Andhra ropes in industry for 'smart village' programme

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has roped in corporate sector for the state government's flagship programme 'smart village, smart ward'.

The chief minister Monday interacted with industry leaders, corporates and various enterprises and asked them to contribute to the programme with their respective expertise.

"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.

A couple of industrial houses have come forward to adopt 600 villages under the programme.

Sri City Foundation, working on skill development and social empowerment, will adopt over 100 villages near Sri City.

Jain Education which is charging Re.1 fee for underprivileged kids through their schools also agreed to join hands with government.

Industrialist Bhaskar Rao Potluri said that they are ready to adopt 500 villages.

Vishal Ketani of Coca Cola said that the company is working on water management, sanitation and drinking water as part of their corporate social responsibility activities. The company has adopted six villages in the state.

The chief minister suggested to 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.

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

He said that the government could have a team of officials who will work with the industry and make this as one of the greatest "public private partnership" models.

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