AP Mag English March 2016 Issue by Andhra Pradesh Magazine

ndhra Pradesh achieved a growth rate of 10.5 per cent in the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) in the current fiscal year despite the severe constraints posed by the unjust division of the State. Disclosing the commendable growth rate of the state rate at the Collectors' Conference held in Vijayawada, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu asked district Collectors

to focus on inclusive growth to achieve a 15 per cent target in 2016-17. He, however, cautioned on the need for inclusive growth. “Inclusive growth is very important and per capita income should also increase. Economic inequalities have to be reduced. Long-term sustainability is vital. Your focus should be on this,” Naidu said.

“Andhra Pradesh started-off with a revenue deficit of about Rs 16,000 crore following the bifurcation of the state in 2014. Still we could achieve a growth rate of 8.39 per cent in 2014-15 and increase it to 10.5 per cent in 2015-16. For the next year, our target is a 15 per cent growth in the GSDP,” he said.

AP juggernAught rolls on....

CONTENTS IFR 2016: A Scintillating Show

No Power Cuts: Chill Out This Summer in AP!

The IFR 2016, while showcasing the prowess of the Indian Navy, has brought together navies from across the globe to Indian shores.

CM makes strong pitch in Mumbai

13 30

Largest FDI in AP power complex

Rs 1,000 crore healthcare city in Amaravati

INS Viraat to be developed as tourism centre

Snapshot

Industrial Strengths of Andhra Pradesh

Amazing AP: Festival of River Krishna

Happening Andhra

Empowering women - Creating Entrepreneurs

Amrut scheme to develop 30 towns in AP

AP turning into a Medical Hub

Chief Ministerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Social Network

Fulfil our dire needs: CM writes to PM

28 Expedite Rail Zone for AP: Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plea

Various developments across the state of Andhra Pradesh.

State to create database of all R&B roads

ANDHRA PRADESH

Published Monthly In English & Telugu March 2016 Volume:9 Issue:9 Salivahana Era 1937

Commissioner Dr P Krishna Mohan Editor Ramesh Babu Kandula Executive Editor Naresh Nunna Cover Page IFR 2016 at Vizag

Second Cover Collectorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Conference at Vijayawada Third Cover CM in various programmes

Fourth Cover APIIC Advt on Sunrise State

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

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

Printed at Caxton Offset Pvt. Ltd. Hyderabad Each Issue : Rs 5/Annual Subscription : Rs 50/-

EDITORIAL

emerging as a 'Powerful' state!

It is indeed a great matter of pride for the economically battling State of Andhra Pradesh to have clocked an impressive growth rate of 10.5 per cent in the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) in the current fiscal year, despite, as the Chief Minister himself put it "severe constraints". Creditable, again as the visionary CM explained, because the State started off with a revenue deficit of Rs 16,000 crore in the wake of the bifurcation.

While it is entirely due to the Chief Minister's relentless pursuit of development goals that has made this rather admirable feat possible - especially given that the national growth rate is lagging at 7.6 percent - the Chief Minister has not lost sight of the need to ensure that the common man should benefit from these fruits of development. "Inclusive growth is very important", he advised the administration at the recent Collectors' conclave, emphasising the need to reduce economic inequalities at the end of the day.

It is again heartening to note that Andhra Pradesh is now setting its sights on making the State not only power surplus one but also an electricity selling one. The 2,640 MW Sembcorp Gayatri Thermal Power Complex got up at a cost of Rs 20,000 crore at Krishnapatnam in Nellore is another feather in the cap, as it is the largest foreign direct investmentâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;driven project on a single site in the thermal energy sector in India to date.

It may not be yet a time to celebrate; but certainly an occasion to look ahead with heads held high!

Ramesh Babu Kandula Editor

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

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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MARCH 2016

LARGEST FDI IN AP POWER COMPLEX Sembcorp now has a total of 3,500 MW of thermal and renewable energy capacity in India, according to a company statement. Singapore Minister for Trade and Industry S Iswaran noted that Sembcorp's thermal power plant project is a major investment that makes full use of its capabilities in the energy sector and complements its other investments in the wind and solar energy sub-sector.

Singapore Minister S Iswaran being felicitated by CM during the launch of mega power complex

ayatri Energy Ventures along with JV partner Sembcorp Industries launched the 2,640 MW power complex in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh.

Built at a total project cost of USD 3 billion (Rs 20,000 crore) the power complex is the largest foreign direct investment-driven project on a single site in the thermal energy sector in India to date.

The Sembcorp Gayatri Thermal Power Complex, the Rs. 20,000-crore project, was inaugurated by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Union Minister for Urban Development M Venkaiah Naidu and Singapore Minister for Trade and Industry S Iswaran near Krishnapatnam port.

The complex houses two 1,320 MW supercritical coal-fired power plants. The first power plant—Thermal Powertech Corporation India Ltd— was successfully completed and commenced full operation in September 2015. The second power plant—NCC Power projects—is expected to be fully operational in 2016.

This is the largest foreign direct investment project in Andhra Pradesh.

With this new power complex,

Sembcorp said the power complex uses technology that will lower its environmental impact. These include a covered conveyor system which transports coal seamlessly from the coast to the complex, as well as supercritical technology. Union Minister of State with independent charge for Power and Coal Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of State with independent charge for Environment and Forests Prakash Javadekar and Union Minister of State for Science and Technology YS Chowdary were present on the occasion. Gayatri Group Chairman and Rajya Sabha member T Subbarami Reddy presided over the inauguration ceremony. Captains of industry, including GVK Group founder chairman G V Krishna Reddy, Apollo Group chairman Pratap C.Reddy, Navayuga Group chairman C V Rao, NASSCOM chairman BVR Mohan Reddy, and others were also present. With this new power complex, Sembcorp now has a total of 3,500 MW of thermal and renewable energy capacity in India, according to a company statement. The huge complex will enable Nellore to become India’s largest power capacity generation centre in a single district, officials said.

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Rs 1,000 crore

healthcaRe city in amaRavati

aking a giant leap in healthcare, Andhra Pradesh government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Indo-UK Institute of Health (IUIH). A delegation from the United Kingdom met Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu here in Visakhapatnam. This comes in succession of the signing of an MoU during the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Britain last year. According to MoU, a mega hospital with an expenditure of Rs 1,000 crore and 1000 bed capacity will be built in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh capital city. Affiliated with the hospital, Medical College, medical-related departments, research and training institutions will also be set up. The state government will give a hundred acres of land to build the Health Care City. The foundation stone for the mega project regarded as “Health Care City” will be held in July. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister affirmed that Andhra Pradesh will emerge as a healthcare destination of the world. IUIH delega-

tion expressed willingness to the Chief Minister’s suggestion to make Amaravati headquarters for their 11 medical projects in the country. The Chief Minister stressed on making medical services available to common people at reasonable prices. He pointed how costly healthcare is in advanced countries like the United States. In order to change this, I want to make Amaravati a mega healthcare city, that provides affordable medical services to all, he added. He also expressed confidence that if quality medical services are offered at reasonable prices, patients from the United States will visit Amaravati for treatment. He added that the government is giving a fillip to the healthcare sector similar to the IT sector. “Apart from world-class infrastructure, I aim to make Amaravati an education and medical hub,” he said. The Chief Minister added that Andhra Pradesh will play a key role in bringing India to the second position in medical tourism, after Thailand. In this regard, the Chief Minister informed that Amaravati is already ANDHRAPRADESHMAGAZINE.ORG

making strides in health and education sectors. Apart from renowned institutes like Amity, NRM, Oxford, Cambridge evincing interest in Amaravati, the city will also have AIIMS. That apart, Shetty Group from Dubai has also come forward to construct a large hospital, he said. Meanwhile, IUIH Chairman Mike Parker said, “We are setting up 11 mega medical units with an expenditure of Rs 10,000 crore in 11 cities across India”. He said that the construction of the mega hospital in Amaravati will be completed in 36 months. He has also agreed to rope in leading medical institutions and universities around the world for establishing the Health Care City in Amaravati. Deputy Chief Minister Nimmakayala Chinarajappa, Ganta Srinivasa Rao, Advisor (Communications) Dr Parakala Prabhakar were present. Members of the UK delegation were Andrew McAllister, British Deputy High Commissioner in Hyderabad, Mike Nithavrianakis.

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Ins Viraat to be developed as tourism centre

INS

Viraat, the world’s oldest aircraft carrier, will be converted into a hotel after it is decommissioned from service later this year.

earlier tenure of Naidu. The first submarine museum in South Asia received 270,000 visitors a year in 2010, according to Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority, which maintains the museum ship.

The Indian Navy has decided to hand over the aging aircraft carrier to the Andhra Pradesh government, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. Naidu received this assurance from defence authorities on the sidelines of the international fleet review at Visakhapatnam.

Viraat is currently on its last operational tour of duty and participated in the International Fleet Review in Visakhapatnam together with 100 other ships from 51 countries.

The Andhra Pradesh government will convert Viraat into a 500-room hotel or resort. A final decision on where Viraat would be located has not been taken yet but it is likely to be in Visakhapatnam, an official in the chief minister’s office said. Naidu expects Viraat to draw more tourists to the state that also has the country’s only submarine museum in Visakhapatnam. INS Kursura, a Soviet-built decommissioned submarine was converted into a museum at Ramakrishna Mission beach in Visakhapatnam in 2002, during the MARCH 2016

The 28,700-tonne aircraft carrier will retire after 57 years of service, including 29 years in the Indian Navy. The British-built Centaur carrier was inducted into the Indian Navy on 12 May 1987. Viraat, the last British ship serving the Indian Navy, is the flagship of the Western Naval Command. It can carry up to 26 fighter aircraft and helicopters, including 16 Sea Harriers and helicopters such as Sea Kings, and Chetaks. It is one of the two aircraft carriers of the Navy. The other INS Vikramaditya became the flagship of the Indian Navy after it was inducted in 2013. Commander C.G. Raju, public relations officer of the Eastern Naval

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Command, said Viraat will be decommissioned in 2016. The defence ministry has approached different state governments with coastline to take responsibility of the aging carrier. Defence minister Manohar Parrikar proposed to hand over Viraat for Rs.1 if the state government was willing to take responsibility of its upkeep. Viraat, however, is not the first carrier to be proposed as a tourism destination. INS Vikrant, India’s first aircraft carrier was converted into a museum ship in Mumbai after it was decommissioned in 1997. The Maharashtra government maintained the museum from 2001 to 2012 but it was closed down due to safety concerns. Motorcycle maker Bajaj Auto Ltd. recently introduced a bike named ‘V’ that contains metal sourced from Vikrant. Bajaj bought the scrap metal of Vikrant to make the 150-cc motorcycle. The first bikes made of scrap metal sourced from Vikrant went into production in February and are likely to be released in March.

Fulfil our dire needs

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu writes to PM Narendra Modi, requesting all possible asstance to the State in the Budget 2016.

w At the outset, I wish to express my

sincere thanks and gratitude for the financial and institutional support we have been receiving from your government. Through we received Rs 3,153 crores (2,303 crores to partly bridge the resource gap, Rs 350 crores for the development of seven backward districts, and Rs 500 crores for the construction of new capital city) during 2014-15 financial year, we received only Rs 700 crores (Rs 350 crores for the development of seven backward districts and Rs 350 crores for Amaravati development) during the current year so far.

w You are aware that no State in our

country is more dependent on the generosity of the central government for its financial health than Andhra Pradesh. You know better than anyone else that irrational reorganisation of Andhra Pradesh State by the UPA Government without concern for the economic and financial consequences has left

Andhra Pradesh with a revenue deficit of Rs 16,079 crores in the first ten months of its existence. While I am grateful for your magnanimity and personal commitment to help our State, there are several provisions in the AP Reorganisation Act 2014 and the assurances of the then Prime Minister of India to the Parliament that have remained unfulfilled.

w My State at this moment is in dire

need of resources to bridge the revenue deficit, fulfil the development needs of the state and meet the expectations of the people. We are experiencing serious financial stress and unless Government of India comes to our rescue, it would be difficult to tide over the crisis. I request you to release the funds due to the State at the earliest and order for adequate provision in the 2016-17 Budget.

w Sir, your categorical assurance that ‘all provisions of the AP Reorganisation Act would be implemented

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in letter and spirit’ has inspired confidence amongst the people of my State that the pain and damage caused by the State’s bifurcation would be assuaged and a new era of development and progress would be launched. I am confident that you would create the much needed level playing field, fulfil the commitments made with reference to the Reorganisation Act, and create the ecosystem essential for sustainable development by providing substantial financial package.

w At this juncture, I request you to

take measures that would reassure the people of Andhra Pradesh that the NDA government is committed to all round development of Andhra Pradesh by creating the environment that would facilitate realisation of its full potential for economic growth and launch on the path of sustainable development. In this background, I request your kind consideration of the following issues and generous action. MARCH 2016

grant to bridge the resource gap

w The Section 46 (2) of APR Act 2014

has ordained that the “Central government shall provide appropriate grants having regard to the resources available to the successor State of AP for 2014-15.” In addition, the Hon’ble Prime Minister had assured the Parliament that “the resource gap that may arise in the successor state of AP in the very first year, especially during the period between the appointed day and the acceptance of the 14 Finance Commission recommendations by the Government of India, will be compensated in the regular Union Budget 2014-15.”

w Notwithstanding this provision, we

received an adhoc grant of Rs 2,303 Crores, though the Accountant-General of Andhra Pradesh certified that the revenue deficit for the period from June 02, 2014 to March 31, 2015, was Rs 16,079 crores. We request that the remaining Rs 13,776 crores due to us may please be released at the earliest.

Assistance to rayalaseema & north Coastal Districts

w The Section 46 (3) of APR Act 2014 states, “The Central Government shall, while considering the special development package for the successor State of Andhra Pradesh, provide adequate incentives, in particular for Rayalaseema and north coastal regions of that State”. Further, the Section 94 (3) of the Act has ordained, “the Central Government shall support the programmes for the development of backward areas in the successor States, including expansion of physical and social Infrastructure.” The Hon’ble Prime Minister assured that a “Special Development Package for backward regions of AP, in particular Rayalaseema and North Coastal districts, will be on

MARCH 2016

the lines of Koraput-Bolongir-Kalahandi special package and the Bundelkhand Special Package in MP & UP”.

w All economic and human develop-

ment indicators reveal that the three north coastal districts and four Rayalaseema districts are closer to the Special Category States rather than the other Southern States. At present, these districts lack economic growth engines and have substantially poor infrastructure and therefore are unable to attract investments and kick-start the virtuous cycle of development. Central government was kind enough to provide Rs 50 Crores for each of the seven districts last year and another Rs 50 Crores this financial year, which has helped us launch major development initiatives for sustainable development of these districts.

w In order to sustain the develop-

ment momentum in these seven backward districts and to help Andhra Pradesh achieve holistic and inclusive development by addressing intra-state inequities, and enable Andhra Pradesh to catch up with the national mainstream and contribute to the national growth momentum, I request you to provide annual development grant of Rs 200 Crores to each of the seven districts every year for four years.

Assistance to Amaravati Development

w Section 94 (3) of the APR Act 2014

has assured that Government of India would provide “special financial support for the creation of essential facilities in the new capital of Andhra Pradesh State, including, the Raj Bhawan, High Court, Government Secretariat, Legislative Assembly, Legislative Council, and such other essential infrastructure”.

w I thank you for releasing Rs 850

crores to launch the construction

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of Amaravati, and Rs 1,000 crores for construction of water supply and drainage system in Vijayawada and Guntur Corporations.

w I would like to inform you that provisional estimates indicate that it would require about one lakh twenty thousand crores to construct Amaravati City over the next two decades. The essential infrastructure, including the Raj Bhawan, Secretariat, High Court, Legislative Assembly and Council along with trunk infrastructure and land development is estimated to cost around Rs 42,935 crores over the next five years.

w Amaravati, in order to become the

economic growth engine, would require rail and road connectivity with all districts, especially Rayalaseema districts. In addition, the AP Reorganisation Act has assured Metro Rail projects to Visakhapatnam, and Vijayawada-GunturTenali Metropolitan area. I request you to provide the necessary financial assistance and technical support required for commissioning these projects ahead of 2018-2019.

w I request you to approve a grant of

four thousand crore Rupees (Rs 4,000 crores) in the 2016-17 Budget for financing government buildings and other essential infrastructure for Amaravati and an amount of Rs 2,000 crores for construction of Metro project in Vijayawada. We intend to raise resources for construction of capital city through innovative means, including floating of Amaravati Development Bonds. I request that all investment in Amaravati infrastructure be exempted from taxation and the State government be permitted to seek financing from the National Infrastructure Investment Fund and raise Zero Coupon Bonds and Tax-Free Bonds.

w You would agree that the new city

should be an economic powerhouse rather than be a simple gov-

While bridging the resource gap is critical to achieve the much-needed ﬁnancial stability and help embark on development trajectory, the State would require ﬁnancial and institutional assistance from the Central government to attract investments, stimulate industrial development and revitalise the economy. ernment centre. This would require good infrastructure and rapid industrial investment, both of which require appropriate incentive regime. Therefore, we request that the following incentives be sanctioned for all industrial investments in the Amaravati City region: a) 100% excise duty exemption for a period of 10 years from the date of commencement of commercial production; b) 100% income tax exemption for the initial period of five years and thereafter 30% for companies and 25% for other than companies for a further period of five years from the date of commencement of commercial production; and c) Capital investment subsidy @ 15% of their investment in plant & machinery, subject to a ceiling of one crore Rupees.

Incentives for Industrial Development

w Section 94 (1) of the AP Reorgani-

sation Act 2014 states that “the Central government shall take appropriate fiscal measures, including tax incentives, to promote industrialization and economic growth in both the States”. Similarly, Section 46 (3) of the Act has enjoined, “the Central Government shall, while considering the special development package for the successor State of Andhra Pradesh, provide adequate incentives, in particular for Rayalaseema and north coastal regions of that State”. The Prime Minister had assured that “Appropriate fiscal measures, including tax incentives to promote

industrialization and economic growth will be provided to Andhra Pradesh. The incentives will be along the lines extended to some other states.”

Special Category Status will be extended to the successor State of Andhra Pradesh for a period of five years. This will put the state’s finances on a firmer footing”.

w While bridging the resource gap is

w Although the Fourteenth Finance

w These incentives, you would agree,

w Andhra Pradesh eminently quali-

special Category status

w In the area of education and liter-

critical to achieve the muchneeded financial stability and help embark on development trajectory, the State would require financial and institutional assistance from the Central government to attract investments, stimulate industrial development and revitalise the economy. I thank you for providing 15% additional accelerated depreciation and 15% additional investment allowance. Though the announcement was made in the Union Budget 2015-16, the notification has not been issued so far. You may kindly order for the issue of notification without further delay. are not adequate to attract substantial investments. Above all, these concessions are far short of what has been granted to the other States in earlier instances. Uttarakhand and Himachal were granted cent per cent CENVAT, Income Tax and Service Tax waiver for ten years. Therefore, we once again request you to sanction incentives on par with what had been granted to other similarly placed States in earlier occasions.

w The Hon’ble Prime Minister had assured the Parliament that “for the purposes of central assistance,

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Commission did not make a distinction between the Special Category and General Category States while determining the norms for devolution, it did take into account the cost disability and fiscal capacity of the States for special dispensation. It is crystal clear - from the 14 FC Report - that AP would be the only State, other than the Special Category States, that would have subsisting revenue gap even in 2019-20, and potentially, afterwards. Even states that have been traditionally fragile from the fiscal stability angle would have a revenue surplus after 42% devolution starting 2015-16 FY.

fies for special category status by virtue of non-viable nature of the state finances, which has been confirmed by the 14th Finance Commission, and the economic and infrastructure backwardness. The economic and human development indicators of three north Coastal and four Rayalaseema districts are closer to the special category states than other States. Moreover, Andhra Pradesh is highly vulnerable to natural hazards and climatic changes. acy, Andhra Pradesh with a literacy rate of 67.67%, ranks 31 of 35 states and union territories, just above Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh,

MARCH 2016

The case for considering Andhra Pradesh on par with Special Category States for the purpose of central allocations and externally assisted project (EAP) ﬁnancing has become stronger following Central Government’s decision to disconnect twelve central schemes from central assistance. Rajasthan and Jharkhand. The female literacy rate for Andhra Pradesh is even lower at 60%, compared to the all-India average of 64.6%. Additionally, the dropout rates at the elementary and secondary levels are high – at 19.06% and 24.63% respectively.

w In the area of healthcare, the per-

formance of the state in terms of infant mortality, maternal mortality, weight at birth, and nutrition status is suboptimal. The Infant Mortality Rate is particularly high, at 39 deaths per 1000 live births. In addition, there are gaps in the health care services delivery, management of health information system, and poorly developed referral systems. There are also deficits in terms of hospitals and human resources, which are mostly concentrated in Hyderabad. Notwithstanding out strong commitment to address these issues, we are unable to make substantial progress for want of financial resources.

w Further, the case for considering

Andhra Pradesh on par with Special Category States for the purpose of central allocations and externally assisted project (EAP) financing has become stronger following Central Government’s decision to disconnect twelve central schemes from central assistance and transfer the revenue expenditure of another thirteen schemes to the States. The fiscal situation of AP Government would not permit financing these twenty-five schemes during the next five years.

w Therefore, considering the reasons

MARCH 2016

outlined above, I request you to declare Andhra Pradesh as a Special Category State. While the process for declaration of the State is under progress, immediate benefit may please be extended to Andhra Pradesh by transferring all Central Assistance to State Plan Schemes and Externally Aided Project (EAP) assistance as grant to the extent of 90 per cent with the State contributing the remaining 10 per cent on par with the Special Category States. You may please instruct the Ministry of Finance to increase the EAP pipeline substantially.

Polavaram Irrigation Project w Section 90 of the AP Reorganiza-

tion Act declared the ‘Polavaram Irrigation Project to be a National Project’ and made it incumbent on the Union Government to complete this project. In this context, we request the Central Government to reimburse the expenditure incurred by the State Government in relation to this project. The State Government spent Rs 439.48 Crores in 2014-15, of which Rs 345 Crores was reimbursed with a balance of Rs 94.48 Crores to be reimbursed. In 2015-16, the State Government has spent Rs. 2,466.29 Crores until end of December 2015, which is yet to be reimbursed. Probable expenditure on the project during the last quarter of the current financial year is likely to be around Rs 1,400 Crores.

w I request the Union Government to reimburse an amount of Rs

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2,560.77 Crores that has already been spent and the amount likely to be spent in the last quarter of the year. We are committed to getting the first phase of Polavaram Irrigation Project completed by March 2018. I request you to provide Rs 4,000 crores in 2016-17 Budget for the Polavaram project.

Institutions for Progress and Development (schedule XIII) w The Section 93 of the Act states

that the ‘Central Government shall take all necessary measures as enumerated in the Thirteenth Schedule for the progress and sustainable development of the successor States’. Of the 11 institutions of higher learning, I thank you for the sanction of IIT, IIM, IIIT, IISER, NIT, AIIMS, Agricultural University, and the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM). I request you to provide necessary budget provision for all these institutions during the 201617 financial year and accord sanction for Central and Tribal Universities.

w Further, all investments assured by the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act 2014, in the XIII Schedule, may be approved at the earliest and necessary budget provision made. These investments include inter alia, Railway Zone for Andhra Pradesh, Steel Plant at Kadapa, Metro Rail for Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Amaravati, HPCL Refinery & Cracker Unit, and Road and Rail connectivity between Amaravati region and other

Though the bifurcation of the state has imposed tremendous strain on the State ďŹ nances and thrown up a number of challenges, the people Andhra Pradesh are determined to convert every challenge into an opportunity for creating all round prosperity for the people of the state and the country.

establishment of defence and aerospace industries in Andhra Pradesh State, apart from setting up SAIL, BHEL and DRDO institutions.

AP reorganisation Act Amendement

w I request you to instruct the Min-

istry of Home Affairs to expedite action to amend Section 26 of AP Reorganisation Act 2014 to increase the number of Legislative Assembly seats to 225 from the current 175. This would benefit both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and should be acceptable to all political parties. Similarly, Sections 50 and 51 require amendment to correct the anomaly relating to the recovery of tax arrears, which would entail a loss of around Rs 3,000 crores to Andhra Pradesh.

parts of Andhra Pradesh.

Assistance for training and research Institutions w You are aware that my State has

lost access to more than one hundred institutions of research, development and training along with several other premier institutions by virtue of their inclusion in the Schedule X of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act 2014 and their physical location in the Telangana State. Of the 143 institutions included in the Schedule X of the Act, 123 are located in and around Hyderabad City. In addition, several central public sector undertakings like BHEL, defence research institutions, research and development

institutes like CCMB and DNA Finger Printing Institute that provide employment to lakhs of families have all devolved to Telangana State by virtue of their location in and around Hyderabad city.

w No amount of money would ade-

quately compensate the loss of these vital institutions that were built and nurtured over several decades. Nevertheless, in order to help Andhra Pradesh establish some of these key institutions, I request you to kindly constitute a committee of Government of India to assess the appropriate cost of replication of key institutions in the State of Andhra Pradesh and provide required grants. In addition, you may kindly facilitate the

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w Finally, I express my sincere thanks and gratitude for the support extended by you and your Ministers to my State during the difficult post-reorganisation phase. Though the bifurcation of the state has imposed tremendous strain on the State finances and thrown up a number of challenges, the people Andhra Pradesh are determined to convert every challenge into an opportunity for creating all round prosperity for the people of the state and the country. In this context, I request your gracious support by releasing the funds due to us and order for appropriate provisions in the Budget to help accelerate and sustain the growth momentum.

MARCH 2016

CM MAKES STRONG PITCH IN MUMBAI

hief Minister Chandrababu Naidu made a strong pitch for drawing investments into Andhra Pradesh at the Make In India Week in Mumbai, highlighting the untapped 974-km of coastline of the state as future business potential. In his presentation, Naidu spoke about how industrial zones in regions near to coastal and inland ports, integrated ports capitalizing on technology and communication and Development of supportive port infrastructure in order to become an export oriented economy have turned out to be key development strategies of Asian economies such as China, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan. India must create CEZs which attract large labour intensive firms that are linked to world markets, he said adding that Visakhapatnam-Chennai CEZ can act as India’s gateway to east. Explaining the CEZ development MARCH 2016

strategy of Andhra Pradesh, he said that transit time from China/ Singapore is about 2-3 days shorter via AP vis-à-vis West Coast. Stating that AP has several advantages on this front,including 974 km long coastline, large available industrial land bank, 2nd rank by World Bank in Ease of Doing Business, 6 existing ports with 6 more in development, 24X7 quality power and industrial water availability and focus on synergistic initiatives on social infrastructure (skill development), tourism, and industry to ensure integrated development, the CM said. The state is providing thrust to Manufacturing Sector through Vizag – Chennai Industrial Corridor & Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor. “I had several brainstorming sessions with experts and we have decided to take up ports and coastline development in a big way,” the CM said.

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He also said he wanted to make his state, which is currently at second position in the World Bank ratings, number one in ease of doing business. He elaborated on the efforts of developing new state capital Amaravati and sought help from the Centre. Union Transport minister Nitin Gadkari who was present at the event said he would cooperate with the state on developing infrastructure. In a summit on Andra Pradesh, Naidu talked about the development potential of the state in various sectors. “Despite being a new state, our Global System of Trade Preferences (GSTP) growth is in double digits at 10.5 per cent, while India’s growth is 7.3 per cent. We rank second in ease of doing business, as we give permissions for industries within 21 days through a single-window system and next year we aim to gain number one position,” Naidu said.

EMPOWERING WOMEN CREATING ENTREPRENEURS “There is enough to pull them down but there are also enough triggers of hope!” – Success story of Women Auto Drivers in Ananthapur District.

hief Minister Chandrababu Naidu believes that Self-help Groups (SHGs) are his biggest strength. They can make inclusive growth possible through a campaign (Pedarikam Pai Gelupu). He, spearheaded initiatives in bringing down poverty levels through the dynamic participation of women of Self-Help Groups and envisioned to enrol at least one woman in every family in a Self Help Group. Every single breakthrough is like a brick of hope. When you measure their work through numbers, it might not seem ‘big enough’ – like

18 women Auto drivers in Ananthapur District. These women enthusiasts hail from Bukkaraya Samudram, Ananthapur Mandals, most of them studied 7th – 10th Class. Husbands are small farmers, Agriculture Labour, Auto Rickshaw Driver, Masons and other skilled people. The transformation power that those 18 have gives other women immense hope. District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) in association with RUDESETI, Ananthapur trained women in Auto Rickshaw driving on 15th August ‘2015 for 45 days. Rural Development Trust (RDT), NGO supported the initiative by sparing

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trainers from their driving school and Bajaj Auto spared 2 Autos Rickshaws under the company’s CSR for training. District Collector through news paper advertisement invited applications from interested candidates willing to learn auto rickshaw driving. 30 members filed applications but 25 women turned-up for training classes. During training learning license was processed and 40 days of successful completion of training, trainees were given permanent license for auto rickshaw driving. Bajaj Auto came forward to supply 4 Seater Autos for Rs.1.50 lakh and 7 Seater for Rs MARCH 2016

1.70 lakhs. Trainees were paid Rs 200/- per day as wage compensation and training was conducted in an Off-campus mode. Besides training women in auto rickshaw driving self defence training was also imparted and the trainees were exposed to RTO, Police and other senior officers to elicit support from District Administration. Trainees were encouraged to contribute Rs 25,000/- and balance amount is secured as loan from banks.

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There’s a silent, resilient spirit that exists around the world. It’s the spirit that lets women make friends out of strangers, that leads women to fight against barriers and spearhead businesses that help hundreds in their community. Here is the story of a SHERO, broke gender stereo types and preferred to drive an auto rickshaw to make a living, coming from a small village in Ananthapur District. Ontimiddi Nallamma aged 35 years, a matriculate from open school and a mother of two daughters hails from Hanumanthuru in Atmakur Mandal narrates her experience... w For undergoing training, her husband paid travel cost from Native place to Ananthapur (to and fro charges) for the first 15 days of training. She pledged her gold earrings to meet the travel cost for the second 15 days of training. w Village Organisation (Cluster of SHGs), Papam Pally Village provided Rs 25,000/- as loan to meet self contribution as matching for rising bank loan from State Bank of India, Ananthapur for purchase of Auto Rickshaw w Male Auto Drivers commented as to why women steal their traditional business and her reply is “Namaste! Anna”. w She maintains speed limit of 4050 km only as she knows that MARCH 2016

speed thrills, that kills! w Male students don’t prefer her auto as there is no tape recorder for entertaining passengers with music. w Employees prefer my auto especially women employees and wives of male employees. w Her husband is a mason and helps her daily by cleaning the Auto before she starts the journey. “My neighbours comment that I am exploiting my husband’s innocence”- Even my children said that why I am not giving auto rickshaw to their father and train him in driving as they feel that auto rickshaw driving is a superior work compared to masonry work- in her own words.

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w She stated that she can sense w

w w w

men’s attitude before they get into the Auto. Women encourage her and prefer her auto rickshaw to men and they even say that “if we don’t encourage women auto drivers, who else will”!! Local Dy. Supdt. Of Police gave his mobile number and provided free access to all women auto rickshaw drivers at times of need for help from police. She earns Rs 500-600 per day after meeting the cost of diesel and other expenses. EMI is fixed at Rs 4,000/- and she has already paid 4 instalments regularly. Some DRDA employees travelled

in her auto just to test her driving skills. w State Bank of India gave Khaki Shirt besides providing loan for purchasing auto rickshaw.

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The State Bank of India, Anantapur, recently extended auto loans to 11 women who were trained in driving by RUDESETI , an agency that helps the rural unemployed acquire vocational skills. C. Naga Lakshmi, 39, is an example of a self-driven woman -- in more ways than one -- as she who also owns her own vehicle,. w Nagalakshmi, whose husband is a labourer, and has her daughter in her Intermediate and son in Class IX, said that in spite of the training she had received in driving, she could not earn enough to meet her children's educational expenses nor buy her own auto rickshaw. The 10 other women, who had also been similarly trained, said that they would now be able to carry out repairs and maintenance on the autos and clear their dues easily from the income generated. If the vehicles were not their own, they would have had to pay rent to the three-wheeler owners. w Ms Sk. Shashabi, 28, a mother of two, whose husband was a carpenter, recalled that her family income was earlier Rs 7,000 per month and she had found it difficult to make ends meet every month. But now she was confident of earning Rs 800 per day on an average. "I am very happy as I will be able to supplement my husband's income and our standard of living will improve," she said w Smt. Pardesi Chandrakala, Mother of 2 Children hailing from Ammavari peta Village is an expert in Karate. As a part of the training curriculum Self Defence Techniques and Karate

was taught to the Women Auto Drivers. “My two Daughters are studying 12th Standard and I wanted to buy them a Two Wheeler for commuting” she says. w Smt. Ganta Saraswathi and Hasmath bee are widows and Ms. Shahina who is not married, feel that training in effective communication, grooming is equally important. In their own words “Getting a permanent driving license is a proud movement in their life and it is irreversible achievement”. In Bukkaraya Samudram Mandal, Women Auto Rickshaw Drivers take agriculture labour passengers to the fields on the rural rough weather routes. In Ananthapur town, women Auto Rickshaw Drivers seek their own space in Bus & Railway Stations to safeguard their identity.

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Woman auto drivers become owners - “They are all confident and raring to go,” Success story of women SHGs in Vijayawada Municipal Corporation. 70 Women SHG Members from Vijayawada were trained by Garapati Kanumilli Charities and People’s Welfare Society, training partners of Mission for the Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Area (MEPMA), Vijayawada Municipal Corporation in the 8 acre premises in Nulakapeta, at city fringes of Vijayawada, in Auto Rickshaw Driving. “Initially my family was against the idea of auto driving but since this being a government sponsored programme, they accepted. My husband is also supporting,” says Swarna during the training. In the Driving test conducted by RTO Authority, 49 women passed the test and secured auto rickshaw driving License. Punjab National Bank in Vijayawada sanctioned Rs 1.85 lakhs loan for purchasing

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Auto Rickshaw. Amaravathi will be the green capital of Andhra Pradesh and in order to reduce air pollution in Vijayawada Municipal Corporation, CNG Autos were sanctioned in December 2015. An auto costs Rs.1.90 lakhs of which 7% interest subsidy on bank loans is provided by State Government and the rest was loan to be paid in 40 monthly instalments of Rs.4, 500 each. Punjab National Bank & Other Banks provided loans for purchase of Autos. Women contributed Rs 25,000/as their share. K. Dhanalaxmi, 32 years old says “It is like self-employment. Women today are making a mark in every field and auto field is no exception. Government is providing loans for purchasing auto and driving licences also, hence I joined the programme”. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu launched She-Autos in Vijayawada on 4th December, 2015. He distributed 49 auto-rickshaws to the women who were trained in driving. “The scheme would not only help provide security to women passengers when they travel at unusual hours, but also would help women drivers to stand on their feet and increase their family income. I'd like to see more women take up such challenges and excel in every field. I believe that empowerment of women leads to greater development of societies” said Naidu. The unbound energy and strength that comes from this sense of sisterhood is unmatched and especially, it is reflected on the faces of those who fight against marginalisation and discrimination to create better lives for themselves and their children. C S RAMA LAkSHMI

IFS(Rtd.), Advisor, SERP, Govt. of AP MARCH 2016

Andhra Pradesh emerging as electronics manufacturing hub

Amrut scheme to develop 30 towns in AP

nion Minister for Communication and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad said Andhra Pradesh would be developed as a major electronics hub, and announced several initiatives planned in this direction. "Andhra Pradesh would become a major electronics manufacturing hub, as four electronics clusters have already been sanctioned for the state, and the fifth one is in process," Prasad said. The Minister was speaking after laying the foundation stone for the (Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research (SAMEER) Centre for Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3) at Visakhapatnam. "The SAMEER, a Centre for Electromagnetic Environmental Effects, is an autonomous R&D institution under the Department of Electronics and Information and Technology ( DEITY), Ministry of Communication and Information Technology ( MCIT). It is one of the most advanced institutions of the Government of India," he said. The organisation, headquartered at Mumbai, operates through four other centres in Chennai, Kolkata, Guwahati and Visakhapatnam, he said. The permanent building of the institution would be constructed in an area of 15 acres in Gambhiram village in Anandapuram mandal of the district, he said. Prasad said Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's request to set up Information Technology and Investment Region (ITIR) in the state would be considered after the Union government formulates the ITIR policy.

Multi-Product seZ in nellore

The Centre has given environment clearance to a Rs 114 crore project that seeks to set up a multi-product Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh. The Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Ltd (APIIC) will develop the proposed SEZ project over an area of 1,032.27 hectares at Naidupet in Nellore. The project will provide direct and indirect jobs to 40,000 people. MARCH 2016

ndhra Pradesh will spend Rs 2,637 crore on the ambitious Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (Amrut) over a period of five years. Of this, the Centre will bear Rs 1,318 crore. The scheme will be implemented in 30 towns across the state. The local bodies will contribute Rs 791 crore as their share. Amrut is meant for towns with a population of above one lakh. Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry, Kakinada, Eluru, Vijayawada, Guntur, Nellore, Kurnool, Anantapur, Kadapa and Tirupati municipal corporations will be covered under the scheme. Big municipalities including Vizianagaram, Machilipatnam, Tenali, Ongole, Nandyal, Adoni, Proddatur, Chittoor, Hindupur, Bhimavaram, Madanapalle, Guntakal, Srikakulam, Dharmavaram, Gudivada, Narasaraopet, Tadipatri, Tadepalligudem and Chilakaluripet will also benefit under Amrut. The government will lay emphasis on infrastructure projects including water supply, sewerage, storm water drains and urban transport. Development of green spaces and parks are also included. The Union govern ment has already issued guidelines on the scheme. The parameters set by the Centre are e-governance, professionalisation of the municipal cadre, augmenting double entry accounting, chalking out urban plans and city level plans using GIS maps, devolution of funds, review of buildings by-laws, municipal tax and fee improvement, improvement in levy and collection of user charges, credit rating, energy and water audit and participation in Swachh Bharat. According to officials, AP is finalising the plan to implement the scheme. A state-level high powered steering committee (SHPSC) will be formed to monitor the project implementation.

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EXPEDITE RAIL ZONE FOR AP:

CM’s PleA to suresh PrAbhu jayawada, Guntur and Guntakal in AP under the purview of Visakhapatnam zone. He also reminded the Railway Minister his earlier correspondence to provide adequate funds for the on-going Railway projects of Andhra Pradesh which include for new Survey for Construction of new lines, Rail freight corridors to Vijayawada, Development of Railway Stations under PPP and also proposed for Modernization & Up gradation of Railway Stations and proposed Rail connectivity in regions affected by the Left Wing Extremism (LWE).

The Chief Minister made a trip to Delhi to meet several Union Ministers to get a better deal for AP. However, the Railway and General Budgets have not lived up expectations for the people of the State.

hief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, during his meeting with Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu, underlined the need to expedite the process for the formation of new railway zone in Andhra Pradesh. During his whirlwind tour to New Delhi on the eve of the Union Budget preparation, Naidu reminded his earlier letter to the Railway Minister expedite the action required for formation of new Railway zone in the Successor State of Andhra Pradesh at Visakhapatnam bringing the four divisions viz., Visakhapatnam, ViANDHRAPRADESHMAGAZINE.ORG

The CM also made a plea for expediting the Nadikudi – Srikalahasti Railway as the State Government has also taken up Land Acquisition process on priority basis. He also recalled the pending promises which include the new Railway lines Kakinada – Pithapuram, Kotipalli – Narasapur, Guntur – Guntakal Doubling Railway line, Gooty – Dharamavaram, Singarayakonda – Kanigiri, and the Railway University in AP, Setting up of facilities for Coach Midlife rehabilitation workshop at Kurnool town and Rail Connectivity to the new capital city Amaravati. The Chief Minister wanted adequate budget provision in the ensuing Railway budget for the Financial year 2016-17 for all these pending works.

extend Aid to rural Development

During his visit, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu met Union Rural Developmenet Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh and sought support

MARCH 2016

for the expansion of amenities such as drinking water, individual household latrines, and access roads to the remote rural areas of Andhra Pradesh.

rail budget Disappoints

The railway budget for the fiscal year 2016-17 left AP highly disappointed as there was no mention of separate railway zone for the reorganised state in the budget, a promise made in the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014. Though the budget made allocations for the ongoing rail projects in AP, it poured cold water on the hopes of Andhra people, who were eagerly waiting for announcement of a separate railway zone for the state. Even though, Naidu had sought several new rail projects for the state during his recent meeting with the railway minister, the railway budget has not been forthcoming on these. It is to be seen whether some of these will be accorded in phases.

Projects sanctioned in railway budget 2016

w Rs 36 lakh for doubling of NallapaduBibinagar line (243 km)

w Rs. 23 lakh for Obulavaripalem- Vayalpadu line (150 km)

w Rs. 13 lakh for Narsapur- Machilipatnam line (85 km)

other allocations

w Rs 10 lakh for railway line connecting Amravati-Vijayawada-Guntur w Rs. 10 lakh for Darsi- Narsaraopet line (65 km) w Rs. 17 lakh for Kambham- Ongole line (115 km) w Rs. 18 lakh for Chittor- Kuppam line (118 km)

w Augmentation of the MEMU rake maintenance facility at Rajahmundry at a cost of Rs 7.2 crore

budget Allocations to the railway lines under construction

w Rs 100 crore for Nandyal- Erragundla line, which is to be finished by this year. w Rs 110 crore for Jaggayyapet-Mellacheruvu-Janpahad line

w Funds sanctioned to survey the proposed rail links:

w Rs 68 lakh for doubling of Mahbubnagar-Dhone line (175 km) MARCH 2016

w Beautification of Railway station of Tirupati, pilgrim centre.

Statement about ownership and other particulars of the ‘Andhra Pradesh’ English Monthly Hyderabad as required under rule 8 of the Registration of News Paper (Central) Rules, 1956. 1.

Place of Publication

: Hyderabad

Periodicity of Publications

: Monthly

Printer’s Name

: Ramesh Babu Kandula On behalf of Commissioner, I&PR (on behalf of State Govt.of A.P) : Yes : Samachar Bhavan, A.C. Guards,

Whether Citizen of India? Address 4.

Publisher’s Name

Whether Citizen of India? Address 5.

w Rs. 200 crore for Kotipalli- Narsapuram line w Rs. 50 crore for Pithapuram- Kakinada line

w Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) from Kharagpur to Vijayawada through East coastal states was sanctioned under PPP mode.

FORM IV (see Rule 8)

w Doubling works between GunturGuntakal with an estimated cost of R. 4000 crore.

w Development of the Tiruchanur railway station (conversion of C class to B class station) to reduce the congestion of Tirupati railway station at a cost of Rs 10 crore

w Rs. 17 lakh for Tuni- Kottavalasa via Narsipatnam line (112 km)

Editor’s Name

Masabtank, Hyderabad – 500 028.

: Ramesh Babu Kandula On behalf of Commissioner, I&PR (on behalf of State Govt.of A.P) : Yes : Samachar Bhavan, A.C. Guards, Masabtank, Hyderabad – 500 028.

Whether Citizen of India? Address

: Ramesh Babu Kandula On behalf of Commissioner, I&PR on behalf of State Govt.of A.P.) : Yes : Samachar Bhavan, A.C. Guards,

Name & Address of Individuals who own the Newspaper

: COMMISSIONER, Information & Public Relations Department, A.C. Guards,

Masabtank, Hyderabad – 500 028.

I, Ramesh Babu Kandula, hereby declare that the particulars given above are true to the best of my Knowledge and belief. Date : 01-03-2016

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Sd/-Ramesh Babu Kandula (Publisher)

IFR 2016

A SCINTILLATING SHOW

ndhra Pradesh in general and Visakhapatnam in particular, hogged the limelight when the International Fleet Review 2016 was conducted with thumping success from February 4 to 8, 2016. At the eleventh Fleet Review after Independence and only the second with participation of foreign navies, the President of India and the Supreme Commander of the armed forces Pranab Mukherjee reviewed the Fleet comprising naval warships from Indian as well as frontline foreign navies on February 6 morning. The last time IFR was held in India was in January 2001, off Mumbai with the participation from 29 countries. But the present one held on much larger scale than ever done before with delegates from over 50 countries participating. The event earned the country widespread appreciation and goodwill. After a 21-Gun salute and ceremonial Guard of Honour, the President embarked INS Sumitra, an indigenously built Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV) designated as the ‘Presidential Yacht’. The President was received by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Chief of Naval Staff RK Dhowan. The President’s Yacht weaved through the 70 ships at anchorage off Visakhapatnam port which was followed by a spectacular fly-past conducted as a part of the static review of the Fleet. During the final stage of the review, a mobile column of warships and submarines carried out high speed steam past alongside the Presidential yacht. Addressing the Fleet during the Review, the President noted that the IFR 2016, while showcasing the prowess of the Indian Navy, has brought together navies from across the globe here on Indian shores, signifying India’s common desire to use the seas to promote peace, cooperation and friendship, as also to develop partnerships for a secure maritime future. In addition to 65 Indian Naval warships and three Indian Naval Submarines, the Review also included 24 foreign ships, MARCH 2016

two ships from the Indian Coast Guard and three from Mercantile Marine. Several enthralling waterfront activities by sail boats, water skiing, display by Marine Commandos (MARCOS) and helicopter demonstrations held the people spell bound. As the presidential yacht passed between the review anchor columns, each ship dressed in full regalia, saluted the President. Each ship was manned by her ship’s company, dressed in white ceremonial uniform. In a moment that stood still in time, white caps were doffed in unison in a ANDHRAPRADESHMAGAZINE.ORG

grand salutation. The resounding ‘Three Jais’ by the ships’ crew echoed over the waves at the IFR which provided a great opportunity for the Indian Navy to show its might even while displaying the spirit of camaraderie and bonhomie, Along the way, the President also witnessed demonstrations in the form of breathtaking fly-past by Naval Air Arm and a daring display by the elite Marine Commandos. The fly-past comprised 15 formations of 45 aircraft including two formations from the Indian Coast Guard. It also showcased the latest acquisitions of the Indian Navy such

2016 on February 4 by inaugurating the maritime exhibition (MAREX) at Andhra University, which highlighted the Make in India campaign and shipbuilding and defence and aerospace models. There was also a crafts village reflecting the cultural heritage.

The dignitaries at the historic event in Vizag

as MiG 29K, Long Range MR aircraft P8I and AEW helicopter KM-31 with the people watching in awe.

Advantage India

The President of India being the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, once in his/her term, reviews the Indian Naval Fleet as part of the ‘President’s Fleet Review’ (PFR). This review aimed at assuring the country of the Indian Navy’s preparedness, high morale and discipline. Many leading nations of the world used the opportunity provided by the Fleet Review to enhance mutual trust and confidence with their maritime neighbours and partners by inviting their ships to participate in the review. Normally called ‘International Fleet Review’ (IFR), this event allowed the host nation an occasion to display its maritime capabilities and the ‘bridges of friendship’ and trust it has built with other maritime nations.

baby of the Indian fleet was INS Kadmat. Chief among the foreign ships that participated in the IFR were USS antietem, HMS Defender, HMAS Darwin, French Navy’s Provence, two ships from China and one ship each from Russia and Japan.

CM kickstarts show

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu kick-started the IFR

Mr. Mukherjee described IFR as imposing international parade of ships and it was India’s desire to use the seas to promote peace, cooperation and friendship as also develop partnerships for a secure maritime future as the blue commons link one another, true to the theme of IFR `United Through Oceans’.India’s huge aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya and INS Virat, the world’s oldest aircraft carrier on her last voyage, stood out during the show. The

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Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Naidu observed that the IFR was a beginning for making Visakhapatnam an international city. He State is proud of Visakhapatnam and the entire country is looking at it,” he pointed out. Already selected as a Smart City in the first list itself, the City of Destiny would emerge as a manufacturing and export hub with opportunities in ship-building and naval equipment manufacturing explored, he hoped. He also expressed happiness with the city having improved roads and good landscaping, given the facelift for the mega event. Sail ships also made their presence felt with as many as 50 of them in view. The lad sail ship was Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Mhadei with a 56-foot sloop. Sail training ship INS Tarangini has visited 17 ports in 13 countries of Europe, it is said. All the time during the IFR, armed patrol boat escorted the Presidential column and due to increased threat perception from non-conventional sources, a multi-tier security system was in place for the mega event. In addition to the conventional security

The social media also went gaga with photographs and dare devil acts of sailors posted on the net. It worked wonders to swell the crowd at the RK beach and several thousands from outside made a beeline for the city. Digital screens were also set up at various places where the spectators watched the proceedings with excitement. columns on the shore, the Navy had mounted surveillance in the port and on the sea, Admiral Dhowan said.

biggest crowd puller

February 7 being a Sunday holiday, an estimated six lakh crowd watched the dare evil operations of the IFR at the RK beach on the day with the sea of humanity dominating the Bay of Bengal blue waters. There were also India Post released a First Day cover and stamp to commemorate the IFR 2016 and also a booklet on the relevance of the event. Cultural programmes were also organized on the occasion with over 400 folk artistes and 125 artisans from various States displaying cultural and folk art forms lie Tappetagullu and Puppet Shows of Andhra Pradesh, Bihu from Assam, Siddhi Dhamal from Gujarat, Chhau from West Bengal, Myur Holi from Uttar Pradesh, Tera Taali and Bahurupla from Rajasthan and Been Jogi from Haryana. Film actors Akshay Kumar and Kangana Raut were special attraction. The social media also went gaga with photographs and dare devil acts of sailors posted on the net. It worked wonders to swell the crowd at the RK MARCH 2016

beach and several thousands from outside made a beeline for the city. The IFR 2016 formally culminated through a Joint International Band Concert at the Naval Officers’ Institute this evening. Naval Bands from participating Navies along with host Indian Navy jointly presented a bouquet of music in front of Admiral RK Dhowan, Chief of the Naval Staff. The Joint Band Concert, by numerous musicians from the navies across the globe was in perfect harmony, echoed the very theme of “Bridges through Ocean’ cementing the friendship through music during IFR. The musical extravaganza was witnessed by over 1000 spectators including many foreign dignitaries from participating Navies. Vice Admiral Satish Soni, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Naval Command embarked onboard INS Sumitra flagged off Tall Ships off close to Rishikonda Beach, off the coast of Visakhapatnam. The indigenously built sail training ships Tarangini, commanded by Cdr Deepak Subramaniam, Sudarshini by Cdr Vikramaditya Malhan of the First Training Squadron and sailing vessel Mhadei, manned by an all women crew and skippered by Lt Cdr ANDHRAPRADESHMAGAZINE.ORG

Vartika Joshi, have set sail together to Chennai after their spectacular show in the International Fleet Review. These sail ships have participated in numerous international sailing events and have won galore of accolades.

Farewell to ships

The 54 ships that have participated in IFR-16 sailed out from Visakhapatnam in the first ever Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with combined participation of 20 foreign warships from 17 nations this morning. Visiting foreign ships are generally escorted to the open seas on their way home by maritime tradition. PASSEX has been aimed towards increasing interoperability among participating foreign navies and providing the requisite operational element to IFR. The activities during PASSEX included formation manoeuvers, cross deck landing of aircraft, Aerial photography and steam past. On completion of the PASSEX, the foreign ships shaped course for their next destination with a promise to meet up again as IFR had brought the world navies truly ˜United through Oceans”

- b.Prabhakara Sarma

Thanks to the meticulous planning of the Naidu Government, Andhra Pradesh will have nether power cuts nor outages this coming hot season.

ummer can be scorching in Andhra Pradesh, but this time round, the people of the State can heave a sigh relief as the State is now power surplus. No blackouts, no outages and no load shedding – a technical euphemism for power cuts – in the sweaty season. APGenco CMD Vijayanand said since the State has surplus power, there would be no power cuts for power consumers of all categories, including industries, during the coming summer. “Our energy consumption will be about 170 million units this summer. Since we have surplus power, there should not be any problem for us in meeting the demand,” he added.

CHILL OUT THIS SUMMER IN AP! ANDHRAPRADESHMAGAZINE.ORG

The government, which is already implementing,Centre-sponsored ‘Power for All’ (PFA) scheme in the State, has now set its sights on making the State not only power surplus one but also an electricity selling State. After successfully executing 1,600 MW Sri Damodaram Sanjeeviah Thermal Power Station (SDSTPS) at Krishnapatnam, the AP Genco is now planning major expansion by taking up the work of carrying out 800 MW SDSTPS stage-II, 800 MW Dr Narla Tata Rao Thermal Power Station (NTTPS), and 4,000 MW Vadarevu Ultra Mega Power Project Stage-I&II, Prakasam district. The SDSTPS Stage-II projected cost is MARCH 2016

CM, Union Ministers after inaugurating the 1,600 MW thermal power project around Rs 5,287 crore, The NTTPS will cost Rs 4,327 crore and Vadarevu Ultra Mega Power Project will cost Rs 19,804 crore. SDSTPS and NTTPS are scheduled to be completed by Dec 2019 whereas Vadarevu Ultra Mega Power Project Stage-I&II is scheduled to be completed by 2021-22. For Krishnapatnam stage-II and NTTPS, Vijayawada Detailed Project Report has been prepared. Apart from this, the APGenco will be completing Rs 3,525 crore 600 mw Rayalaseema Thermal Power Project in Kadapa by October, which will help AP to be a power surplus State. Besides, the APGenco is working on 960 mw Polavaram HEP project, which is being executed at a cost of Rs 4,081 crore.

Power surplus state

With the completion of these projects, AP will be able to sell power to other states. Union Power and Coal Piyush Goyal inaugurated the 1,600 MW thermal power project that uses super critical technology. The state power generation-run project, which consists two units of 800 MW each, is located at Krishnapatnam in Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore district. Named after former Chief Minister Damodaram Sanjeevaiah and built at a cost of Rs 12,290 crore, the project was inaugurated in the presence of Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N MARCH 2016

Chandrababu Naidu. The plant will supply 39 million units of power to the state every day, making Andhra energy surplus, according to Chairman and Managing director of AP Power Generation Corporation (APGenco) K Vijayanand. "We are currently supplying 155 million units to the state and by March we can supply another 20 MU. We shall henceforth not have any shortterm power purchase agreement. In fact, we can now sell power to others," he told a team of visiting reporters at the project site. An agreement has been signed with Power Trading Corporation for sale of 500 MW for a year from the plant. Foundation stone for the third unit of 800 MW capacity was also be laid on the occasion. "The third unit will be completed in the next three years while another thermal plant of 800 MW capacity will be built at the Narla Tata Rao Thermal Power Station in Vijayawada. Both will cost Rs 5,600 crore each for which necessary environmental clearance has been given by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests," Vijayanand said. In a first in the country, the super critical plant at Krishnapatnam gets water for its cooling towers through a specially-laid open channel from the Bay of Bengal, about 5 km away. "The 175 metres tall cooling tower has been designed by a German proANDHRAPRADESHMAGAZINE.ORG

fessor to withstand heavy winds and cyclones that the region is prone to. A 200-acre green belt has been developed around the plant to protect the environment and it would be expanded," he said.

100% Powered!

Speaking on the occasion, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said that the State will achieve the distinction of 100 per cent electrification of household in the State by April, thereby joining select States like Gujarat which achieved this landmark. The Chief Minister said this will be another big achievement for the State, which has now also become one of few States to provide 24x7 power supply to consumers. Referring to the cluth of projects launched, Naidu said that the setting up of these projects would bring allround development to the region while also attracting investments. From a situation where the State had a shortfall of 22 million units per day post bifurcation, it has now been able to provide 24x7 power supply to all segments. This was possible as the State added new capacity and also brought down transmission and distribution loses from 13.24 per cent to 10.2 per cent and it is proposed to bring it down further to single digit (9 per cent) and gradually to 6 per cent, he said

AP TURNING INTO A

ndhra Pradesh is transforming into medical hub as it is taking a giant leap in healthcare. A slew of institutes are expected to come up in the State soon to make AP a leading healthcare center in the country.

MEDICAL HUB

Amrita University, run by Mata Amritanandamayi Trust, has come forward to set up a world-class medical university at Amaravati, the new Capital region of Andhra Pradesh. The Trust will also set up a 2,250-bedded “multi super speciality” hospital, research and healthcare complex attached to the university, a communication from the Chief Minister’s Office said. Representatives of Mata Amritanandamayi Institute of Medical Sciences met Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and discussed the proposals, it added. They also submitted a detailed project report to the Chief Minister. The “mega project” would be taken up at a cost of Rs. 2,500 crore, the CMO said, adding that Naidu had earlier requested Mata Amritanandamayi to set up the medical university in the new Capital region. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) is also coming in the capital region with the support of the Central government.

Medical Devices Park in Vizag

Andhra Pradesh government is in the process of creating a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to implement setting up a Medical Device Park near Vishakapatnam and has allocated 225 acres of land for the same. The appointment process of board of directors for the SPV is underway.

Meanwhile, around 35 manufacturers

of medical devices and allied industry made a representation to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandra Babu Naidu to take forward the proposal for India’s first dedicated medical device park in Andhra Pradesh. Dr Jitendar Sharma, advisor to Andhra Pradesh government on health and medical technology invited the delegation of Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AIMED) to a high level meeting with the Chief Minister ANDHRAPRADESHMAGAZINE.ORG

on proposed India’s first dedicated Medical Device Park. Rajiv Nath, forum coordinator, AIMED was a part of the delegation. As a part of the delegation, Rajiv Nath presented Chandrababu Naidu with a compedium of Expression of Interest (EOI) letters to pool in potential investors for the project. He thanked the chief minister for the rapid pace at which the Andhra Pradesh government had moved from initial consultaMARCH 2016

PeMAnDu to improve quality of education AIIMS, proposed Amrita Medical University and the Medical Devices Park will make Andhra Pradesh a strong player in the health sector. tions in November 2015 to creating a SPV for implementing the project. “Andhra Pradesh CM wants Vizag Medical park to be among top 3 medical devices manufacturing hub in the world instead of top 5, as was proposed by AIMED and Andhra Pradesh to be the lowest cost and preferred healthcare treatment destination in the world. He also assured that his team would take steps to act on our suggestions to ensure this," Rajiv Nath said. Andhra Pradesh government invited EOI letters from potential investors at the recently held international exhibition Arab Health in Dubai. Naidu set the target for his team to ensure the foundation laying ceremony on April 7th the World Health Day. The 200 plus acre exclusive park will spur domestic production of medical devices, help reduce import dependency in this sector while creating employment and growth in the state. The meeting was also attended by the health minister AP Kameini Srinivas, KV Satyanarayana, commissioner of health and family welfare and other senior health industry department representatives of government of AP. Meanwhile, the State Government also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Indo-UK Institute of Health (IUIH). v

MARCH 2016

PEMANDU will help Andhra Pradesh in thinking, planning and understanding how to ﬁll gaps in a systematic way

n its bid to strengthen the quality of education and improve retail services in Andhra Pradesh, Malaysia’s Performance Management and Delivery unit (PEMANDU) started its 6-week lab sessions on February 29 in Hyderabad. The labs will have an in-depth and systematic analysis of department-wise schemes in the education and the retail sector. Chief Secretary S P Tucker inaugurated the event and welcomed the lab participants. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Tucker said the Government is keen on changing the British system of education which is made for preparing clerks, but contributes less towards improving the state’s human resource and capital. “PEMANDU will help Andhra Pradesh in thinking, planning and understanding how to fill gaps in a systematic way,” he said. 130 participants from the various departments, MSME manufacturing units, SHGs, stakeholders from the organised and unorganised sector participated on the first day. Speaking on the occasion, Ravindran Devagunam, Director, PEMANDU said he is excited to be associated with the Andhra Pradesh government and is looking forward to being a part of the lab sessions that will catalyse transformation in the state’s economy. Sanjay Gupta, CEO AP State Development Planning Society expressed satisfaction on the stakeholders’ interest to participate in the labs. He urged other NGOs, experts and stakeholders to be a part of the sessions. The labs will discuss topics such as performance management, project delivery and monitoring in the education and retail sector. The 1st week will discuss issues and problems followed by problem solving, analysis and solutions in the 2ndweek. The 3rd week will test the feasibility of the modules developed during the labs. The 4th week will discuss budget division and implementation, subject matter expert syndication will be done. The 5th week will syndicate the implementation outcomes with the Chief Minister and other top officials. As a part of the 8 step Big Fast Results methodology, a road map will be drawn to address multidimensional problems in the education and retail sector. Given that Andhra Pradesh contributes 25 to 30 % of GSDP in the retail sector, objective outcomes on how to use the sector as an opportunity to spur the economy will be discussed and debated during the labs.

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w CM

launches Multipurpose High Technology Network Survey Vehicles w First of its kind initiative by R&B Dept. w Data Collection to be completed by August 2016

AP TO CREATE DATABASE OF ALL R&B ROADS

n efforts to make Andhra Pradeshâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s road network the best and well-connected in the country, the state government has undertaken a mammoth task to create a database of all the R&B roads in the state. In this regard, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu flagged off the Multipurpose High Technology Network Survey Vehicles belonging to the Australian Road Research Board (ARRB). These vehicles, first of its kind in India, will be used for collection of high-quality data on asset related parameters on R&B roads in Andhra Pradesh. The Chief Minister also took a trail run from the CM Camp Office on the vehicle, while the representatives of the ARRB briefed on the functioning of the system.

The data collection from Multipurpose High Technology Network Survey Vehicle includes the collection of physical features like road carriageway width, shoulder width, road boundaries, location of road furni-

ture, bridge/culverts, locations etc. It also captures pavement conditions like potholes, cracks, edge breaking, rutting, road surface undulation etc. All the information is geo-tagged. The data collection of the entire road network will be completed by August 2016. This data is collected by using a Hawkeye network survey vehicle fitted with digital laser profilers, digital cameras, GPS system, crack detection equipment and data acquisition system. During the data collection, one more vehicle fitted with Falling weight Deflectometer will also be used to collect pavement structural deflection to assess the strength of the pavement. The output from the Network Survey Vehicle and data collected will be used to configure the road database of the whole R&B road network in AP. It can also be accessed by various R&B offices for planning, design, operation and maintenance management.

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This comes in line with the formation of the AP Road Management System under the AP Road Sector Project. AP Road Development Corporation of R&B Department has taken this up this initiative with World Bank Loan Assistance. The Road Management System will be operational for various outputs like rolling out plans such as annual road condition reports, annual performance reports, prioritisation of annual maintenance and road improvement plans together with yearly budget proposals. All the reports required for decision makers are presented systematically in tabular form, graphical form, map-based and dashboard form. The introduction of AP Road Management system in the R&B department helps scientifically, prioritisation of roads for improvements or maintenance, based on available funds or to allocate budget, need-based.

MARCH 2016

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

MARCH 2016

ANDHRAPRADESHMAGAZINE.COM

AMAZING ANDHRA PRADESH

Festival of River Krishna

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MARCH 2016

t would be holy time for Krishnaveni- river Krishna. Of course! River Krishna is always sacred, as it stands for the conventional definition of Nadi (river). nadati naadayati iti nadi- it flows with musical notes and makes the lives around thrive. Now, the most auspicious time is arriving upon us with the upcoming Krishna Pushkaralu2016, which is scheduled to take place between August 12 and 23. River Krishna, one of the major lifelines of Andhra Pradesh, is part of collective consciousness of people of the State. River Krishna flows in the south-eastern direction from Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra, quenching the thirst of people and irrigating agricultural lands, occupying physical and metaphysical space of the generations. Krishna Pushkaram is a festival of River Krishna which usually occurs once in 12 years. The Pushkaram is observed for a period of 12 days from the time of entry of Bruhaspati (Jupiter) into Virgo (Kanya rasi). Pushkaram is observed throughout its 1,200 km stretch from the origin at Sahyadri range in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra to the end at Hamsaladeevi in Krishna distirct, Andhra Pradesh, where it mingles with Bay of Bengal. Pushkaram has been an venerable practice in Andhra Pradesh, remarkably in Amaravathi, Vijayawada, Avanigadda and Diviseema. Vijayawada is the main center of the festival. A large number of devotees gather to have a holy dip in the Krishna. It is staunchly believed that whenever Pushkarudu goes to each river, Lord Brahma sent Brihaspathi along. When Brihaspathi is in Kanya Rasi (Virgo), that river has the pushkaram. Pushkarudu gives strength, vigour, energy, well-being to whoever takes holy dip during the propitious days. It is also said that devatas (the Celestials) dwell in the river during this time, blessing people. All the three and a half crore teerthas reach this place. All these benefit the bathers. MARCH 2016

government gears up It would be the first Krishna Pushkaraalu in the new State. With the turnout for the pushkaram is expected to be far more than what it was during the last pushkaram conducted in 2004 in undivided Andhra Pradesh, the State Government under the aegis of the Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu is gearing up for the grand event. Upstream of Krishna barrage starting from Ferry near Ibrahimpatnam to Durga Ghat at Sri Kanaka Durga Temple covering 13 km, many ghats would be constructed. Thirty ghats from barrage downstream to Avanigadda, including right and left flood banks at Diviseema, covering 60 km have also been planned. With Vijayawada to be the main venue for the festival, Durga Ghat, Pushkara Ghat, Padmavathi Ghat, Metla Bazar Ghat, Sithanagaram Ghat and Punnami Ghat would be a few important ghats to be spruced up. The administration is getting ready with the logistics of crowd management as a large number of devotees would gather to have a holy dip in the Krishna River. The Government would take rope in officials of East and West Godavari districts to ensure proper crowd management The officials are planning for a pushkaram exhibition in Vijayawada city. It is also planned to give facelift to the century old Victoria Museum.

what to perform? During pushkarams, teertha vidhulu and pinda pradhanalu are very important. Teerta vidhulu means taking bath, spiritual practice such as prayer, japa and meditation, doing satkarma, that is, giving dana like anna danam, vastra danam, and tarpanams, jala or tila, for our departed ancestors, pitru devatas. Here the river is calling! Come, feel its flowing presence, take holy dip, cut capers and anchor your lives to a place and a rhythm. - Naresh Nunna

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HAPPENING AP new Police Control Centre at Kakinada

Deputy Chief Minister Chinna Rajappa laid stone for the construction of the office of the SP-cum-Command Control Centre coming up at an estimated cost of Rs. 10 crore in Kakinada, hedquarters of East Godavari district. Speaking on the occasion, he said that the department lost a good number of men, vehicles, and assets to Telangana after bifurcation. “Now, we are focusing on construction of buildings and procuring vehicles. Efforts are on to recruit men to strengthen the department,” he said. Finance Minister Y Ramakrishnudu said that the police department sought 14,000 men. Notifications would be issued to fill vacancies in Group-I and Group-II services, he said.

Imported Machinery arrives for Polavaram

The heavy machinery imported from Germany and the U.S. for the purpose of using it in the prestigious Polavaram project works was received by Minister for Irrigation Devineni Umamaheswara Rao here on Sunday in the presence of scores of farmer leaders, ruling party activists, and oﬃcials. Transported from the Chennai port, the equipment and machinery was carried in nearly a dozen trucks on the National Highway via Nellore. Honouring the sentiment of farmers and leaders, State Irrigation Minister D Umamaheswara Rao arrived in Nellore to formally receive the machinery and also oﬀer prayers as per tradition.

tata Pilot launched in Vijayawada

Agriculture Minister Prathipati Pulla Rao launched ‘Internet Saathi,’ a joint venture of the Tata Trust and Google India, aimed at extending Internet services to rural areas in Vijayawada. The programme was launched as a pilot project in Andhra Pradesh. 'Internet Saathi’ would be useful in successful rollout of the State’s ambitious ﬁbre grid project. Volunteers would go around 265 villages in the Vijayawada parliamentary constituency on bicycles and explain the basics of computers and Internet connectivity. The Tata Trust adopted the villages in the Vijayawada Lok Sabha constituency as a pilot project in Andhra Pradesh. The trained candidates were provided two smart phones, two tablets and mobile net service kits each for giving demonstrations in to villages.

Proposals for Culture Documentation

South Central Zone Cultural Centre (SCZCC) has invited project proposal for documentation of tangible and intangible cultural resources of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra,

and Telangana. The applicant has to submit a detailed proposal along with his or her bio-data highlighting qualiﬁcation and experience, samples of their earlier works on or before March 7. According to Piush Kumar, Director of SCZCC, the idea is to document the heritage sites and traditional culture either in print format or visual or audio documentary. The entry is open to all, either from India or abroad, and there is no age bar. The proposal will be evaluated by a panel comprising Shyam Benegal, Amol Palekar, and Sudhir Kakar. For more details visit website:www.sczcc.gov.inor email: pandealka@gmail.com

lepkashi Festival

The Lepakshi Utsavalu was held with great fanfare at the culturally symbolic town of Andhra Pradesh. The event, held under the aegis of local MLA Nandamuri Balakrishna, was inaugurated by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu at the temple village of Lepakshi. The two-day fete featured various art forms, besides exhibition and food stalls representative of the heritage and cuisine of the area. Balakrishna also inaugurated a road leading up to western entrance of the famous Lepakhsi temple named after former President of India, V.V. Giri. He also launched a book Lepakshi – Chitra Kalalaku Kanachi and a video on the cultural and architectural heritage of the Lepakshi temple.

now Mobile Pay Power bills

Paying electricity bills is now easy in Andhra Pradesh. The Andhra Pradesh Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (APSPDCL) has developed a new mobile app that can be downloaded on all platforms. One has to sign in by entering the mail id and register using the 13-digit service number for paying electricity bills. The app also enables one to view and pay electricity bills through mobile, get bill reminders, get power supply position in one’s area, analyse consumption patterns over the last one year, get the payment history of previous transactions, updates on complaints and feedback.

Au to start energy classes

An MoU was signed by Andhra University and the Institute of Petroleum and Energy (IIPE) to start classes by the latter from the ensuing academic year. The classes would be held at the AU College of Engineering. The State government has allotted land for the IIPE at Sabbavaram to construct buildings and create infrastructure. Executive Director of the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited G. Sri Ganesh, signed the Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of the

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MARCH 2016

Ministry of Petroleum and IIPE.

tirumala temple at Amaravati

sanskrit as optional subject

Dravidian University at the tri-State junction in Kuppam will soon introduce Sanskrit as an optional subject at the undergraduate level. This is seen as a radical step in the direction of streamlining research on ancient languages. Presiding over a two-day workshop on ‘Literature of Alwars’ at Dravidian University, Vice-Chancellor Prof. E. Satyanarayana termed the institution as the conﬂuence of Dravidian and Sanskrit studies and research.

1,000 Pillar Mantapam in a Year

TTD’s Chief Engineer Chandraseskhar Reddy said that the works relating to the reconstruction of the 1,000 pillar mandapam will be completed in a year and that over 336 granite pillars of the erstwhile mandapam which was pulled down under controversial circumstances also will be used. TTD’s Executive Oﬃcer D Sambasiva Rao said the management would be soon developing a mobile application for booking of the Rs.300 darshan tickets

tenders for smart Agri Pumpsets

Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) will float tenders in a month for supplying one lakh energy-efficient agricultural pumpsets out of four to five lakh targeted for replacement in Andhra Pradesh. Star-rated pumpsets are found to consume 25 to 30 per cent less energy compared to the old ones, said Energy Secretary Ajay Jain. A pilot project taken up by Visakhapatnam-based Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (APEPDCL) at Rajanagaram in East Godavari district revealed that the Energy Efficient Pump-set Scheme (EEPS) could be expanded throughout the State.

guntur roads to be beautiﬁed

Driving into the city from Ponnur Road and through Inner Ring Road or Amaravati Road will soon be a pleasant experience. The Guntur Municipal Corporation is soon beautifying the entire stretch of road from Gorantla to Lodge Centre. The beautification replete with central divider, bus bays, bus shelter, pedestrian footpath, manicured gardens on the divider is being done with the assistance of leading designer, Team One India, architects based out of Hyderabad. The firm had also given a design to develop a water body at Budampadu on Ponnur Road. Besides, a walking track, children’s park the water body would be beautified into a tourist spot.

MARCH 2016

Minister for Municipal Administration P. Narayana said that he along with Singapore Minister K Shanmugam held preliminary discussion with TTD Executive Oﬃcer D Sambasiva Rao regarding the proposed construction of temple of Lord Venkateswara on the banks of the Krishna in the new Capital city of Amavarati. Talking to the media, Narayana sounded optimistic that the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams board would discuss the issue in its next sitting.

AgK no More

A.G. Krishnamurthy, a doyen in the advertising world who founded Mudra Communications, and the Mudra Institute of Communications (MICA), Ahmedabad, passed away in Hyderabad. He was 73. AGK, as he is popular, hails from Vinukonda in Guntur district.

bandar Port to be expedited

The Machilipatnam Area Development Authority (MADA) is expected to expedite the process of setting up the deep sea port on a priority basis. All the stakeholders are reportedly in favour of the project proposed in an extent of nearly 5,277 acres of land. Over 563 families are to be rehabilitated. Of the required 5,277 acres, the State Government needs to gather only 2,489 acres of private land, and hand over the extent to the proponent, Navayuga Engineering Company Limited.

Player enters top league

Guntur-based billiards player Somagani Sankara Rao has entered the league of top-ranked national players by securing the seventh place at the Senior Nationals held in Indore in January this year. With this achievement, Rao is on his way to qualify for the Asian Games and the World Billiards Championship to be held later this year in Kolkata.

sepoy Mushtaq is siachen Martyr

A soldier from Andhra Pradesh is among the 10 killed killed in a deadly avalanche that swept through their post in Siachen Glacier area. Sepoy Mushtaq Ahmed S., of Parnapalle village in Bandi Atmakur mandal of Kurnool district, was the eldest among the ﬁve siblings – four brothers and a sister. He had been married barely a year and a half ago and left behind a ﬁve-month old son. v

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MARCH 2016

Electronics, Textile

Agro & Food Processsing, Mineral based Industries.

Mineral based industries, Food Processing

Cement, Textiles, Agro & Food Processing

Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Agro & Food Processing

Agro & Food Porcessing, Metallurgy, Aquaculture

Agro & Food processing chemicals & petrochemicals, minerals based industries, Life Sciences

Petrochemical, Agro & Food Processing, Automobiles & Auto Components, Life Sciences, Textiles & Metallurgy

Agro & Food Processing, Electronics, Textiles, Automobiles & Auto Components, Heavy Enginering

Leather, Agro & Food Processing, Textile, Electronics, Automobiles & Auto Components

Textiles, Granite

Textiles, Ceramics, Agro & Food Processing, Aquaculture

Textiles, Electronics, Metallurgy, Engineering & Life Sciences

w Transit time from China/ Singapore is about 2-3 days shorter via AP vis-à-vis West Coast.

w Andhra Pradesh Ranked 2nd in Ease of Doing Business by DIPP-World Bank Assessment.

w Andhra Pradesh Government has been making serious eﬀorts to provide thrust to Manufacturing Sector through Vizag – Chennai Industrial Corridor & Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor.

ONE FOR ALL....

he Chief Minister has been a roll in February, addressing social tensions, meeting important personalities, interacting with people and appreciating those who came forward to help a extending hand to the beleagured state. Pic 1: Retired Justice Manjunatha, who was appointed as Chairman of a Commission constituted to provide reservation for Kapu community, in a meeting with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.

Pic 2 Chief Minister commending Ms Swarajyamma, a citizen of Vijayawada, who came forward to contribute Rs 1 crore of her property for the construction of the capital city Amaravati. Pic 3: N Ram, Chairman, Kasturi & Sons Ltd and former Editor-in-Chief of The Hindu, being felicitated in Vijayawada by the Chief Minister during the former’s courtesy call.

Pic 4: The Chief Minister in a selﬁe along with some members during an interactive meeting with Self-Help Group members at the Camp Oﬃce in Vijayawada.

Regd. No. H-HD-1082/2016-18 Published on: 01/03/2016

APENG/2007/20679

Posting Dt: 6th