Special Security at Parade Grounds for R Day
Special security was put in the capital city of Hyderabad at the Parade Grounds Police where Republic Day celebrations will take place in the wake of possible attacks by ISI and other terrorist organizations. The Parade will be preceded by the new Governor of Andhra Pradesh Sri. Surjit Singh Barnala, Chief Minister Mr. N Chandrababu Naidu and other Ministers of Cabinet and other VIP's. Dogs squads were put into field to check every nook and corner of the ground.
Sri Devendar Goud announces Budget Draft for his Home Affairs Department
Home Minister Sri Devendar Goud released the Draft Budget of the Home Affairs Department. The budget for the year is put at Rs. 1170 Crores. The amount will be mostly spent on Police, Jail and Fire Departments with a major slice of it going for repairs being undertaken for Police Stations and building of new jails. Home Minister justifies that the increase of Rs. 28 Crores more than the last year is justifiable as it is clearly evident from the decreasing crime rates.
No additional burden from Taxes side on common man from the State Budget
Commercial Taxes Minister Sri Vijaya Rama Rao said that there is no change in budgeted allocations for the Excise, Revenue and Stamp registrations sections of his Department. He said that there will be no increase in registration charges
School and Adult Education Minister Sri Mandava Venkateswara Rao said that the Government is committed at the Education for all and that to keep in pace with the program, it will continue to appoint more teachers as required. He said that Rs. 250 crores will be allocated from the Budget for the smooth conduction of mid-day meal program. He also released the Housing Development budget report.
Rs. 212 Crores for Velugu Phase II program
Minister Sri Nagam Janardhan Reddy said that Rs. 212 crores will be allocated for Velugu Phase II program. He said that the 2nd financial commission reforms will be taken and that the report is to be put before the Assembly. He said that 10,000 habitations were to be given drinking water and that allocations are made as required.
Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister Sri B V Mohan Reddy said that the Government is committed at getting Krishna river water to Hyderabad.
Minister Sri C Muthyam Reddy said that all Government-run hostels in the state will be getting commodities from the Gruhamitra program and that the existing tender system will be stopped. He reminded that this facility is already available in 8 districts and will be implement in all other districts. He announced the draft of the Budget at Rs. 591 crores budget for the Civil Supplies Department.
The Minister agreed that some items were highly priced and that this will be ratified. He said that rice will be stocked in scientifically designed godowns to see that prices are put on control when in demand.
Over 50 partymen were taken away by the police when clashes between two groups in a TD Party meeting in Uravakonda in Anantapur district.
The Amarajeevi Pottisriramulu Zilla Sadha Commitee has called upon for a state-wide bundh on January 30. Political parties including CPI, CPI-M, BJP and the Congrss were supporting the bundh - President of the Samithi Mr. M Paparao said.
The strike by Unions of Singareni Collieries reached the 4th day. A meeting this night was postponed to January 27, 2003.
Digi Quest demonstrated a new film recorder system that allows digitally taking films at Kshetra in Hyderabad.
