CII-AP Govt to create Knowledge Economic Zone

Hyderabad, Feb 23 (INN): In efforts to push knowledge-driven economic development, CII and Government of Andhra Pradesh will work together for Knowledge Economic Zone (KEZ).

Located in Amaravati, the KEZ will begin its operations from June 2016. The first phase of the KEZ will be ready by 2017 in an area of 10 acres. By 2019, the KEZ will spread to 100 acres. A delegation from CII gave a presentation to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu during the Collectors' Conference. Stressing on the necessity of a knowledge-driven economy to achieve sustainable growth, the Chief Minister directed the district collectors to prepare an action plan for setting up KEZs in each district of the state. 'Take assistance from Harvard and World Economic Forum in setting up the KEZ,' he said.

Earlier, the second day of the Collectors' Conference began with a session on Infrastructure, Investments and Industries. Submitting a report on status of Energy, Secretary (Energy) Ajay Jain said the department is working towards achieving single digit in T&D losses. He informed Andhra Pradesh is the first state in the country to complete 186 lakh LED bulbs. The district collectors were directed to complete the electrification of remaining 4.61 lakh households by March 2016.

During a presentation on AP Fiber Grid, the officials pointed that the average Internet Speed in India is 2.5 MBPS, while internationally it is 10MBPS. The government is working towards providing 10 MBPS internet connection for only Rs 150, the officials informed. The officials said this project will benefit 130 lakh people in the state. Under phase 1, the government will draw cable for 22,500 kms. Each household will receive internet, telephone and cable TV with a common box.

The Chief Minister called Andhra Pradesh Fiber Grid Project a revolution in communications. He said the union government is impressed with the state's fiber grid project. 'If necessary, Andhra Pradesh can become a partner in 'Digital India' initiative,' he added. He further directed all the government departments to use AP Fiber grid bandwidth.

Stressing that the MSMEs hold potential to generate employment, the Chief Minister asked the officials to benchmark Andhra Pradesh with the best countries in the world. He directed the district collectors to work towards the revival of sick units. Chief Secretary S. P. Tucker asked the district collector to create a vertical for revival of MSMEs.

In order to strengthen the agri-business sector in the state, the Chief Minister asked the district collectors to concentrate on horticulture for Rayalaseema and fisheries for the coastal belt.

The Roads and Buildings Department officials gave a presentation on the condition of roads and requested the district collectors to grant necessary permission to construct roads. The Chief Minister said the government is undertaking construction of 1,205 km highways with an expenditure of Rs 16,500 crore. The Chief Minister suggested the officials to construct 2,4 or 6 lane roads based on the traffic needs.

Later, reviewing the status of the water resources department, the Chief Minister said the department is responsible to handle the drought condition. He made a strong point to get rid of dry spell this year, thereby saving each acre of the state. He set a target of 10 lakh farm ponds in the state in order to increase the water table of the state.

Deputy Chief Ministers K.E.Krishna Murthy, Nimmakayala Chinarajappa, Ministers Acchan Naidu, Devineni Umamaheswara Rao, Kamineni Srinivas, Palle Raghunatha Reddy, Ayyanna Patrudu, Ganta Srinivasa Rao, Kollu Ravindra, Peethala Sujatha, Paritala Sunitha, Mrunalini, Bojjala Gopala Krishna Reddy, Manikyala Rao, advisors, collectors, principal secretaries, HODs and other officials were present.