Clinton visit: eight programmes shortlisted

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, FEB. 28. At least eight programmes have been shortlisted by the A. P. Government for the U.S. President, Mr. Bill Clinton, during his visit to Hyderabad on March 24.

A five-member Cabinet sub-committee headed by the Finance Minister, Mr. Y. Ramakrishnudu, has proposed visits by Mr. Clinton to the CII's environment promotion venture at Madhapur, crafts village at Shilparamam, HI-TEC City, Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Satyam Technology Centre, and the American Studies Research Centre (ASRC).

The ministerial panel has also proposed a meeting with Ministers and senior bureaucrats, a public reception and a quick visit to either a project for emancipation of child labour or interaction with women members of DWCRA in a nearby village on the lines of Queen Elizabeth's sojourn in the Nineties.

All these are tentative programmes since the US team, which is slated to make its second visit here on March 5, will have the final say in fixing Mr. Clinton's itinerary keeping in view security considerations. The spadework will be done by the U.S. Consul General in Chennai during his discussions with the Chief Secretary, Mr. V. Anand Rau, here on March 3.

It is only after March 5 that the Government machinery will move into top gear in making arrangements. So far, the Government has only received a telephonic message from the External Affairs Ministry about the visit. Sources do not rule out the possibility of Mr. Clinton staying overnight on March 24 at a leading star hotel on the Begumpet Public Road.

Meanwhile, a Government Order was issued on Monday directing officials to prepare project reports before March 15 for attracting foreign and Indian investments in AP in 15 areas.

It is learnt that the Government has deferred signing of the MoU with Motorola company for setting up a centre at IIIT till the President's visit.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Regional
Previous : CM hints at publishing white paper
Next     : BJP improves performance in Jharkhand region