Naidu seeks industry inputs on Smart Villages

Hyderabad, Feb 23 (INN): In a meeting with industry leaders, corporates and various industrialists from health, education, biotechnology, pharma, finance, sanitation, technology and other sectors, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu asked them to contribute to the state government’s flagship programme “Smart Village/Smart Ward” programme with human interest.

The Chief Minister said that based on the respective company’s expertise, they could help the government in that sector. “You can either do this village-wise by achieving all the 20 indicators or choose a sector or area and work on it,” he said.

Seeking inputs from industrialists, the Chief Minister explained about the 7 missions, 5 grids and 5 campaigns. He suggested industry bodies like CII, FICCI and FAPCCI to work with communities on ground and involve entrepreneurs who can mentor localities and introduce innovations that are simpler and easier to adopt.

“Industrialists or corporate can work with Janmabhoomi Maa Vooru Committee for coordination at the village/mandal-level,” the Chief Minister said, adding that they are partners in the state’s development.

Stating that capacity building is a challenge that states are facing, the Chief Minister said that it is high time for us to pay back to the society. “I appreciate corporates for contributing to the society through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). You have to play the role of a catalyst,” he added.

Suggesting that they can start with analysis of the current status of the village/ward by rating key indicators, the Chief Minister said that once the indicators and the status is figured out, they could map a plan of action.

The Chief Minister said that the government could have a team of officials who will work with the industry on this program and make this one of the greatest “public private partnership” models.

He encouraged industrialists and corporates to encourage social entrepreneurship by mentoring and guiding local entrepreneurs.

According to the Chief Minister, the government could have an institute in partnership CII or any other industry bodies to promote entrepreneurs and work on Smart Village/Smart Ward program by empowering locals.

J.A. Chowdary of IDF suggested that the government could have smartness index and quality index to measure the effectiveness of the program.

Meanwhile, Sri City Foundation’s Srini Raju informed the Chief Minister that the Foundation is working on skill development and social empowerment. The Chief Minister asked the foundation to adopt over 100 villages near Sri City under the Smart Village/Smart Ward program. Mr. Raju accepted the Chief Minister’s suggestion and said he will take up the adoption of the villages.
Jain education which is charging Rs.1 fee for underprivileged kids through their schools said it can contribute to this program by providing quality education.

Vishal Ketani of Coca Cola said that the company is working on water management, sanitation and drinking water as part of their CSR activities. He informed the Chief Minister that the company has adopted six villages in AP under the program.

Another industrialist from Andhra Chambers Bhaskar Rao Potluri said that they are ready to adopt 500 villages in AP. The organization is currently working on organic farming with farmers and also on skill development.

A representative from Dr. Reddy’s Labs informed the Chief Minister that the company is working on improving livelihoods through skills development.

Meanwhile, Sudhir Aggarwal of Oracle India said that the company is working on skill development (in higher education) by training students in their technologies.

The Chief Minister suggested Nuziveedu Seeds Limited representative to work on a farm-to-fork model including soil testing, agro-processing, etc. This could be developed as a model on 5,000 acres of land and be replicated.

Representatives from Nuziveedu Seeds Limited, Nagarjuna Group, Ella Foundation, Yes Bank, Bhavya Cements, UNICEF, Karvy, Aurobindo Pharma, Mytrah Energy, Brandex Apparel, Tirumala Dairy Group, Heritage Foods, and other companies have given inputs on agriculture, bio-technology, development of sports infrastructure, sustainable energy practices, improving productivity of dairy sector, agro-processing, mid-day meal plan, landscaping, animal healthcare, women empowerment, reduction of infant mortality rate and maternal mortality rate, de-flouridation units, data management and analysis and other initiatives.

Special Chief Secretary (Planning) S.P. Tucker, advisor (communications) Dr. Parakala Prabhakar, Principal Secretary to CM Satish Chandra, Principal Secretary (Industries) S. S. Rawat, AP State Skill Development Corporation CEO Ganta Subbarao and other officials were present.