Date:28/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/28/stories/2008092858650300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Vijayawada

Women entrepreneurs impress YSR

VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy inaugurated the industrial estate of Association of Lady Entrepreneurs of Andhra Pradesh at Surampally near here on Saturday and called upon women to prove that they were not inferior to men in business and entrepreneurship. He also laid a foundation stone for ‘Naipunyam’ training institute on the premises.

He pointed to the several initiatives taken by his government for the welfare of women, particularly the ‘pavala vaddi’ loans and huge concession in sales tax, and said that the Rajiv Udyogasri was aimed at generating eight lakh jobs, for which Rs.426 crores had been earmarked. He complimented the ALEAP for encouraging young entrepreneurs to take up several activities that could help them stand on their own feet.

Bold speeches

Dr. Reddy was impressed by the short but bold speeches made by Divyajyothi and Sujatha, two budding entrepreneurs, who said that they could come up in life, only because of the help extended by the government and the ALEAP. He was particularly impressed by the short English speech given by Sujatha, who said that she had learnt the language as part of her training at ALEAP.

Responding to a plea made by ALEAP president K. Rama Devi for allotment of more land for taking up several other activities, the Chief Minister directed the district Collector to explore the possibilities in consultation with the APIIC.