Latest news with #BRajasekhar
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Andhra Pradesh Chambers welcomes two-slab GST structure
VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry Federation (AP Chambers) has welcomed the Union government's proposal to move towards a simplified two-slab GST structure. In a release on Saturday, AP Chambers president Potluri Bhaskara Rao and generals secretary B Rajasekhar stated that the move marks a step towards simplification, transparency, and efficiency in tax system. 'It is a much-needed reform that promises to reduce compliance burden and bring clarity to the tax regime. AP Chambers, for many years, has been requesting the Union government to rationalise the GST slabs and bring down the slab rates for key sectors. A simplified GST with fewer rate slabs will not only ease tax compliance for businesses, especially MSMEs, but also reduce classification disputes, promote consistency, lower operational costs, and enhance revenue predictability,' the release said. The AP Chambers observed that the reform comes at a crucial time for the MSME sector, which has been under distress due to rising input costs, regulatory challenges, and market uncertainties. Critical sectors like food processing, textiles, handicrafts, and rural industries should be included in the 5% GST slab to further support employment, affordability, and rural development.
Hans India
21-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Task Force suggestions to boost MSMEs lauded
Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry Federation (AP Chambers) commended the suggestions given by the 'Task Force on Economic Development for Swarna Andhra Pradesh @2047.' President of Chambers Potluri Bhaskara Rao and general secretary B Rajasekhar in a statement here on Sunday stated that the Chambers, for the past few years, has been supporting and promoting the most potential sectors that were now identified by the Task Force. They recalled that the Chambers submitted similar policy inputs from time-to-time to the government such as the development of sector-specific clusters across the State, development of IT/AI hub in Amaravati, industrial parks with plug and play facilities, electronics clusters, food processing parks and clusters, common facilities in existing food processing parks among others. The MSME sector has been going through many issues for the past 6 to 7 years on account of the COVID pandemic, economic slowdown, and global uncertainties. Many units belonging to the sub-sectors such as textiles, food processing, ferro alloys, foundries, granites and others are either sick or on the verge of bankruptcy. They are facing various challenges such as rising production costs on account of high fuel, power, and logistics costs. They recommended to the government to provide financial support to MSMEs during natural calamities through insurance policies as adopted by Tamil Nadu. Such policies can help mitigate the impact of events like floods, earthquakes, or storms, ensuring business continuity and financial stability. They also requested the State government to support the MSME sector by releasing the long-pending incentives to MSMEs and also ensure timely release of incentives in future.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Private sector urged to help strengthen aquaculture
Vijayawada: Strengthening the aquaculture ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh demands active private sector participation and innovation," said B Rajasekhar, special chief secretary, AHDD & fisheries department, at a national conference on fisheries and aquaculture organised by CII-FACE in Vijayawada. In his keynote address, Rajasekhar emphasised that private sector-led investments in technology, infrastructure, and value chain integration are crucial to overcome bottlenecks, expand capacity, and connect farmers to markets. "We must encourage innovation, reduce inefficiencies, and build forward linkages if we are to scale up the sector sustainably," he added. Themed "Fostering sustainable growth & competitiveness in fisheries and aquaculture," the conference brought together industry leaders, govt officials, and development organisations. Discussions centred on growth strategies, conservation, and innovations in marine, brackish water, and inland fisheries. Rama Shankar Naik, commissioner of fisheries, highlighted the state's efforts to modernise cold chains and logistics. "Our policy framework welcomes long-term private investment," he noted. Dr S Kannappan of NFDB reiterated the importance of aligning state efforts with the national vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
Hans India
05-06-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Natural farming only way forward to restore planetary health
Vijayawada: 'This is a historic day and game-changing moment where the entire agriculture and horticulture department and its leadership have come together to champion a shift towards practices that enhance farmer prosperity,' stated B Rajasekhar, Special Chief Secretary of the Agriculture and Cooperation Department. He was addressing the inaugural session of a three-day district-level Training of Trainers (ToT) programme, which commenced Wednesday at all district headquarters. This programme aims at giving orientation to over 10,000 Rythu Seva Kendra functionaries across the State in June on the promotion of Andhra Pradesh Community-Managed Natural Farming (APCNF). Rajasekhar emphasised that natural farming is a turning point, offering concrete solutions to major agrarian challenges. During his virtual session from the State headquarters, Rajasekhar urged departmental officials attending the training to promote Pre-Monsoon Dry Sowing (PMDS) in non-APCNF villages to ensure 365 days of green cover on farmland. He highlighted successful natural farming practitioners like Srinivasulu from Guntur district and Hema Latha from NTR district, who are actively exploring the science behind the practice. T Vijay Kumar, Executive Vice-Chairperson of Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS), speaking virtually at the ToT launch, stressed the critical juncture faced by food consumers due to declining nutritional value, increasing pest resistance, rising carbon emissions, and economically unviable farming. He asserted, 'Natural Farming is not just a choice anymore; it is a necessity to restore the health of the planet and the dignity of the farmer.' This district-level ToT is a follow-up to the State-level programME and aims to orient all Village Agriculture Assistants (VAAs) and Village Horticulture Assistants (VHAs) statewide. Special arrangements were made at all district headquarters for smooth participation in virtual sessions with Heads of Departments. The training combines classroom learning with field-level exposure, providing grass-roots departmental functionaries with a comprehensive understanding of natural farming principles. Dilli Rao, Director of Agriculture; Dr K Sreenivasulu, Director of Horticulture; Dr. D.V. Raidu, Advisor to RySS; and B. Rama Rao, Chief Executive Officer of RySS, also joined the virtual call and addressed the gathering.
Hans India
30-04-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Need for research in agriculture stressed
Guntur: Minister for Agriculture and Agriculture Marketing K Atchannaidu said Acharya NG Ranga Agriculture University is the first university to start the concept of agriculture education in the agriculture fields and launched a rural work experience scheme for practical experience. He said this university is the role model for other agriculture universities in the country. He recalled that the students who studied in the university occupied higher positions. He addressed a meeting held at Acharya NG Ranga Agriculture University, at Lam in Guntur city on Tuesday, on the occasion of the beginning of two-day university Diamond Jubilee celebrations. He urged the agriculture scientists to do research to reduce the cost of production in agriculture to make the agriculture viable. He assured that he will release funds to complete the university administrative buildings. Earlier, he inaugurated the agriculture stalls set up on the occasion of university diamond jubilee celebrations. Special chief secretary to government (Agriculture) B Rajasekhar, ANGRAU vice-chancellor Dr R Sarada Jayalakshmi, MLC Alapati Rajendra Prasad, MLAs Eluru Sambasiva Rao, B Ramanjaneyulu, commissioner of agriculture Dilli Rao, Sri Venkateswara University vice-chancellor Dr K Gopal were among those who participated.
