a pe-

SEPTEMBER 2017

troleum university under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014. The Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy Bill, 2017, was introduced by Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan. The institute would provide high quality education and conduct advance research in all aspects relating to the conventional hydrocarbons.

Unemployment dole soon

Minister for Youth and Skill Development Kollu Ravindra said his Ministry was busy preparing guidelines to offer financial assistance to the unemployed youth in the next two months and that Rs. 500 crore was allocated for the purpose. He said another two meetings would be convened to arrive at a clarity over the issue. “The financial assistance will be between Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 2,000 per month. Another Rs. 500 crore will be mobilised from other departments,” he added.

VJA-Masula highway expansion

The expansion works of the National Highway-65 between Machilipatnam and Vijayawada is progressing fast and they are likely to be completed by June 2018. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has initially ﬁxed the target of completing the project — four-lane road on a stretch of 64.61 km — by November 2018. Dilip Builcon Limited has been awarded the project worth Rs. 1,134 crore. The expansion works began in November 2016, to ensure better road connectivity between Machilipatnam and Vijayawada in the wake of the proposed industrial corridor and deep sea port.

AP villages to get plastic roads

The AP Panchayat Raj Department is getting ready to provide plastic pellets to build 45 clusters by October 2. All 661 mandals in AP would be connected with the plastic mixed roads by January 26, said Panchayati Raj commissioner B Ramanjaneyulu.

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chief ministerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

w w

ANDHRAPRADESHMAGAZINE.COM

SEPTEMBER 2017

IN PICS

Pic 1: CM Chandrababu Naidu Inaugurated Municipal Administration & Urban Development Command Control Center for Real-Time monitoring of solid waste management.

Pic 2: The CM met with the Australian Consul General & Delegates from Chennai to discuss various prospects for possible ties between AP & Australia. Pic 3: Avilala housing colony with 360 houses that will provide homes to the poor families of Tirupati was inaugurated by the CM. Pic 4: CM unveiling BhuSeva which will provide services related to Rural, Urban & Forest lands or properties to the citizens, in a well- integrated & transparent way.

Pic 5: The CM garlanding the statue of Andhra Kesari Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu on the occasion of latter’s birth anniversary in Vijayawada.

Pic 6: The CM posing for selfie with Haj pilgrims, after flagging off Haj Buses at Secretariat

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