Union Minister for Urban Development M. Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday said that Visakhapatnam had been selected for development as smart city by the Central Government with the support of the United States for which smart leaders and smart people were required.
Praising the initiatives launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for good governance and improvement in delivery system, he told a meeting held in connection with the stone-laying ceremony of IIM-Visakhapatnam that for smart culture, the people should put an end to freebie system and ensure tax compliance.
“The mindset to oppose imposition of taxes should go,” he said and described how everyone wondered when Mr. Modi wanted to open bank accounts to all those belonging to the poorer sections as part of financial inclusion in a year.
As he was opposed to financial untouchability, many wondered how he could provide accounts to such a large section of population.
“However, because of his firmness, as of now 10 crore accounts have been opened in 10 weeks. That’s the speed with which he works,” he cited.
Eulogising the leadership qualities and vision of Mr. Modi, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said as part of AP Reorganisation Act, 11 premier educational institutes would be located in AP.
He said his government’s focus had remained on how to develop Visakhapatnam into a world-class city.
Mr. Naidu said an incubation centre had been launched at Rushikonda to create several successful persons like Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. He said the government would give Pratibha awards to encourage meritorious students and some special awards to committed teachers. Earlier, Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani, who laid the stone for IIM-Visakhapatnam, said she also had connection with the city as her mother had her formative days during her stay in naval quarters.
She received a wide applause when she greeted the crowds in Telugu saying ‘namaskaram.’ Civil Aviation Minister P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju was present at the meeting chaired by State HRD Minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao.
Government to give Pratibha awards to meritorious students
Special awards to committed teachers
