"Wear Crash Helmet-It Saves Life"

Sri. YR Reddy, Director (Personnel), VSP, today launched a campaign at Ukkunagaram by flagging off the rally to disseminate the usage of ‘Crash Helmet’ by two wheelers. Sri. YR Reddy himself took part in the rally to impress the advantage of wearing ‘Crash Helmets’ while driving the two wheelers in the Plant as well as in the township and other areas also.
While quoting the recent fatal road accidents, Sri Reddy said that the victims would have been saved if they wore a ‘Crash Helmet’. The initiatives of VSP Management with a slogan that ‘ No Helmet - No Entry’ (for 2 wheelers) is gradually yielding good results, which brings awareness not only in VSP employees but also in General Public who visits VSP for various reasons. Sri. Reddy also urge the audience to start early and reach safely to the destinations to avoid last minute rush and pressure. He complimented the Union Leaders for their support towards this greate cause.
The rally was walked through the different sectors of Ukkunagaram
Sri. PMMG Krishna, GM (P&IR), Sri.NVK Raju, DGM (Safety), Sri. S. Jagannathan, DGM (Personnel), Sri. PK Mohapatra, DGM (Admn) were present. The Program was attended by the Senior officers of VSP, Police Officials, trade union leaders, Home Guards, all cross section of employees and General Public.

"Re-dedicate to the cause of Safety"

Week long Safety week celebrations started at Wire Rod Mill, Visakhapatnam Steel Plant inaugurated by Shri R Ranjan, Executive Director (Works), VSP, by unfurling the Safety flag. Sri AP Choudhary, CMD in his message asked WRM collective to re-dedicate to the cause of Safety & do everything possible to avoid accidents. Shri Umesh Chandra, Director(Operations) in his message emphasized for behavioral based safety training for all levels of employees and inculcate safe work culture through such celebrations. Sri. Ranjan, complemented WRM collective for maintaining good safety record and implementing innovative ideas for safety improvement at work place. Shri PC Mohapatra, ED(Maint), Shri AK Makhija – GM(Environment & Safety ) , Sri Wilson David- GM(Mills) , Shri NVK Raju – DGM(Safety) and Head of the deptt Shri KK Ghosh were present. The Program was attended by the Senior officers, trade union leaders, all cross section of employees & contractual workmen. The Celbrations shall be concluded on 22-12-2011.

CRMP-MIS system inaugurated in VSP

IT Dept of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant in collaboration with Calcining Refractory Material Plant (CRMP) Dept. has developed unique CRMP Management Information System (MIS) software which helps in day to day production monitoring and process monitoring. The CRMP-MIS system was inaugurated by Sri. R Ranjan, Executive Director (Works) today.
The software deals with capturing of all the operational data, which includes Stock Position, Raw Material Receipt, Shifting of Raw Materials, Production and Dispatch, Production Parameters, Delays, Mix preparation, Green Brick and Tempered Brick Production, Loss of Mix, Dispatch of Bricks, Bottom Joint Mass (BJM), Back Filling Mass (BFM) and MIS Reports. The software has interface with Quality Management System (QMS), Production Planning and Control System (PPC).
The team consists of Mr P Chandra Sekhar-AGM(IT), Mr JP Dash-AGM(IT), Mr. V Hema Sundara Rao-Sr Manager(IT) and Mr V Srinivas Reddy-Sr Manager(IT) have developed the Software. The team had adopted the state of the art CMMI (Capability Maturity Model Integration) process improvement model and the software was developed in ASP Dot net technology as the front end and which made the application very much user friendly. PN Rao, GM(Steel) , Mr KVSSR Rao, DGM(IT), and Mr. PBB Krishna Rao, DGM(CRMP) were present.

BSNL staff strike against retirement scheme

Most of the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) employees went on one day Nationwide strike against the irregular retirement scheme on Thursday. Around 90% of employees participated throughout the country. Only a few services were on despite strike in Vizag. It was due to a call from Unions of executive and non- executives against the irregularities on retirement benefits. About 2,75,000 workers of all categories participated in it. When it comes Vizag, almost all the services were held up due to this strike. Local representatives of the Unions were held a protest camp at the General Manager's Office and raised slogans against the Management. Talks between the Unions and the Union Government were failed last night and Unions proceed to ultimate decision. Major demands of the employees are withdrawal of some benefits in retirement schems, medical allowances and travel concessions from workers aged 45 years and above have served BSNL for at least 15 years.

One more Oil Co., to be set up in PCPIR

One more Oil Refinery is going to set up in PCPIR project, Visakhapatnam. In this connection, the Government of Andhra Pradesh and M/s Al Qebla Al Watya Inc, through a Group General Trading & Contracting Company, a leading Company in Kuwait signed on a Memorandum of Understanding on Thursday at Hyderabad in presence of Mr. N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. Mr. Md. Ali Aljazzaf, Director Oil and Gas, Watya India Consortium and Mr. Vikas Raj, Commissioner-in-charge for Major Industries exchanged the signed papers. Ms. Geetha Reddy, Minister for Major Industries, Mr. P. Balaraju, Minister for Tribal Welfare, Mr. TS Appa Rao, Secretary Industries, Mr. KS Jawahar, Secretary to Chief Minister and Mr. Lav Agarwal, District Collector were present on the occasion. This Company proposes to establish 4,00,000 bpd refinery project in Andhra Pradesh.
The proposed refinery project is expected to benefit the State as below: 1 Creating employment opportunities both direct and indirect 2 PCPIR project can be successfully taken forward for creating a leading petrochemical hub with the various industrial by-products coming out of this refinery and cracker unit. 3 Overall economic development of the area through establishment of social infrastructure like housing, educational institutions, health care, transport sector, hotels, retail and infrastructure like road network and urbanization. 4 Revenue to the State from the refinery project and all other service sectors created due to the project. 5 The project can promote a number of ancillary industries through which additional employment and revenues will be generated in the State.

Fire Safety Should Be Followed By All Hospitals - COMMISSIONER

The COMMISSIONER Mr B. B. Ramanjaneyulu said all hospitals in the city should follow Fire Safety Rules and all the neccassary changes should be completed with 40 days(i.e,JANUARY 26 2011) and should declare the 'FIRE SAFETY HOSPITAL'.The FireSafety Officer Mr Sarath Babu in the G.V.M.C Chamber had a powerpoint presentation about the Fire Safety rules.Only 5 out of 107 hospitals followed all the safety rules and it is all the responbility including building design plans,hospital management to avoid Kolkata hospital incident.The Commissioner said that there was problem in issuing the no objection so for that within one month Single Window plan will issued.All the hospital management should submit the neccassary documents.The Commissioner said to the Distict Medical Office Dr Savitri if failed to submit documents hospital registration should be allowed.The Commissioner advised that the checklist has been issued to all the hospitals with that by monday Self Declaration should be submitted.Wednesday the documents will be revised and all the changes will be advised and by 26 January 2012 the hospitals should be declared as 'FIRE SAFETY HOSIPITAL'.If the rules are not follwed the hospitals will be closed.In this meeting Deputy Commissioner Mr P.PurnachandraRao,City Planner Officer Mr D.Venkataratnam,District Medical Officer Dr Savitri,Medical Officer Dr D.Abulu,District Fire Safety Officer Mr Narasimham,G.V.M.C Fire Safety Officer Mr SarathBabu,Zonal Commissioner and all the hospital managements has participated in this meeting.

Recruitment in the Army is transparent : Brg Pankaj Sinha

Recruitment in the Indian Army has always been transparent, announced the Deputy Director General (Recruitment)- States Brg. Pankaj Sinha. Addressing the press conference on Tuesday, at the Indira Priyadarshini Stadium in the city, where the Army Recruitment Rally is going on for the past few days, he said, serving the nation is pride to any Indian. It is the only option to join the Indian Army as a soldier, he added. Indian Army is the second largest and powerful in the world, he proudly mentioned. The soldier recruitment camp conducts various tests including Fitness, Physical and medical prior to the online written test at the selected centres, Brg Sinha mentioned. He further stated that there is no money transaction is allowed during any stage of the recruitment in Army rally, if any found, they will proceed to severe punishment. Final scrutiny will be only after the written test and selection will be done only through merit.
Brg Sinha is in-charge for Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu, Andaman and Nicobar and Pondicherry regions. Eight of the appeared candidates were hospitalised when gates were opened in the morning session on Sunday, responding to it, he said, it is very unfortunate and it is the first occasion in his region. The incident takes place when 15000 candidates tried to enter at a time. Mr. VK Singh, resident in-charge, Mr. PS Kushwaha and Mr. Nayana Rao, ACP (Civil Police) also present at the conference.

RINL and POWERGRID sign MOU for Tower Manufacturing JV

Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), Visakhapatnam Steel Plant and Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. (POWERGRID) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 14th December 2011 at New Delhi to set up a Joint Venture Company for manufacturing of Transmission Line Towers and Tower Parts including Research & Development of new high end products. Mr. A.P Choudhary, CMD, RINL, Mr. R. N. Nayak, CMD, POWERGRID, exchanged the MOU documents in the august presence of Dr Dalip Singh, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Steel and Sri Rakesh Jain, JS & FA, Smt Rita Acharya, Joint Secretary (Transmission), Sri Arun Kumar, Director (Transmission), Ministry of Power,Sri Umesh Chandra, Director (Operations), Sri P Madhusudan, Director (Finance) and Sri T K Chand, Director (Commercial) of RINL. This JV will bring synergy between the producers (RINL) and user (Powergrid). The import of quality Tower Transmission lines will be addressed with this JV. Both RINL and Powergrid coming together for intervention of R&D for development of new generation transmission towers which are required for fast expanding power sector.The installation of the unit at Vizag will enhance the quick transportation including thro Sea route and also ensures opening the market for South East Asian countries. The JV will have opportunity to tap the market in South East Asia where such development is taking place in power sector.Dr Dalip Singh, Joint Secretary, MOS and Sri Rakesh Jain, JS&FA, Ministry of Power in their speech said that this is a historic day to the two Navratna Companies joining together. Dr Dalip Singh said this JV will increase bottom-line of both the companies and advised to form a JV for Cold Rolled Grain Oriented (CRGO) Steel also.The capacity of the proposed plant will be initially 2 lakh tons per annum with provision to expand further as per requirement. The estimated cost for the project will be around Rs.300-350 crores, that includes Rolling Mill and other associated facilities.Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited – Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (RINL-VSP), a “Navratna” company popularly known as “Vizag Steel”, a leading Central PSU under the Ministry of Steel, Govt. of India is the first shore based integrated steel plant in the country with modern technology having an annual capacity of 3 million tonne of liquid steel and a turnover of over Rs. 11,500 Crs produces various grades of long products like TMT Rebars, Wire Rods, Rounds, Structurals, Squares etc which are widely used in infrastructure projects.

Free Eye Screening Program for Women Dec 11, 2011

Studies have shown that women are more prone to eye diseases than men and 2 out of every 3 blind people in the world are women. The prevalence of visual impairment and blindness is higher in Indian women compared to Indian men and increases with an increase in age.
Some common eye conditions which affect women more than men include cataract, glaucoma, age related macular degeneration, dry eyes, diabetic retinopathy, pregnancy-related eye disease and thyroid eye disease. However women utilize eye care facilities 40% less than men and this may be due to lower social status, lower literacy levels and greater tolerance levels in times of any illness.
In order to provide easier access to eye care for women, LV Prasad Eye Institute in association with Symbiosys Technologies and CMR group is pleased to launch free eye screening for women for the month of December, 2011, at the hands of renowned S Indian actress Shreya. The meeting was conducted by Mr O Naresh of Symbiosys Technologies, Mr M Arif of 4 point Sheraton and Dr Avinash Pathengay and Dr Merle Fernandes of LV Prasad Eye Institute, Visakhapatnam.

Thousands participate in the FIRST ever "Walk for Values India” programme with fervour and gaiety

The beach wore a festive look with the entire premises reverberating with chanting of bhajans, vedam and preaching about Human values on Sunday as part of WALK FOR VALUES INDIA organised by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Visakhapatnam District from Elephant Statue, near Palmbeach Hotel to Kalimatha Temple, Beach Road, Vizag, today.
The progarmme started with the chanting of vedam by school children. later Sri B.Ramanjaneyulu garu, IAS, Commissioner, GVMC inaugurated the WALK by performing the traditional Jyothi Prajvalana along with sri SG Chalam, State President, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Andhra Pradesh and Flagged off the WALK. The WALK is first of its kind in India was organised by Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation with the concept "It is not just a walk; it is actually a journey, a pilgrimage of self-discovery, self transformation & self purification".

Visakha Valley School teacher tours Japan

Mr. Prasanta Kumar Panda, Social Science teacher of Visakha Valley school thanked the Government of India for selecting him for a team that toured Japan under Japan East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths 2011 recently. Speaking to newsmen here at the VJF Press Club on Saturday, he said, this tour was completed recently. He was a member of the team comprising two teachers and 22 students selected from throughout the nation. It is a programme financed by the Government of Japan for greater understanding among East Asian and SAARC countries to promote people to people contact for better understanding, he added. They visited a number of Elemenratary, Senior High Schools, colleges and other educational Institutions in Tokyo and Kamatsu during their nine day stay in Japan, he mentioned. Students were given better education awareness sessions University scholars in Japan. Ms. Sarada Reddy, Principal- Visakha Valley School congratulated him for his achievement.

Temples remain closed during lunar eclipse

Temples in the city remained closed during the full lunar eclipse on Saturday. Temples including Sri Varahalakshmi Nrusimha Swamy temple, Simhachalam, Sri Kanakamahalakshmi temple, Sampath Vinayagar and other temples were closed in the afternoon session onwards. Devotees were not allowed after Rajabhogam by 12 noon and sanctum sanctorums were shut after performing special rituals to the dieties. It being a lunar eclipse which continued till 11 pm, the temples will be re-opened only on Sunday.

FLORAL TRIBUTES PAID TO MARTYRS ON NAVY DAY

The Eastern Naval Command celebrated the Navy Day today, 04 Dec 11. On this historic day in the year 1971, Missile Boats of the Indian Navy with their lethal and powerful missiles attacked Karachi harbour, paving the way for a great victory for India. On this occasion, all the personnel of the Eastern Naval Command rededicate themselves to the service of the country and to protecting the vast maritime boundaries and the national assets off the Eastern Seaboard. The Eastern Naval Command paid homage to service personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in various actions including the 1971 War. A floral wreath was placed by Vice Admiral Anil Chopra, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command at the Navy War Memorial. Wreaths were also placed by President Navy Foundation Vice Admiral (Retd) AVR Narayan Rao and Zilla Sainik Welfare Officer Captain (Retd) Satya Prasad and the District Collector Shri Lav Agarwal. They were also joined by 80 NCC cadets. A 50 men Guard of Honour was paraded on the occasion, and on arrival, the Flag Officer proceeded to the War Memorial in slow march with the wreath bearers marching in front. The Guard performed the Salami Shastra followed by Shok Shastra and the Commander-in-Chief placed the floral wreath. While the bugler sounded the Last Post, a two minute silence was observed. With the guard reverting to the Salami Shastra position, the Bugler sounded, Rouse heralding the end of the Ceremony.

CMD, Directors Greet Christian Fraternity in Ukkunagaram

Sri. AP Choudhary, CMD, RINL/VSP greeted Christian fraternity in Ukkunagaram on the occasion of Christmas Celebrations that were started in the township yesterday night. Sri Choudhary cut the cake to mark the celebrations at the Multi Purpose Hall.

Sri.P Madhusudan, Director(Finance)and Sri.YR Reddy, Director (Personnel) of RINL/VSP participated in the celebrations and greeted them on the occasion. The dignitaries distributed prizes to the winners of various competitions organized to mark the occasion. Sri. Neil Vimalkumar, RZIM Life Focus Society delivered the Christmas message. Earlier, Visakha Vimala Vidyala students presented a colorful dance, which attracted the large number of participants. Christmas Carols were sung by different church members. They collectively prayed for the betterment of the plant. The Christian fraternity thanked the management for their continuous support to their community in the township. Sri Wilson David, Sri S Wilson and Sri K Antony and large number of their fraternity participated.

Donate blood to give life to another : Collector

Youngsters should take the responsibility of giving life to another by donating blood frequently said, Mr. Lav Agarwal, District Collector. While inaugurating the blood donation camp at the Convocation hall of Andhra University conducted by Sahaya- a voluntary organisation on Friday, he himself donated blood to mark the inauguration of the blood donation camp. Speaking to the media, he said, health centres in rural areas are in need of such Blood Camp units, as there is a requirement of blood of various groups. He congratulated the organisers of Sahaya, Symbiosis and CMR for extending their support. Later he spoke to number of students from various colleges and created an awareness among them and ditributed passes to the blood donors. Mr. Naresh Kumar, CEO, Symbiosis, Mavuri Venkata Ramana, CMR Group, representatives of Andhra University were also present at the inaugural session. About 600 students donated blood at the venue.

DGP announces two DCPs to the city

Mr. V. Dinesh Reddy, Director General of Police has announced to appointint two Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) one each in East and West zones, one Assistant Commissioner rank police for traffic in Visakhapatnam Commissionerate limits. Speaking to newsmen on Thursday, he said, that Vizag needs more police force based on the development. He was in the city to participate in various programmes on Thursday. Earlier, he visited Simhachalam to offer special rituals at Sri Varaha Lakshmi Nrusimha Swamy temple. He inaugurated District Crime Record Bureau (DCRB) premises, police gym and Close Circuit Television (CCTV), camera monitoring cell etc at the Commissionerate. He congratulated the city police for chasing numerous pending unsolved cases. He gave out 21 two wheelers to D-Colts for patroling. He also visited grey hound unit in Visalakshinagar during his visit. He was accompanied by Mr. J. Purnachandra Rao, Commissioner of Police and other police officials. Later, he had distributed rewards to police officials of different cadre for chasing various cases.

Shri Dinsha J Patel, Hon’ble Union Minister of Mines assures all help to RINL

Shri Dinsha J Patel, Hon’ble Union Minister of Mines appreciated the growth initiatives and efforts of RINL and praised the excellent performance of RINL.
Shri AP Choudhary, CMD, RINL, Shri TK Chand, Director (Commercial), Shri. H.K.Chhatwal, Ex D (C) & Sr. Advisor met the Hon’ble Minister of Mines Shri Dinsha J Patel at New Delhi today.
CMD and D (C) appraised the growth plan and performance of RINL.　 They have also informed the Hon’ble Minister that RINL has adopted one of　the best Technology and operating at best Techno Economic Parameters at par with international Standards.　 They have also impressed Hon’ble Minister that RINL is getting Profits for the last 6 years continuously even after purchasing the Iron Ore and coal from out side Agencies due to lack of captive mines. The additional requirement of Iron ore during 6.3 mtpa and 7.3 mtpa stage is brought to the notice of Hon’ble Minister. RINL is lacking　with Raw Material Security and because of this reason it is scouting for Iron Ore and Coal in A.P, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Chattisgarh, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh States. State Governments of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh are actively considering RINLs Iron ore lease applications.　 CMD requested the Hon’ble Minister to recommend the leases soon after the file reaches to Ministry of Mines from the respective State Governments.
The Hon’ble Minister assured all help to RINL and informed that the applications will be considered favorably for allocation of Mines. Later Sri AP Choudhary, CMD also called on Sri Visahwpati Triwedi, Secretary, Mines and Sri Alok Perti, Secretary, Coal and requested for favorable consideration in allotting mines and coal blocks to RINL.
Responding to the query by Secretary (Coal) about the surrendered coal blocks of Mahal and Tinighat Jhirki, CMD informed that these two blocks are not feasible to operate because of the prevailing faults, geological disturbances and due to bare minimum of availability of reserves. Further informed that those two blocks are neither economical nor safety to operate and accordingly returned back those blocks after taking the experts opinions.　 Secretary (Coal) assured to allot new blocks which are potential/good　for operating and investing by RINL by end of January, 2012.　

Old Town Residents Welfare Association

The "Old Town Residents Welfare Association" which has been agitating for past several days against Visakhapatnam Port Trust for the pollution and proposed move of relocating the residents in the area called for a press meet today in regard to the recent news of death of fish in the interior canal near Meghadripeta and also warned the authorities concerned for their negligence to check pollution in and around the area of Kotaveedhi, the President Mr. M Ali Khan and Kadiri Appa Rao said that this incident was a proof of the conspiracy by the Visakhapatnam Port Trust and the Pollution Control Board to get their land in Kotaveedhi evicted by any means, the death of fish amounting to 20 tons which is the main source of livelihood to many residents of the area has caused a great panic among the residents as they have been facing similar types of problems from other government agencies who are very much hand in glove with the port mafia , for example
1) The potable drinking water being pumped to the residents always has some contamination
There are many other issues which will be taken up later when the right time arises
Later Mr Kadiri Apparao claimed that the residents were being subjected to different types of pressures so that they are eventually forced to surrender their land to the port andin the bargain the goal of acquiring the Kotaveedhi land and the conspiracy of the port will be fulfilled
They also said that the Port Chairman,while has been openly claiming in the media and newspapers that there was no plan or pressure for acquiring the land in Kotaveedhi the association has proof that the Port has hired a Consultant to submit a Valuation Report for acquiring the land
The Association’s office bearers later met Dr. T. Subbirami Reddy , Honble Member Of Parliament Rajya Sabha and submitted a memorandum to look into the matter and to advise the concerned authorities to take necessary steps to control the pollution in the area and make the lives of the residents peaceful as they have been suffering since many years due to pollution related health problems and they would not succumb to any sort of pressure to get their land vacated to make way for coal dumps and would rather sacrifice their lives for the issue

Red Ribbon Show Held at ENC on WORLD AIDS DAY

A Red Ribbon Show was conducted by Station Health Organisation, Visakhapatnam under the aegis of Headquarters, Eastern Naval Command on the occasion of World Aids Day at Samudrika Naval Auditorium today, 08 Dec 11. Vice Admiral Anil Chopra, AVSM. Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Children of Navy Children School, Nausena Baugh performed an informative skit titled Na Maanenge Hum Haar highlighting different modes of HIV transmission and its prevention. Later, a short film Savdhan, made by the Ministry of Defence specifically for Defence Forces and Security personnel, was screened. A poster exhibition on HIV / AIDS awareness was also put up, with posters made by students of Navy Children School, Kendriya Vidyalayas-I, II and Malkapuram. Admiral Chopra gave away prizes to the winners of the Competition and released the Health Diaries that give information about the medical facilities available at Visakapatnam and also record the medical history of a patient. Speaking on the occasion, the Flag Officer stressed on the need to spread awareness and of the importance of responsible behaviour in order to prevent/ contain the dreaded disease. Nearly 550 personnel including Officers, Sailors, families, Defence civilians and school children participated in the show.

Solo platinum disc on Dec 10

Platinum disc celebrations of Solo Telugu movie will be held on December 10, according to its producer, Vamsi Krishna. Speaking to newsmen on Wednesday, he said that this movie is based on youth related issues and lead roles Rohit and Nisha performed well in it. He thanked the audience for making his movie a success. Mr. Parasuram, Director of the movie is very happy with music and other technical experts who extended extraordinary services in it. The platinum disc celebrations will be held at Gurazada Kalakshetram, all the crew will taking part in it. There would be comedy skits, dance performances, audio presentation will entertain the gathering, he added. Mr. Rohit, Ms. Nisha, comedian Mr. Srinivasa Reddy, Executive producer Seelam Lakshman also present.

TDP, CPI stage dharna in support of farmers

The District wings of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Communist Party of India (CPI) staged a dharna in support of the farmers demanding for a higher price for the crops of this season at the District Collectorate on Wedensday. Addressing the party cadre, Ch. Ayyanna Patrudu,the TDP District convener said,the existing price for a ton was Rs. 2500, which was not at all sufficient for the sugarcane farmers. He demanded the Union Government to provide better care for the livelihood of the farmers. Seeds are not available, loans are denied by the Banks on agriculture lands. He demanded the State Chief Minister Mr. N. Kiran Kumar Redddy, should resign, as he has failed to keep his promise. Mr. J. Satyanarayana Murthy, District Secretary, CPI pointed out the failure of Union and State Governments in this regard. He further stated that the neighbouring states were providing a good price for the crop to the local farmers, whereas the price in Andhra Pradesh is very poor. CPI will continue the protest until the State Farmers are provided with a higher price than existing one, he added. The price per ton in Maharastra and Tamil Nadu is Rs. 2800/ tonne while in Andhra it is less than Rs. 2000. Activists of both the TDP and the CPI parties participated in the protest. Later some of the representatives also submitted a Memorandum to the District Collector.

RINL-VSP Organises Stakeholders Meeting to reduce CO

Local Stake Holder Meeting for 6 Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Projects at Centre for HRD, on 7th December, 2011. The Projects undertaken under this scheme were: 2*60 MW Waste BF gas based captive power plant, Installation of Energy Efficient Air separation unit, Pulverized Coal Injection in Blast Furnaces -1 & 2, Waste Heat Recovery from Special Bar Mill -2, Waste Heat Recovery from Wire Rod Mill -2, Billet Caster in Steel Melting Shop-2. Shri M V Rao GM (TQM-ISO), VSP informed that these projects were likely to reduce Carbon Dioxide (CO 2) emissions by more than 10 lakh tons annually . He informed that RINL was taking up these projects with the intension of reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Mrs. S Beena Lahari, Asst Environmental Engineer, APPCB, appreciated the efforts of RINL towards reducing Green House Gases emissions. She further requested RINL to take up some more projects to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The meeting was attended by the Officials of Andhra Pradesh State Pollution Control Board, NGOs, Officials and Employees of VSP, Union representatives. The participants raised questions on Clean Development Mechanism and were answered by the RINL officials.

City echoes Sri Ram

City of Destiny, witnessed the colourful presentation of Sri Rama Pattabhishekam on Tuesday. As part of the discourse of Chaganti Koteswara Rao on Ramayan on Human relations, it is performed at the Swarnabharati Indoor Stadium. A large number of devotees were participated in this festival. Priests from Tirumala Tirupathi Devastanams, Simhachalam, Srisailam performed this crowning fest with vedic chantings. Prior to it, Suprabhatam, Vishekshenaradhana, Kalasaradhana, Vastu puja, Rakshabandham were held according to Pancharatragamam, followed by Sri Rama Kalyanam. About 108 pots of holi water from rivers, sea were offered to the Lord Sri Ram on the occasion. For the past one week Pravachana Chakravarthy Chaganti Koteswara Rao is delivering discourses at Gurazada Kalakshetram on Ramayan based human relations.

Protest for higher price of Sugarcane

The State Sugarcane Farmers Association staged a dharna seeking a higher price of sugarcane in this crop at the District Collectorate on Monday. Mr. P. Jagannadham, vice president of the district wing, demanded the Union Government for a higher price, whereas the existing price is very low compared to neighbouring states Tamilnadu, Maharastra, Karnataka and Haryana. He demanded the price of Rs. 2500 from the existing price 1450. Price in Tamilnadu, Haryana, and other states price increased to 2800 from 2200 per ton, he added. The State Government is neglecting the farmers for the last few years and crop loans were rejected to farmers stating irregular reasons, he added. About 200 farmers from various villages joined the protest camp and raised slogans against the Government policies.

Book reading given priority : Purandheswari

One should give priority to book reading, mentioned D. Purandheswari, Minister of State for Human Resources here on Saturday at an inaugural ceremony of Book Fair conducted by National Book Trust. Addressing the session on the inauguration, she said, that book reading improves mental ability and concentration. Now-a-days, youngsters attracting towards computers and internet rather than book reading. Unity in diversity, tradition and culture of various sections in the society will be introduced only through books, she added. Further she requested the NBT to take translate the all the noted literature into Telugu and conduct the book fair at frequent intervals every year, she requested. The NBT Book fair will continue till 11 th of this month at the Golden Jubilee Grounds, Andhra Universit. Dr. Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad, MA Sinkander, noted writer Mr. Kalipatnam Rama Rao, Dr. N. Gopi and others present at the inaugural session.

Naval Operational Display Marks NAVY DAY Celebrations

On the occasion of the Navy Day, the Eastern Naval Command conducted a Naval Operational Display here at the RK Beach highlighting the multi-dimensional warfare capability of the Indian Navy in protecting the vast maritime borders and interests of the country. His Excellency Shri Murali Chandrakant Bhandare, Honourable Governor of Odisha was the Chief Guest at the Display. The Event enthralled thousands of citizens of Visakhapatnam including civil dignitaries. Vice Admiral Anil Chopra, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, all Flag Officers of the Command and a large number of officers, sailors and Defence civilian employees of the Navy were present on the occasion. The Chief Guest on arrival at the venue was greeted by a burst of 84 mm Rockets and Water Plume Charges by Marine Commandos. This was followed by Sky divers of the Navy dropping in from the air with the National Flag and the Indian Naval Ensign. The display of naval power continued with the demonstration of helicopters landing and taking off from a moving column of warships in close formation, which was closely followed by high speed runs by Missile Corvettes simulating missile engagement of the enemy by firing flares. The Marine Commandos then displayed a wide range of combat capabilities, including slithering operations and remote detonation of oil rigs. The display by the MARCOS included an exciting Amphibious Assault demonstration. Another demonstration by the MARCOS showed take-over of a hostile ship by speed boats and by slithering down from helicopters. Six different types of aircraft of Eastern Naval Command, including the TU142-M flying in all the way from Arakkonam, took to the skies in a thrilling Flypast. The submarine followed thereafter surfacing in line with the Dais. The Minesweepers anchored in formation thereafter, followed by Beating Retreat Ceremony by the Naval Band. Even as the sun set over the Grand Display, the ships carried out live Anti- aircraft firing on simulated targets. The program concluded with the National Anthem and a display of fireworks and illumination by the ships.

BRIEF FOR PRESS CONFERENCE 03 DEC 11

Opening Remarks. It is a matter of pride to be assuming Command of the multi-faceted, vibrant and growing Eastern Naval Command based at the City of Destiny, which take the pride of hosting the maiden Presidents Fleet Review in 2006, and which has brought laurels to the nation during the Tsunami relief and many other operations.
Role of the Navy. Role of the Navy is represented by a solid pyramid, whose four faces represent the military role, the diplomatic role, the constabulary role and the benign role. Our nation sits astride a very large number of busy International Shipping Lanes that criss-cross the Indian Ocean. The nation is also beset by a number of security-related challenges, including natural and man-made disasters, sea-borne trafficking in drugs, arms and human beings including piracy and terrorism. The Indian Navys primary area of maritime interest is the Indian Ocean, which amounts to an area of roughly 74 million square kilometers. Surveillance over this area requires significant capabilities, incorporating a number of surface, airborne and space-based means. For the purposes of surveillance, the area is divided into the following four segments (proceeding steadily inwards towards our coast) - Choke Points, Maritime Surveillance Zone, EEZ boundary (200 nm from the coast), Territorial Interest Zone.
Current Force Level. The Indian Navy is a 132 ships strong force which includes 14 submarines. There are 49 ships & submarines under construction out of which 43 ships & submarines will be inducted in next five years @ 8/9 ships per year.
New Inductions/Commissions. The Indian Navy of 2020 would be appropriately balanced between Blue-water forces; Brown-water offensive and defensive forces; and, Auxiliary forces that would enhance sustainability and reach, apart from providing capabilities for hydrography, training, and search and rescue. INs capabilities in the area of coastal security are being augmented in conjunction with Coast Guard on a fast track.
The Blue-water force would probably be centred upon two simultaneously-operational Carrier Strike-Groups, each with a suitable mix of multi-mission-capable destroyers, frigates, and corvettes. At the same time, we would not be neglecting amphibious capability, since Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief capability is vital in an area that is home to 70% of the worlds natural disasters. We are looking at a submarine force not much larger than our present one in terms of numbers, but certainly a force that is adequately equipped to meet the operational requirements of the future.
Ships. Some of the ships that are to be inducted in the coming years are the aircraft carrier Vikramaditya; Indigenous Aircraft Carrier; three Shivalik Class Stealth Frigates; four Kamorta Class ASW Corvettes; three Kolkata Class Project 15A; four Project 15B ships; seven Project 17A ships; three Follow on 1135.6 ships; nine Offshore Patrol Vessels; two Cadet Training Ships; 6 x Catamaran Survey Ships; and 95 x Fast Interceptor Crafts.
Aviation. On the aviation side, the induction plans include Multi Role Helicopter, Naval Utility Helicopter, Naval Multi Role Helicopter, MiG 29K fighter aircraft, P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol ASW Aircraft, Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance aircraft, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles; in addition to mid life upgrade plans for Seakings and KV 28 helicopters.
Coastal Security. A lot of initiative has been in the fore in the area of Coastal Security which include enhanced Inter Agency Cooperation, setting up and functioning of Joint Operations Centre, Awareness Campaigns in all coastal regions, induction of dedicated manpower Sagar Prahari Bal, and the conduct of regular Coastal Security Exercises,
Anti-Piracy. 26 IN ships have been deployed in the Gulf of Aden over the last few years. Indian navy has escorted 1779 (incl 1556 foreign flagged) ships and has successfully prevented 39 piracy attempts.
Year Gone By. Here at Visakhapatnam, in the year gone by, New ships viz. Koswari, Karuva and Shakti have been commissioned; the latest stealth frigate Shivalik was inducted into the Eastern Fleet, BNS Umar Farooq visited Vizag. Futher the Foxtrot class submarine Vagli was also decommissioned.

ACQUAINT WITH TECHNOLOGY: CMD, RINL

Sri A P Choudhary, CMD, RINL, Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, today called up on the newly recruited Management Trainees (MTs) (Technical) to fully acquaint with the technology that was incorporated in RINL and adopt best working practices that are in vogue for success and growth self but also the organisation. He advised them to develop punctuality, discipline and good work culture which will contribute for the success of not only the organization but also their self development. While welcoming them into RINL fraternity, Sri Choudhary said RINL is working on Japanese pattern and one of the fastest growing Company in the country. He said that RINL has several advantages like young manpower, best techno economic parameters, high brandimage and added that the Company has very bright future. He explained the current expansion and future plans of RINL to emerge as a 20 MTPA plant at a single location by 2020. Sri Umesh Chandra, Director (Operations) while briefly explaining the operation and commissioning activities at RINL, urged them to acquire knowledge and show inclination to learn about the technology that is available in RINL since the organization is going for a major expansion. He said the new MTs will have a vital role to play. Sri Y R Reddy, Director (Personnel) said that fresh ideas and minds of the newly recruited employees would contribute for the further growth of the organization. He advised them to put in hard work and be fascinated towards their job to achieve excellence. He said that effective management of Human Resources has been a key factor of success in RINL. RINL recruited a total of 185 engineering students through an all India test from IITs, NITs and various reputed colleges in the country. This includes 35 internal candidates and 20 girls of various disciplines from various parts of the country.

WORLD AIDS DAY RALLY ORGANISED IN VSP

In connection with “WORLD AIDS DAY-2011” a rally is organised by the Medical Department of VIZAG STEEL on 01-12-2011. Sri.Y.R.Reddy, Director (Personnel) flagged off the rally from Visakha Steel General Hospital (VSGH). Speaking on the occasion, Sri Y.R Reddy emphasized the need for ELIMINATING DISCRIMINATION related to HIV/AIDS and urged everyone to voluntarily come forward for Prevention & Control of HIV/AIDS. He appreciated the efforts of Medical Department for creating an awareness among the people in this regard. He also appreciated the Master Trainers for their efforts in spreading the awareness on HIV/AIDS Prevention in the plant. Dr.M.K.Tripathy, DGM (Medical & Health Services)I/C, senior doctors of VSGH, paramedical staff participated in the rally. Nearly 200 school children and 50 MASTER TRAINERS in HIV/AIDS (VSP employees) took the rally through the township. The activity is coordinated by DR.K.V.Lakshman Rao, Chief Specialist (OHS) & Nodal Officer, HIV/AIDS for VSP.

Aimed at Zero new HIV infections
AIDS awareness rallies held

Zero New HIV infections and Zero Stigma and discrimination, theme for the year 2011 on the occasion of World AIDS Day. To mark this occasion number of rallies had conducted in the city on Thursday. The District AIDS Control Society organised public meeting at Andhra University Engineering College, where the preventive measures were explained by professional medical practitioners. Prior to it, all the participants have reached the venue as a rally from Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation. About two thousand volunteers including Nursing, NCC cadets, NSS volunteers, Scouts, Guides, school children have participated in the rally. In another session at Ramakrishna beach, a voluntary organisation conducted a signature campaign in association with local educational institutions. NCC cadets of the Mrs. AVN College, organised an AIDS awareness rally, was flagged off by its Principal, Dr. Kanna Rao. He congratulated his boys for raising voice to create an awareness camp on AIDS. Surgical Commander B.Vijayakumar, Commanding officer, 4 Naval medical unit NCC appreciated the cadets for the contribution towards the community development. Students of Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation School, Nakkavanipalem also conducted an awareness rally.

NBT expo from Dec 3 in city

The prestigious publishing institute National Book Trust (NBT) is organising an exhibition from December 3 to 11 at the Golden Jubilee Grounds, Andhra University. According to the organisers, a 10 per cent discount will be allowed on all the books at the stalls. Mr. Lav Agarwal, District Collector released the poster of the book fair at this camp office on Wednesday. Speaking on the occasion, he said, book reading will improve the knowledge and every student should practice it regularly. The book fair is open to public from 2 pm to 9 pm and entry is free. All the major publishers in the country will present their new releases at the stalls in this expo, according to the organisers.