Kodad upgraded to municipality

HYDERABAD: The State government on Thursday decided to upgrade Kodad in Nalgonda district into a municipality, thus fulfilling a long-cherished ream of the people in this town.

With this, the total number of municipalities in the State will go up to 109.

At the same time, 12 gram panchayats will be upgraded into nagara panchayats, a step towards making them municipalities in future, if necessary.

The panchayats are -- Gollaprolu, Ravulapalem, Mummadivaram (East Godavari district), S. Kota (Vizianagaram), Banaganapalli, Gudur (Kurnool), Alluru (Nellore), Ieeza (Mahabubnagar), and Jammikunta, Vemulawada, Peddapalli and Huzurabad (Karimnagar).

There are already seven nagara panchayats in the State which.

Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy gave his approval to upgrading the gram panchayats after a meeting with officials on Thursday.

‘Centre lacking political will on Lokpal bill'

RAJAHMUNDRY: Bharatiya Janata Party leader M. Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday said the Union Government was lacking the political will to introduce the Lokpal bill and had not taken the Opposition into confidence on the issue.

Addressing a press conference, he said the Government was now arguing that Anna Hazare and Baba Ramdev were not elected members of any legislature and therefore no dialogue with them was warranted. He said the Lokpal bill was more important than any other matter. So, the bill should be tabled in Parliament in the coming winter session, he said.

He said their party would support any one willing to fight against corruption and seeking tabling of the Lokpal bill without dilution. Mr Venkaiah Naidu said all scams -- from 2G to KG basin - should be probed and everyone, including the Prime Minister, should be brought within the purview of the Lokpal. Their party would launch an anti-corruption agitation for four days from June 23 all over the country.

The BJP leader said the government was not showing accountability on farmers' demand for increase of minimum support price and purchase of their produce directly by the government. He said farmers themselves declaring ‘crop holiday' was a dangerous signal. It would mean a food crisis looming on the country, he said.

He demanded that the State government release white paper on several issues pertaining to farmers. He asked the government to give details of the compensation paid for crop loss caused by cyclones Jal and Laila. He demanded district-wise statistics of paddy procurement, details of purchase of discoloured paddy etc. He asked the Union Government to send a team with Agriculture, Food and Finance Secretaries to study the farming crisis in the State and assess the situation of farmers who declared crop holiday. BJP senior leader Somu Veerraju participated.

Utilise services of anganwadis for verification of electoral rolls: CEO

ONGOLE: Chief Electoral Officer Bhanwar Lal on Thursday urged Prakasam district poll officials to make best use of the services of anganwadis to remove any discrepancies in the photo electoral rolls before publication in the draft electoral rolls on October 1.

Holding a review meeting here with the poll officials in Prakasam district, the CEO said “despite low pay, anganwadis are doing a great work at the grass-root level.”

“The services of anganwadis, who were thorough with each of the 200 to 300 households at the booth level, should be utilised after training to prepare a flawless photo electoral rolls in each and every booth,” he said, adding “every door should be tapped to prepare a flawless photo electoral rolls.”

He said a pilot project would be taken up to link the electoral rolls with the biometric Aadhaar cards and based on its success, it would be extended to other places.

He said the booth level officials would be provided Rs. five per each EPIC card for correction of any mistakes in the name of the voter and other particulars including age and address. He urged the officials concerned to rectify mistakes if any after door-to-door survey. “Even letters received by an individual can be considered as address proof for the purpose of registration of voters,” he said.

Address ryots' issues immediately: TDP

show of solidarity:TDP leaders staging a dharna on behalf of farmers in Ongole on Thursday.

ONGOLE: Hundreds of activists of the main opposition Telugu Desam Party staged a dharna in front of the Prakasam Bhavan to press for immediate action by the State government to address the serious issues concerning farmers.

Leading the protest, TDP District President D. Janardhan said “it is unfortunate that the farmers in the state are neither getting farm inputs, including seed and fertilizers at right time nor remunerative price for their produce due to the Congress government's indifference to peasants plight.”

The “inept” Kiran Kumar Reddy Government should immediately step down “as it is not in a position ensure the welfare of farmers,” TDP Farmers wing President K. Venkaiah said. “The days are not far off when the people teach a fitting lesson to the ruling Congress,” he added.

Party Ongole constituency in-charge E. Haribabu said, “not only the paddy growers, but also cultivators of tobacco, subabul and other crops who are struggling to get a fair price for their produce.”

‘Shameful'

The Congress government should hold its head down in shame for the current unfavourable market condition leading to announcement of crop holiday by farmers, he felt.

The TDP leaders and activists who have come from different parts of the district later submitted a memorandum to the state government through district Collector Kantilal Dande demanding immediate attention to resolve various issues concerning farmers.

Centre urged to reduce price of petrol

Protest mode: Left activists staging demonstration in front of the Collectorate in Kurnool on Thursday.

KURNOOL: The activists of CITU and AITUC staged a demonstration in front of the Collectorate here on Thursday urging the Centre to reduce the prices of petroleum products.

CITU president E. Pulla Reddy, AITUC president Makbool said the prices could be brought down if duties on the products were reduced.

Intervention sought

The government had never talked of the taxes it imposed on the essential petroleum products but went on harping on revision of prices in the international market. The government could intervene to absorb the hikes in the crude prices.

They alleged that the Congress government policies were helping the rich while the poor were subjected to exploitation.

The government had no control over the rich and their finances. The number of millionaires present in the Parliament were increasing year after year.

They said the millionaire politicians used the government resources for furthering their economic interests.

They alleged that Reliance Company made a profit of Rs. 2 lakh crore from the KG Basin Gas.

They said the prices of essential commodities would not come down unless the government reduced the duty rates and rolled back the fuel prices.

CITU leader M. Gopal and AITUC leader Subbarayudu presided over the meeting while AITUC senior leader Manohar Manikyam and others spoke.

547 classrooms will be built in State: Minister

KADAPA: The UPA government enacted Right To Education Act with an objective to ensure compulsory education of all children between six and 14 years of age, Minister for Minority Welfare Mohd. Ahmedullah said on Friday.

Five hundred and forty seven additional classrooms would be built in the State with an outlay of Rs.21 crore, the Minister said. In all, 107 additional class rooms were being inaugurated in 60 schools in Kadapa district with an outlay of Rs.4.28 crore, he added.

Inauguration

Mr. Ahmedullah inaugurated 12 additional classrooms, built at a cost of Rs.47.04 lakh in five schools in Kadapa. He opened four additional class rooms, built with Rs. 15.04 lakh in in the Municipal Urdu high school at Nakkash, one classroom each in the mandal parishad high school at Bachumpalle Harijanawada and municipal primary school at Bhagatsingh Nagar and three rooms each in A.P. Residential School for Girls in Chinna Chowk and YSR regional sports school at Putlampalle.

Uniforms

The Central and State governments were according utmost priority to the education sector, the Minister said. Eighty five per cent of textbooks were distributed among students in the district, which was allotted the highest quota of books, he said. Textbooks with new syllabus would be distributed soon. Each student was being given a pair of uniforms.

The Minister disbursed scholarships of Rs.1.15 lakh among 115 minority students besides, textbooks and notebooks in the Urdu high school at Nakkash. He promised to strive for educational development of minorities and urged them to study. The Urdu schools at Nakkash, Kagithalapenta and Nandalur were upgraded, he said.

He inspected the quality of food supplied in mid-day meals scheme in the school at Bachumpalle and directed Transco SE Lakshminarayana to provide electricity to Bachumpalle Harijanawada within a day.

He told Kadapa Municipal Commissioner D. John Samson to take steps to resolve the drinking water and street lighting problems in the area.

On finding students studying in the verandah in the social welfare residential school, he admonished the principal Sainath for seeking additional classrooms without utilising the existing ones.

Collector V.Anil Kumar, Rajiv Vidya Mission Project Officer Suryanarayana Reddy, Regional Sports School Special Officer Ramachandra Reddy, Kadapa MEO Parimala Sujana, DE Murahari Reddy, GCDO Anupama, teachers and students participated.

Jagan flays government

ANANTAPUR: YSR Congress Party president Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy on Thursday said that the State government's incompetence was showing in the problems being faced by the farmers of the Anantapur district.

Crop insurance

Speaking at public meetings at Guttur, Dharmavaram, and Rapthadu in Anantapur district, he said that the State government, after the death of the YSR, had failed to even ensure that the district administration sent reports relating to crop insurance and input subsidy on time to the government effectively denying the farmers input subsidy.

Speaking at the public meeting at Dharmavaram he alleged that the Handri-Neeva Sujala Sravanthi project, envisaged by YSR, was being delayed by the State government.

He hoped the project would be completed soon saving the farmers from further troubles.

Jaganmohan Reddy had stayed overnight at Penukonda during his ‘Odarpu Yatra' and went round the Venkatareddy palli and Ammavari Palli village before reaching Guttur for a public meeting. Later, he left to Chennekothapalli.

Jagan went to Dharmavaram where he consoled the family of K. Gopal before participating in a public meeting.

The YSR Congress Party president will stay overnight at Anantapur before starting off on his Odarpu Yatra of Kanaganapalli, Ramagiri and Kambadur mandals on Friday.

Seemandhra Congress leaders plan Delhi visit

S. Sailajanath

HYDERABAD: With the Telangana Congress leaders building pressure on the party leadership to expedite the statehood issue, their counterparts from Seemandhra region have decided to pay a visit to New Delhi to persuade the All India Congress Committee (AICC) to drop any move to bifurcate the State.

The AP Congress Legislators Forum convenor and Minister S. Sailajanath said informal meetings were on among the party MLAs and MLCs from the region and Seemandhra leaders were firm that the State should be united. “We have sought the appointment of Central leaders. Once that is confirmed, Ministers and legislators will go to Delhi and explain the present scenario,” he told reporters here on Thursday. The Minister sent SMS messages to the party legislators from the Seemandhra region to be ready to visit Delhi to apprise the high command about the latest political situation.

Congress leaders from the region feel that delaying tactics of the Centre was causing tension in the State. “Why should the State continue to delay a decision on the statehood issue? When the Telangana leaders putting pressure on the party leadership, why should we keep quiet,” a senior Congress legislator observed.

Ministers told to declare assets by August 31

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy has directed his Cabinet colleagues to declare their assets and liabilities by August 31.

The directive follows a circular issued by the Union government on June 2, which makes it mandatory for the Council of Ministers to declare their assets and liabilities and indicate business interests to the Prime Minister in case of Union Council of Ministers and the Chief Minister for the State Cabinet Ministers.

Cabinet Secretary K. M. Chandrasekhar, on behalf of the Prime Minister, had written to the Union Ministers reminding them of the mandatory annual disclosure of assets and liabilities in accordance with the ‘Code of conduct for Ministers'. The same communication was forwarded to the State governments/Union Territories.

School Education Minister Sake Sailajanath on Thursday confirmed that Ministers had received the communiqué asking them to declare their assets. “I am going to do it on July 15,” he said adding that the exercise was very good to show transparency.

Another Minister said as part of the ‘code of conduct for Ministers', it was mandatory for them to declare their assets and liabilities.

“We had declared our assets and liabilities last year also and will do it this year too,” he said.

The Union government circular stated that in terms of the code of conduct, details in respect of assets, liabilities, business interests, conduct and management of any other business and employment of spouse and dependents under foreign government or organisation are required to be disclosed by the members of the Council of Ministers.

The circular specifically seeks declaration pertaining to all immovable property and total approximate value of shares, debentures, cash holdings, jewellery.

Another directive says that after taking office and as long as one remains in the office, the Minister shall furnish annually by August 31, a declaration regarding his assets and liabilities for the previous financial year.

Naidu derides Congress campaign against Anna

HYDERABAD: Telugu Desam president N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday demanded inclusion of Prime Minister in the ambit of Lokpal and wanted the Congress to stop its vicious campaign against all those fighting against corruption.

Addressing a press conference, Mr. Naidu said it was strange that the Congress- led UPA government was trying to discredit Anna Hazare and his team for speaking on behalf of people who yearn for a corruption-free governance.

If the Centre has any sincerity, it should debate and accept suggestions given by the civil society in tune with the mood of the nation, he said and reminded that it was Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's silence that was proving to be a curse.

The UPA government's reluctance in taking proactive steps to check corruption has led to a situation where people have lost faith in the institutions of governance and were now extending full support to civil society groups, he said. He too would support the civil society as it was a “now or never” battle against corruption. “If we do not fight it now, we will simply hand over democracy to political, mining and other mafia groups”, he added.

Terming the alleged tapping of Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee's telephone as a “dangerous trend”, Mr. Naidu wanted the Prime Minister to make a statement clarifying the issue. If a person who is second in the Union Cabinet is meted out such treatment, one could imagine the plight of the common man.

Asked about transfer of huge of amounts of money from Prashanthi Nilayam, the TDP president said if the State government had intervened in time, it would not have happened.

Condemning the TRS action in vandalising the statue of NTR in Warangal when funeral procession of Telangana ideologue, K. Jayashankar was taken out, he said it was not proper to politicise the death of a person who fought for a cause. NTR too worked for the poor and weaker sections.

Jagan's secret meeting

Meanwhile, the TDP wanted YSR Congress president Y. S. Jaganmohan Reddy to clear the air on his “secret meeting” with Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust member, R. J. Ratnakar.

Addressing a press conference, TDP leaders, P. Chandrasekhar and Sudhish Rambhotla said Mr. Jagan's sudden visit to Prashanthi Nilayam was raising suspicion among people as he avoided visiting the place when Sai Baba passed away.

APIIC to make land allotments transparent

APIIC resumed 4,000 acres given to 562 units for non-implementation of projects

Corporation served notices to 2,123 units so far for failure to set up units

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HYDERABAD: The Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation will make its land allotment process transparent by seeking only online applications for setting up industries.

As per new online process launched by the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Chairman S. Siva Rama Subrahmanyam here on Thursday, an entrepreneur could upload his application in the APIIC's website www.apiic.in for a plot in any industrial park in the 15 APIIC zones in the State.

Anyone can access

Anyone could access the website to know about applications and allotments.

Disclosing this in a media conference, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director B.R. Meena said that the sanctioning committee would consider only applications uploaded online for the land allotment.

The applicant would also mention in his online application the type of industry, project report, investment proposed, employment potential etc.

Real estate projects

“The objective is to make APIIC into a transparent institution and encourage genuine entrepreneurs. At the same time keep at bay those acquiring land in the name of industry for promoting real estate projects later,” Mr. Subrahmanyam said.

In the same spirit, the APIIC had resumed 4,000 acres of land given to 562 units (including Caparo -2,000 acres and Unitech -1,750 acres) for non-implementation of projects.

In all, the corporation served notices to 2,123 units so far for failure to set up units, Mr. Meena said.

Performance

About APIIC performance in 2010-11, he said 4,830 acres of plots/land were allotted to 681 units with projected investment of Rs.19,755 crore and employment potential of 72,691 persons. While APIIC acquired 7,582 acres of land for development to be given for industrial purpose in 2010-11, it acquired 651 acres till June 2011. In a sign of industrial growth in the State, its revenue during 2010-11 was Rs.606 crore as against Rs.550 crore in the previous year.

SEZs

The total exports from SEZs under APIIC purview during 2010-11stood at Rs.1,879 crore, providing employment to 16,119 people. Of these, 17 SEZs were developed by APIIC, four as joint ventures and 23 by private entities assisted by the Corporation.

New projects

About new projects, Mr. Meena said 16 companies would be coming up in Aerospace SEZ with Tata Advanced systems serving as the anchor industry with total investment of Rs.2,500 crore.

The other PSU investments expected are Rs.2,000 crore from BHEL in Fab City, Rs.4000 crore from HAL, Rs.3,000 crore from BDL in six places in the State.

Yajur Mandir was a ‘Swiss bank’

The opening of Yajur Mandir, Satya Sai Baba’s personal chambers last week and the subsequent events have given the lie to the claim of the Satya Sai Central Trust’s claim that it accepted donations only through cheques

Instead, it appears that the Yajur Mandir was a mini-Swiss bank for top political leaders, celebrities and industrialists to deposit their black money as the government had exempted the trust from reporting its income and expenditure details. An employee in Prashanti Nilayam said that a kilometre-long road connecting Yajur Mandir to the Hill View Stadium was the channel for depositing the stash.

It is learnt that some persons in Prashanti Nilayam are smuggling the trove to safe locations. It is learnt that heaps of jewellery and precious diamonds were not counted when the inventory of the treasure trove was taken at Yajur Mandir with a view to shifting them to safe destination. Last week’s seizure of Rs 35 lakh was a part of this operation, it is suspected.

Giving the lie to the trust’s claim that money was accepted by cheque, one of the 12 people who donated for the construction of the baba’s mahasamadhi, Prof Raghavendra Prasad, said over telephone that he donated had Rs 2 lakh in cash after Mr Ratnakar suggested that he hand over the amount to the contractor in Prashanti Nilayam on June 6. Stating that he was a professor at the Indian institute of Astrophysics in Bengaluru, he added that his brother and brother-in-law had also donated cash for the works. Questions are being raised over why Mr Ratnakar asked for donations in cash.

Congress decries T political JAC deadline

HYDERABAD: The Congress party had taken objection to the diktats of the Telangana political JAC asking them to tender their resignations on the Telangana issue. 


Expressing anguish at the tone and tenor of the political T JAC, all-India Congress Committee secretary Ponguleti Sudhakar Reddy on Wednesday said that they were equally concerned about achieving Telangana at the earliest. 


"We have already given our commitment to people in the region on the formation of Telangana. Our roadmap for achieving statehood to Telangana is ready and we need not take instructions from anyone. We have a plan of action and we will abide it." 


Reddy said during a recent meeting with union defence minister A K Antony, we were informed that the Congress high command was equally concerned and seized about the T issue. He said, "Though we welcome anyone who supports our cause for Telangana, no one can dictate terms to us. In fact, we have a greater responsibility when it comes to realising statehood to Telangana. We are going in a systematic and meaningful way. We will not allow anyone to ride on our back."

Minister promises ring road

KURNOOL: Minister for Minor Irrigation T.G. Venkatesh embarked upon a mega project to construct a dozen community halls worth Rs. 4.68 crore in the city. On Wednesday, he laid foundation for 12 community halls and planned to initiate another four soon.

Addressing a series of meetings after laying stone at Chinmaya School, Nehru Memorial School, Kids World Park, Dharmapet, KVR College, Narasimha Reddy Nagar, Labour Colony, Teachers Colony, Illur Nagar, Chanikyapuri, Sriramnagar and C. Camp, he promised a ring road around the city at a cost of Rs. 30 crore.

The Minister said funds were being pooled from different sources like MLA, MPLADS, and MLC funds to take up the comprehensive project. He said a track was being laid along the bund of KC canal at a cost of Rs. 50 crore which would be a multi-purpose utility. The Minister said development works were planned in a comprehensive way meeting the every day needs of public in the entire city. Community halls, roads, parks, health centres and even burial grounds were thought to be essentials in the city. He said a sanitation drive would be launched in the next phase to shift dust bins which became breeding ground for pigs. He sought cooperation of the people. Collector Ramsankar Naik, Municipal Commissioner Balakrishna, and Municipal Engineer Rajasekhar were present.

Geeta Reddy invites investments from UK

Fruitful visit:Minister for Major Industries Geeta Reddy with delegates in London.

HYDERABAD: Major Industries Minister J. Geeta Reddy on Tuesday made a elaborate presentation on the industrial policy initiatives to industrialists of United Kingdom.

Dr. Geeta Reddy, who led a delegation from Andhra Pradesh, briefed the industrialists about the industrial development and investment opportunity in the State.

She read the message of Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy. About 45 industrialists, both British Indians and Britishers, attended the programme. Three trade delegations agreed to visit Andhra Pradesh for making investments in the State .

The delegation visited Brunel University and the innovation centres and discussed Collaboration with Brunel University.

Congress leaders differ on Warangal attacks

APCC president Botcha Satyanarayana holding a meeting with former Minister Jupalli Krishna Rao and other party leaders of Mahabubnagar district, in Hyderabad on Wednesday.

HYDERABAD: Congress leaders are divided in their reaction to the manner in which the Ministers and party MPs came under attack when they had gone to pay their last respects to Telangana ideologue K. Jayashankar, who passed away on Tuesday.

While some termed it as the reflection of the mood of the people against the Congress party's delay in announcing Telangana, others faulted the physical attacks.

Ministers -- Ponnala Lakshmaiah and P. Shankar Rao besides MP S. Rajaiah were heckled and attacked by the angry-mourners at the Ekashila Park in Warangal, where the mortal remains of late Jayashankar was kept for last glimpse on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Handlooms and Textiles Minister P. Shankar Rao said anti-social elements and those opposed to the statehood were behind the attack. He said there was no reason for the Telangana protagonists to target him as he had always espoused the cause of statehood.

But, Nagarkurnool MP Manda Jagannath said the attack only showed that people had no faith in the Congress party. “We are unable to tour the villages as the pro-Telangana activists are confronting us demanding a solution to the statehood issue. If there is further delay, the situation will be tough for the ruling party leaders,” he said after meeting the APCC president Botcha Satyanarayana along with former Minister Jupally Krishna Rao on Wednesday.

The MP said it was time the ruling party fulfilled its promise of creating separate State. He said after July 5, the Congress elected representatives would be forced to launch indefinite fast in support of their demand.

AICC secretary P. Sudhakar Reddy lamented that it was unfortunate that some persons decided to target the ruling party leaders.

‘Scope for getting 20,000 houses under RAY for city'

VIJAYAWADA: There was scope of constructing 20,000 houses under the Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) in Vijayawada city, Chief Minister N.Kiran Kumar Reddy, has said.

Addressing beneficiaries who were allotted 1,056 housing units in the JNNURM housing facility at Disney Land here on Tuesday the Chief Minister said that the Congress party had promised housing for the poor in the 2004 election manifesto and it planned to make Andhra Pradesh a “hut-less” State by constructing the required 40 lakh housing units.

But over the years the number of housing units being constructed by the State Government had increased to 86.75 lakh and out of the houses being built, 51 lakh housing units had already been completed and the rest were in different stages of construction.

The Government had sanctioned construction of 28,000 housing units in Vijayawada city. Land could be secured for 18,000 housing units till now and land needed to be found for the construction of the remaining 10,000 housing units. He said the State Government would not object to any kind of arrangement for the acquisition of land for the building of the remaining 10,000 housing units.

Vijayawada Central MLA Malladi Vishnu said that the housing schemes had transformed the area where nothing existed till as recent as 2009. He said the State Government had sanctioned a junior college and a Railway Playground was also going to be developed. There was however a need for two police stations in the area.

Secondary Education Minister K. Parthasarathi said the political parties that were saying that there was no development in the city were blind and deaf.

He said the Left Parties that were at the helm of affairs for some time should ask themselves what they had achieved in their regime. He said that he lived in an apartment in Hyderabad, but the infrastructure being provided to the beneficiaries that have been allotted under JNNURM housing was even better.

Vijayawada MP Lagadapati Rajagopal, . Mines and Geology Minister Galla Aruna Kumari and others spoke.

Decision soon on land for port: Kiran

In sync!Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy arriving on a well-decorated bullock cart to the public meeting venue at Kanuru in Vijayawada on Tuesday.

VIJAYAWADA: A decision will be taken in 15 days on the extent of acquisition of farmers' land for handing over to developers of the Bandar port at Machilipatnam, Chief Minister Nallari Kiran Kumar Reddy has said.

At a public meeting here on Tuesday, he asserted that the Government had agreed in principle to provide all permissions to the consortium for taking up port development works and there was clarity as to how much Government land had to be given. But on the question of farmers' land, there were certain issues and a decision would be taken soon, he added.

At the largely-attended meeting of DWCRA women's group members on VR Siddhartha Engineering College at Kanur, Mr. Reddy said that the issue regarding handing over of the land for the development of Gannavaram airport would also be solved soon.

He appealed to land owners not to worry about proposed bank loans to tenant farmers as owners would not be made accountable for these loans in any manner.

Mr. Reddy devoted most part of his speech to welfare programmes related to women, and said that his Government was exploring ways to provide bank loans to women's self-help group members at an interest less than even 25 paise.

The Government's commitment to improve the lot of women was evident from the fact that loans worth Rs. 7,080 crore had been provided to them last year while the amount would be increased this year to Rs. 9,880 crore.

Stating that house site pattas would be given in the name of women only, Mr. Kiran Kumar Reddy said that in the local body elections, 50 per cent reservations would be strictly implemented to ensure greater empowerment of women as per the wishes of the Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

He said that it was a matter of pride that the mission to construct 1,065 high schools with Rs. 35 lakh each was begun with Krishna district and it would help bring back all school dropouts in the State.

Secondary Education Minister K. Parthasarathy presided over the meeting while in-charge Minister Galla Aruna Kumari and MP Lagadapati Rajagopal spoke.

Also present were Primary Education Minister S. Sailajanath, Eluru MP Kavuri Sambasiva Rao, zilla parishad chairman Kukkala Nageswara Rao, MLAs Yelamanchili Ravi, Malladi Vishnu, Perni Venkataramaiah, Vellampalli Srinivas, and former ministers Devineni Nehru and Mandali Buddha Prasad.

‘Only Congress can ensure welfare of people'

Ex gratia: Roads and Buildings Minister Dharmana Prasada Rao and MP Killi Kruparani presenting cheques to family members of those killed in firing during the agitation against thermal plant at Dandugopalapuram in Santabommali mandal on Tuesday.

SRIKAKULAM: Roads and Buildings Minister Dharmana Prasada Rao has said only Congress can save the country and ensure welfare of all sections including farmers. While participating in developmental programmes in Santabommali mandal, he lauded the 'sacrifices' of Jawaharlal Nehru's family. He also hailed the decision of Rahul Gandhi not to accept the Prime Minister's post at this juncture.

He addressed a meeting Dandugopalapuram after inaugurating a primary health centre in the village.

“Many people resigned to their respective parties if the Chief Minister's post is denied. But one should know the sacrifices of Rahul Gandhi, who has turned down the proposal of becoming Prime Minister having all the qualifications,” he added. The Minister said Mr.Rahul Gandhi was the best person to take charge as the Prime Minister and it was wish of many people of the country.

“Unlike other parties, Congress does not belong to any caste or creed. It takes care of every section,” he said. Reacting to questions of locals, Mr. Prasada Rao said the government was taking care of farmers by providing, seeds and fertilizers at subsidised rates and loans at cheaper interest rates” MP Killi Kruparani said many developmental works were taken up in rural areas as the Congress did not politicise the welfare and developmental activities. The Minister's tour went off peacefully though it was organised in Santabommali mandal where agitations took place against the establishment of the power plant. Leaders of the Kakarapalli Thermal Vyatireka Porata Samiti submitted a memorandum to the Minister urging him to stop the project works.Heavy security has been arranged for the Minister's tour to avoid untoward incidents.

Minister stresses education for girls

ONGOLE: Union Minister of State for Handlooms and Textiles Panabaka Lakshmi on Tuesday underlined the need for promotion of education among girls.

Taking part in the “Vidyapaksha Utsavalu'' in the Perala Government high school and Zilla Parishad girls high school in Epurupalem, she said “brighter days are ahead for womenfolk who are proving their talent in different fields''.

Making a mention of the Chennai-based law graduate S. Divyadharshini topping the prestigious Civil Services Examination 2010, the Minister said “women can excel in any chosen field''.

It was the women who were in top position in different fields, she said referring to President Pratibha Patil, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi,

Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar and Leader of Oppositon in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj. She complimented the teachers of the Zilla Parishad High School for the remarkable achievement of P. Kavya who scored 560 in the SSC exam.

Municipal Administration Minister M. Mahidhar Reddy said the Congress Government was according top priority for improving infrastructure in schools and ensuring appointment of well-qualified teachers for government schools.

He said 37 model schools would be opened in the district at a cost of about Rs. 3 crore.

Chirala MLA A. Krishnamohan referred to lesser number of students that teachers in some government schools in his constituency and called for rationalisation of the teacher-student ratio to make best use of the human resources. Earlier, the Minister congratulated T. Pavani who scored 534 in the SSC exams as also teachers of the Government school in Madipadu who were behind her excellent performance. He also distributed text books and school uniforms to students.

Corruption: BJP leader hits out at Centre

KURNOOL: BJP State general secretary T. Achari flayed the Congress government at the centre for the multiple scandals that have taken place in recent times. Talking to reporters here on Tuesday, he said the government had turned intolerant towards those who talked about corruption.

He said the government should realise that even spiritual leaders had detested the degeneration and came out against the corruption. But the government was trying to suppress any movement against corruption. Baba Ramdev was dubbed as the supporter of RSS in order to cover up its mistakes.

He said that the corruption would not end with the arrest of former Telecom Minister A. Raja or MP Kanimozhi but few more heads would have to roll down.

He said the public mood was building up against corruption and the government should realise the need for stamping out corruption through legislations and administrative actions as desired by the public.

Mr. Achari expressed his dismay over PR chief Chiranjeevi merging his party with the Congress asking what aspect of Congress appeared appealing to Mr. Chiranjeevi when the party was deep in corruption.

He owed an explanation to public over his action, he said.

Officials told to speed up work on Indiramma houses

KADAPA: Collector V. Anil Kumar directed housing officials on Tuesday to expedite Indiramma houses and explore the scope for setting up solar lighting in Indiramma colonies.

Mr. Anil Kumar inspected the Housing Project Director's office here on old RIMS premises and reviewed the progress of Indiramma housing. Of a target of 2,67,676 houses, 2,02,778 houses had been completed recording 83 per cent achievement, with an expenditure of Rs. 717 crore. In all, 23,517 houses were yet to be started and 41,381 houses were in progress, he said. When the Collector sought the reason for non-commencement of some houses, engineers complained of short supply of cement. He exhorted officials to strive to complete 18,415 houses under G.O. 171, which stipulated payment of money for housing beneficiaries and they would procure raw materials on their own and construct houses.

The government was sanctioning Rs. 45,000 for each house and Rs. 3,050 in the rural areas and Rs. 55,000 in urban areas from June 1. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes would be sanctioned Rs. 30,000 each in both the areas.

Kadapa district was in the fifth place in achievement and it should strive to be numero uno, he said and added that West Godavari topped with 88 per cent completion of Indiramma houses.

Mr. Anil Kumar asked the housing officials to take up weekly reviews on progress of work. In charge Project Director of Housing Mahendra told the Collector that beneficiaries were paid bills up to June 17. He reviewed the programme under the jurisdiction of 13 Deputy Executive Engineers and 50 mandals.

Mr. Anil Kumar asked housing officials to coordinate with their counterparts in Forest Department to raise saplings in Indiramma housing. He said 86,658 applications for housing were received in Rachabanda, and of them, 77,057 were verified and 47,943 applicants were found to be eligible. The Collector warned of criminal action against officials or beneficiaries if they resorted to irregularities such as diversion of cement, payment before house completed and benami allotment.

‘Naidu must apologise to Telangana people'

ANANTAPUR: Senior BJP leader and the party's national secretary N. Indrasena Reddy demanded on Tuesday that the TDP president N. Chandrababu Naidu apologise to the people of Telangana for his alleged demeaning statements about the region.

The TDP president had allegedly said that there were places in Telangana where even horses could not feed themselves, a metaphor of the backwardness of a few areas of the region; according to Mr. Indrasena Reddy.

He said the remarks were not in keeping with his political status as the Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister for nine years. “Why did he not develop Anantapur district, which is just as backward as Mahabubnagar district. When he did not develop a district in his own region, where does the question of he having developed Telangana arise,” he said.

Speaking at a meeting on corruption and in support of the Lokpal Bill at Lalit Kala Parishad in Anantapur, he said that the Central government was mired in controversies and had no moral right to continue in power.

Jagan holds ‘Odarpu Yatra' in Anantapur

ANANTAPUR: YSR Congress Party president Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy held his ‘Odarpu yatra' in Kadiri, OD Cheruvu, and Puttaparthi mandals on Tuesday meeting a few families and consoling them.

Mr. Reddy, who started his Odarpu Yatra after visiting the Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Kadiri, went on a road show through the villages of Muthyala Cheruvu, Pulagam palli, Mittapalli, and Inagaluru en-route Gajukunta Palli, where he consoled the family of Ramappa Naidu.

Later, he went to OD Cheruvu mandal headquarters to address a public meeting. Speaking at the meeting, he said that the Leader of Opposition, rather than highlighting the failures of the Congress government, was merely bothered about safeguarding it from collapsing under severe pressure from the public – who had grew very unsatisfied with the government after the sudden demise of his father and late Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy.

He said the people were waiting for an opportunity to end their woes and said that it would come very soon and the YSR Congress Party would come to power.

TDP leaders join

Three former leaders of the TDP – Sreedhar Reddy, ex MPP of OD Cheruvu mandal; Kurli Ramireddy, sarpanch of Jammulavaripalle village; and Dr. Nagendra Kumar Reddy from Puttaparthi Assembly Constituency – joined the YSR Congress Party in the presence of Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy.

Jagan also invited anybody who wanted to come along with him with the intention of serving the people. He said that the people currently with him were not with him because they wanted positions but because they wanted to be of service to the people.

He later went on with his ‘yatra' to Nallamada Cross, where he unveiled the statue of YSR before going to Vankarakunta village to console the family of Govinda Reddy. He also conducted a road show in Puttaparthy town and paid a visit to the Samadhi of late Sathya Sai Baba.

Telangana JAC urged to lead united fight

HYDERABAD: The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Telangana Forum has said that it was in favour of stepping up Telangana movement cutting across party lines and felt Telangana Joint Action Committee should take the lead.

Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, convenor of the Telangana Forum Errabelli Dayakar Rao welcomed the Congress leaders' offer of resignations, if their leadership failed to take a decision by July. The TDP was always in favour of quitting all key elected posts to mount pressure on the Centre.

He suggested T-JAC convenor M. Kodandaram to convene an all-party round table meet to discuss the options of contesting under the banner of T-JAC or keeping away from posts till Telangana was achieved. He dismissed as “pompous” claims of Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) president K. Chandrasekhar Rao that he would ensure the victory of anyone who quits for Telangana cause.

Jayashankar mourned

The Forum was against any special package for Telangana and it would not accept separate State without Hyderabad. He termed the death of Telangana ideologue K. Jayashankar as a huge blow to the movement. “Prof. Jayashankar will remain in the hearts of Telangana people forever as he never feared his official positions in raising the voice on the injustices heaped on the region for more than five decades,” the TDP leader said. He had called on the ideologue ailing with throat cancer four days back. He was saddened when Prof. Jayashankar said he was leaving un-contented as his dream of Telangana remained unrealised in his lifetime.

BJP to enlighten people on corruption, black money

VIZIANAGARAM: Bharateeya Janata Party is planning to organise village and mandal-level meetings from June 25 to enlighten people on the Congress-led UPA government's lacklustre attitude on bringing back money stacked in foreign banks.

Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, party State official spokesperson J. Prithviraj said the BJP had raised the issue prior to elections in 2009. The Congress that had included the same in its manifesto and promised to get back the money in foreign banks within 90 days had failed to keep its word till date. Though Wikileaks had exposed the names of 27 people, who have accounts in banks abroad, the Prime Minister was dragging his feet on the issue. Mr. Prithviraj said the party would also create awareness among people on the tirade against his party by the UPA Government for supporting social activist Anna Hazare and Yoga Guru Baba Ram Dev who had been fighting against ‘corruption' and ‘black money.' On municipal elections, he said the Congress was in the habit of creating a problem just before an election and gets a stay order from the High Court later. The Congress had no clarity on the reservations, he added.

Kiran, Naidu mourn Jayashankar

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy and Chairman of Legislative Council A. Chakrapani have led the State in paying tributes to Telangana ideologue K. Jayashankar.

In his condolence message, Mr. Chakrapani said on Tuesday that Mr. Jayashankar had spent his life in creating awareness among the marginalised sections and inspired them to fight the injustices.

Chief Minister expressed grief over Mr. Jayashankar's death and recalled his services as an academician.

“He was the ideologue of Telangana movement and published many papers on economic development and educational economics”, the Chief Minister said and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members.

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president N. Chandrababu Naidu said Mr. Jayashankar had rendered invaluable services to Telangana region as an intellectual and academician. Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Botcha Satyanarayana said: Mr. Jayashankar's commitment to the statehood cause will always be remembered. President of erstwhile Praja Rajyam Party K. Chiranjeevi said the death of Mr. Jayashankar was a huge loss to the State as he had inspired the youth in fighting injustices.

Mr. Jayashankar had given the shape of a movement to the aspirations of Telangana people and had raised voice against inequalities, president of YSR Congress Party Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy said.

President of Lok Satta Party (LSP) N. Jayaprakash Narayan said: He was a fierce champion of federalism and a dedicated worker for people's empowerment in Telangana and pursued the causes he believed in with vigour and determination.

State secretary of CPI(M) B.V. Raghavulu, State secretariat of CPI, former PCC president D. Srinivas, BJP leaders G. Kishan Reddy, N. Indrasena Reddy, and E. Laxminarayana, functionaries of APUWJ and Indian Journalists' Union, PDSU-PYL, CPI (ML) New Democracy and several Telangana organisations mourned the death of Mr. Jayashankar.

TDP agitation to highlight farmers' problems

VIZIANAGARAM: Telugu Desam Party district committee has criticised the Kiran Kumar Reddy Government for neglecting farmers' problems and said it would stage various forms of protest in all Assembly constituencies on June 23 and24 .

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, party district president and MLA Kolla Lalitha Kumari said the Chief Minister and his Cabinet colleagues, except protecting their positions, were doing little for addressing problems of farmers who are facing shortage seed. Even the district Minister (Botcha Satyanarayana) had not so far given a thought to action plan on seed supply, she said.

“As sona masuri and samba masuri variety seed have not been made available officially farmers are buying the same in black market.” She said at the coordination committee meeting held with the party in-charges of all constituencies in the district in the morning had decided to ascertain availability of medicines and shortage of staff in all primary health and community health centres in the district from July 1 onwards and submit a memorandum to the Collector at the grievance cell on July 4.

Photo exhibition

As per the decisions taken at the party's Mahanadu, the in-charges would hold meetings from June 25 to July 15 in all the 34 mandals and four municipalities to seek people's cooperation in their fight against the government. The party would also organise photo exhibition on corruption at Gajapathinagaram on July 8, Bobbili on July 20 and Nellimarla on July 27.

State Telugu Mahila president Sobha Hymavathi said the PCC chief and the Chief Minister were fighting for supremacy and had neglected people's problems.

The PCC chief had been celebrating his elevation to the post when farmers had been facing seed shortage, women subject to atrocities and children facing hardship due to poor amenities in schools, he said.

P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Polit Bureau member, and in-charges of Assembly constituencies were present.

Mourners assault Congress, TDP leaders

Irreparable loss: TRS president K. Chandrasekhar Rao sheds tears as he pays tributes to Kothapalli Jayashankar in Hanamkonda on Tuesday.

WARANGAL: Unruly crowds went berserk and assaulted Congress and TDP leaders who came to pay their last respects to former Kakatiya University Vice-Chancellor and separate Telangana protagonist, Kothapalli Jayashankar, who passed away here on Tuesday morning.

Congress MP S. Rajaiah was physically attacked and car of IT Service Minister Ponnala Lakshmaiah was damaged by the boisterous youth.

They tore the shirt of Mr. Rajaiah, hurled mud and slippers at him. Some others threw plastic chairs and abused him in foulest language.

They demanded that the leaders should come with their resignation letters in support of Telangana as a fitting tribute to Mr. Jayashankar.

Police had very tough time and they rushed additional forces for VIP security but in vain. Superintendent of Police Rajesh Kumar and Additional SP S. Tripathi arrived at the spot and stay put for long. Finally, the police authorities requisitioned a heavy contingent of CRPF led by Commandant Karowing Haopu to facilitate visit of Mr, Ponnala Lakshmaiah and other VIPs. However, the crowds that gathered in and around the park threw slippers at him while others stoned his convoy damaging the window panes.

Scores of youth belonging to TRS and KU Students JAC flocked around the body Mr. Jayashankar at his residence and began shouting slogans.

They mobbed the TDP leaders - MLA R. Prakash Reddy and MP Gundu Sudha Rani - and chased them away raising high pitch slogans like - Telangana betrayers go back. They also humiliated Congress MLA N. Rajalingam, who too came there.

The body of Mr. Jayashankar was shifted to Ekasila Park by the relatives to allow the steady stream of visitors to pay their last respects.

TRS leaders Etela Rajender, T. Harish Rao, Despathi Srinivas and KU senior professors appealed for calm through public address system. However, they only fell on deaf ears.

The atmosphere remained highly charged till dark hours.

TRS president K. Chandrasekhar Rao, political JAC chairman Prof. P. Kodandaram, MLA Nagam Janardhan Reddy and a host of leaders paid tributes to late Jayashankar.

Mr. Chandrasekhar Rao burst into tears and called for three days of mourning in the region.

He wanted people to conduct condolence meetings across the region and stay away from all celebrations.

Minister directs RINL to start next phase of expansion

VISAKHAPATNAM: Union Steel Minister Beni Prasad Verma on Tuesday directed the management of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited to expand the capacity of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant by four million tonne immediately.

After a review in New Delhi, the minister appreciated RINL's efforts in achieving highest-ever turnover of Rs.11,517 crore during last year registering a growth of eight per cent over the previous year.

The minister lauded the progress of ongoing expansion project and asked RINL to launch next phase of expansion to add another four million tonne capacity immediately.  This will bring an investment of Rs 22,500 crore. In next phase of expansion RINL proposes to diversify in flat products with value added steel including seamless tube of higher diameter and electrical steel that is not made in the country. The product mix of RINL after next phase of expansion will be a unique basket catering to the requirements of varied discerning customers.

Regarding securitisation of raw material, RINL has acquired 51 per cent stake in M/s Eastern Investments Limited, the holding company of Bird Group of Companies which will benefit them on account of mineral assets of Orissa Minerals Development Company and Bisra Stone Lime Company.

The company has intensified its efforts for obtaining mining leases for iron ore mines and 23 applications have been filed in various iron ore-rich States. The Minister after listening to the presentation made by RINL Chairman-cum-Managing Director P.K. Bishnoi mentioned that Ministry of Steel was already pursuing with various States for early grant of mining leases to RINL.  Mr. Bishnoi said RINL could perform well during 2010-11 by operating the plant at above 100 per cent of the rated capacity for the 10th year in succession. The value added steel component in the total production grew to an all-time high of 79 per cent during 2010-11 and RINL was working towards similar performance in this year as well.

Cost reduction

A release issued by RINL stated here that continuing its supremacy as the lowest specific water consumption steel plant amongst the Indian steel industry the company was focusing on cost reduction.

Through cost reduction measures, a saving of Rs. 150 crore was achieved which was of some help in partly off-setting rising iron ore and coke input cost. Capital expenditure was the highest at Rs. 2,902 crore in a year which was achieved by expediting the expansion of 6.3 million tonne work.

Student JAC activists burn State BJP chief's effigy

ONGOLE: Scores of activists of the Samaikya Andhra Rashtra Vidyarthi Joint Action Committee (SARV-JAC) on Wednesday burnt the effigy of Bharatiya Janata Party State president G. Kishan Reddy in protest against the party's stand in support of division of the State.

The students led by SARV-JAC Prakasam district convenor Rayapati Jagadeesh assembled in front of the statue of Potti Sriramulu in front of the CVN Reading Room Centre here and raised slogans expressing solidarity with their counterparts in Visakhapatnam who had disrupted the BJP meeting attended by Mr Kishan Reddy on Tuesday opposing the BJP's stand for bifurcation of the State.

“The BJP chief should restrict himself to Telangana as he has hurt the sentiments of the Seemandhra people who want the State remain united. We will obstruct Mr Kishan Reddy if he dares to enter any part of Rayalaseema or coastal Andhra,'' SARV-JAC town convenor P Nagaraju said before the SARV-JAC activists N. Ashok and M. Madhu Yadav set on fire the effigy of Mr Kishan Reddy.

Telugu Desam to launch two-day stir in support of farmers' problems

ONGOLE: In an effort to get closer to peasants, the Telugu Desam Party on Wednesday decided to launch agitations in different parts of Prakasam district on June 23 and 24. This was decided at the first meeting of the party office-incharges after revamping of the party apparatus by party president N Chandrababu Naidu last week.

“We have to stand by distressed farmers, including paddy and tobacco growers who are struggling to get remunerative price for their produce and also farm inputs on time due to indifferent attitude of the Congress government,'' TDP State vice-president K Balaramakrishnamurthy said while addressing the party leaders and preparing the partymen for a dharna in front of the Collector's office on Thursday.

Exhorting the party functionaries to work hard for strengthening of the party at the grassroots level, TDP district president D Janardhan said “we shall meet every week in each of the 12 Assembly constituencies and to review threadbare various issues concerning people and the party.'' TDP Polit Bureau member S. Ragava Rao, party district general secretary Y Srinivasa Yadav, and party Ongole Lok Sabha constituency incharge M M Kondiah were among those present.

Yalamanchili Sivaji condemns attacks on TDP, Congress leaders

GUNTUR: While expressing condolence over the death of Prof. K. Jayasankar, former Vice-Chancellor of Kakatiya University and a pioneer of the Telangana movement, former MP Yalamanchili Sivaji condemned the acts of hooliganism that took during the departed leader's cremation at Warangal.

Mr. Sivaji described the physical attacks on Minister P. Sankar Rao and some leaders of Congress and TDP who came to pay homage to Prof. Jayasankar and vandalizing of a statue of NTR  as unfortunate and stated that by creating disturbance during the solemn event, the unruly elements only vitiated the atmosphere which would not help their cause.

Prof. Jayasankar was a man of integrity. Though politicians and intellectuals of Seemandhra region differed with him on the larger issue of Statehood for Telangana, his bona fides were never under doubt.