Mahindra e2o set to redefine the Future of Mobility

New Delhi, March 18th 2013 – Mahindra Reva, India’s electric vehicle pioneer, part of the

USD 15.9 billion Mahindra Group, unveiled its all-electric, zero-emission ‘Mahindra e2o’ at
a ceremony at India Gate in New Delhi. Present on the occasion were Dr. Farooq Abdullah.
Hon. Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Mr. Praful Patel, Hon. Minster Heavy
Industries and Public Enterprises and Mrs. Sheila Dixit, Chief Minister of Delhi, together
with Mr. Anand Mahindra, Chairman, Mahindra Group and Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman,
Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles Pvt. Ltd.

The Mahindra e2o is a manifestation of Mahindra’s vision of the ‘Future of Mobility’ which
encompasses the ‘5Cs’ framework of Clean, Convenient, Connected, Clever and Cost Effectiv
vehicle technology. This could well shape the way people commute in the 21st century. The
Mahindra e2o will go on sale immediately at select Mahindra dealerships nationwide in a
phased manner. The vehicle is priced at Rs.5.96 lacs (on road Delhi, post state subsidy).

Speaking on this momentous occasion, Mr. Anand Mahindra, Chairman, Mahindra Group
said “The launch of the Mahindra e2o marks an important milestone for the Mahindra Group
which brings to mind the historic words of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru - 'A moment comes, which
comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new.’ The Mahindra e2o is the
embodiment of that shift from old to new within the Indian automotive industry. It also advances
the Mahindra Group's efforts at redefining sustainable urbanization with the creation of an eco
system that includes mobility solutions along with other environment friendly innovations."

Speaking on the occasion of the national launch of the Mahindra e2o, Dr. Pawan Goenka,
Chairman, Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles Pvt. Ltd. said, “The Mahindra e2o is our humble
effort to usher in positive change in the lives of our customers. EVs have always had the
potential to emerge as a serious alternative to fossil fuel driven vehicles. With the Mahindra e2o
we have taken the lead in not only creating a comprehensive ecosystem to nurture sustainable
mobility solutions, but have also firmly placed a choice in the hands of our consumers. They
now have the opportunity of shaping the future of mobility as we know it today”.

“The Mahindra e2o is a near perfect amalgam of the dramatic advancements in automotive
technology, electronics and Information Technology - a unique synthesis that we believe will
help us shape and co-create, with our customers, the future of personal mobility solutions, as
we know them. The Mahindra e2o is designed “outside-in”, as conceived of the car as the third
space. It is, thus, a very real solution to power personal mobility for a sustainable future. We are
certain that the cutting-edge technological innovation that has gone into the Mahindra e2o will
help our customers remain connected in a convenient, cool and cost-effective manner”, said
Chetan Maini, Chief of Strategy & Technology, Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles Pvt. Ltd.

The Mahindra e2o is an Electric Vehicle (EV) designed as an urban mobility solution for a
sustainable zero-emission society and gains relevance in the face of issues like environmental
degradation, pollution related health concerns, climate change, energy security and rising
oil prices, all of which plague communities globally. The vehicle is the Mahindra Group’s
endeavour to offer its customers a clean, smart and economical personal mobility solution.

Convenient for the congested city traffic

Copyright © 2013 Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. All rights reserved.

Powered by next generation lithium–ion batteries and a 3 phase induction electric motor; the
Mahindra e2o is fully automatic and designed for city driving. This means no changing of gears
in bumper-to-bumper traffic. With a small turning radius, it makes every sharp turn a delight.
Its unique hill-hold feature frees you of any anxiety when driving up inclines. Special ABS body
panels, make it dent and scratch resistant.

All of this is coupled with enough interior space to accommodate four adults and a driving range
of 100 kms per charge which is enough to satisfy the needs of the most discerning customer.

Power in the Palm of Your Hand

The Connected car technology of Mahindra e2o is a unique synthesis of energy, mobility and
connectivity and it has multiple industry leading firsts to its credit. The entire genesis of this is
the control interface for the vehicle, which can be made available on any smartphone device
by merely downloading an application. The application then gives the customer the power to
remotely manage several functions of the Mahindra e2o.

For example the smartphone application can help lock the car by simply sending it a lock
command and activate the car’s air-conditioning remotely. The trip planner in the application
integrates the distance to empty information from the Mahindra e2o into the maps and help plan
each journey with the current charge.

Have a conversation with your Mahindra e2o…..

With 10 on board computers, the Mahindra e2o provides real time feedback of all the vehicle’s
functions does a daily heart beat check of the vital systems and sends alerts if anything has to
be fixed,

Apart from telling you that your Mahindra e2o is locked or that the cabin is at a pre-set
temperature with the air conditioning turned on, the Mahindra e2o is also capable of telling
you that you have forgotten to switch on the mains to charge the car, in spite of plugging it
in. Furthermore, this intelligent EV is capable of monitoring how efficiently you drive and can
even provide details of your drive efficiency over the past six days in graphical form. The
Mahindra e2o congratulates you when you achieve 100% driving efficiency and also give tips on
improving the efficiency.

Charging made easy and no more anxieties

Copyright © 2013 Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. All rights reserved.

Customers can now literally plug in their Mahindra e2o’s to charge, like they would their cell
phones, laptops or tablets. It is as easy as that – since the Mahindra e2o can charge from any
15A power socket available in any home. With just 5 hours required for fully charging your
Mahindra e2o – your trusted car will be ready to be driven over 100 kms, more than enough for
the average daily commute.

With the patented REVive® technology there are no more range anxieties. In the rare event of
running low on charge, you can use the app on the smart phone to remotely activate the reserve
energy that can get you going again.

Feature rich yet energy efficient

The Mahindra e2o comes with a 15.5 cms (6.2 in.) touch screen, with factory fitted GPS
navigation system, radio, DVD, Blue tooth and I-pod connectivity. Locating a place or directions
to the nearest charging point is now at your finger tips.

The full digital cluster, electrically operated wing mirrors, keyless entry & start/stop button,
projector head lamps, LED tail lamps, reverse camera, 4JBL speakers & 2 tweeters makes the
features of the Mahindra e2o comparable to most high end cars.

The regenerative braking feature in the Mahindra e2o also pumps energy back into the car’s
batteries and charges them every time you slow down or apply the brakes.

No petrol or diesel means freedom from often increasing oil prices and with Mahindra Reva’s
remote & self diagnostics, the Mahindra e2o needs to be serviced only once a year that too at
your door step.

The stylish Mahindra e2o will be available in six attractive colours - Arctic Silver, Coral Blue, Eco
Green, Oceanic White, Spanish Red and Sunfire Yellow.

Mahindra Reva has also worked hard to create a sustainable technology ecosystem for EV’s,
proof of which is the host of technologies created by the company, inspired directly by its vision
of the future of mobility. The ‘Sun2Car’ technology, which has been developed through the
creation of personal solar charging units, provides the user with sufficient energy to power an
EV for life, making it a very cost-effective mobility solution. – imagine free energy for life!

Other Key Safety Technologies:

High strength steel space frame construction that cocoons the occupants

Copyright © 2013 Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. All rights reserved.

Colour impregnated, dent resistant polymer body panels
ISOFIX child seat mount with ALR seat belts
Adjustable head rests for all 4 seats
Large front crumple zone
Dual side impact beams
Hood designed for pedestrian impact safety
Batteries under seat, ensuring a low center of gravity

IDBI Bank to accept Digital Signature for its corporate net banking customers Move to strengthen authentication procedure and enhance security

Mumbai, March 18, 2013:  IDBI Bank, a new generation PSU Bank, has partnered with eMudhra Consumer Services Ltd.(eMudhra), a licensed Certifying Authority (CA), to implement Digital Signature based authentication solution to strengthen and further secure its Corporate Inet Banking channel. IDBI Bank Corporate Inet Banking users now have the option to use a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC), procured from a Certifying Authority, to authenticate and digitally sign online transactions. IDBI Bank has taken the lead to expeditiously implement the solution following recent directives from RBI to Banks emphasizing upon digital signature enabled electronic banking transactions.

Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is a PKI based asymmetric cryptography technology using 2048 bit advanced encryption standards. The information, which is digitally signed using a DSC, ensures authenticity, non- repudiation, confidentiality and integrity of the data transmitted.

The solution builds trust and enhances security in the electronic banking system thereby enhancing comfort and confidence of both, the customer and the Bank while undertaking Third Party Funds Transfers and Bulk Transaction uploads.

SIDBI signs MoU with Egypt for their SME sector Development

Mumbai 20 March 2013: Small Industries  Development Bank of India (SIDBI)  signed a  tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Social Fund for Development (SFD) Egypt and the World Bank, in Delhi, on March 20, 2013, in the presence of H.E. Dr. Mohamed Morsi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt who is on an official visit to India and Shri Anand Sharma, Minister of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.  SIDBI, set up in 1990 under an Act of Parliament, is the apex financial institution for the promotion, financing and development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) in India.

Under the MoU, SIDBI would not only help in income generation and employment creation in Egypt, but also provide much-needed boost to strengthen the ties between India and Egypt. Moreover, Egypt being the hub of Arab League, comprising 22 countries, SIDBI support has the potential to expand to other countries, thereby paving greater role of India in Western and Northern African (WANA) countries and the Middle East ountries. SIDBI’s initiative would also facilitate transfer of technology from India, as also enable Indian  entrepreneurs to expand their business to Egypt and other countries in the region. 

On this historic occasion,  Mr. Sushil Muhnot, Chairman and Managing Director,  SIDBI, said, “The new business initiative is mainly to leverage the experiential learning of  SIDBI accumulated over the years, as also in its associate / subsidiary organizations to help SMEs in other countries to grow in a competitive manner.  Further, by creating an enabling eco-system in Egypt, SIDBI would facilitate access  to finance to SMEs in Egypt”.

Mr. N K Maini, Deputy Managing Director, SIDBI who had earlier led the SIDBI team to Egypt for preliminary negotiations, said that the historical bond between the two countries would be further strengthened and the SMEs in Egypt would benefit immensely from the expertise developed by SIDBI in several areas.  Further, keeping in view SIDBI’s pre-eminent role in MSME financing in India, many other developing countries were also approaching SIDBI for consultancy assignments.  In view of this increasing interest, the Bank had set up a separate vertical with a specialized team to handle international consultancy.

The proposed international consultancy project in Egypt would cover 5 important areas of Responsible Microfinance; Credit Guarantee Mechanism, Developing  venture capital and risk capital eco system ;  Development of clusters and  strengthening  Risk Management and credit appraisal system for MSME loans.

VODAFONE FOUNDATION’S RED RICKSHAW REVOLUTION ENDS IN MUMBAI AMIDST A ROUSING WELCOME

Raises Rs. 1.3 crore for partner NGOs marking the successful completion of a 1500 km  journey over nine days, by three women from Delhi to Mumbai

 

Announces Rs. 1.6 crore additional support to further the extraordinary  achievements of 30 ordinary women met enroute

 

Mumbai, Mar 18, 2013: The ‘Red Rickshaw Revolution’, an initiative by the Vodafone Foundation that was flagged off from New Delhi on March 9, 2013, a day after the world celebrated International Women’s Day, successfully ended in Mumbai today when the Red Rickshaw arrived at Vodafone India’s corporate office today, March 18^th, to a rousing welcome from Ms. Cherie Blair, an ardent supporter of the Vodafone Foundation, Senior Executives and staff of Vodafone, representatives from several NGOs and the public.

The ‘Red Rickshaw Revolution’ had three committed women, Laura Turkington, Director of the Vodafone Foundation in India, Carina Deegan,who supports the Foundation’s activities and Sunita Chaudhary, the first female auto rickshaw driver in Delhi NCR, traverse the distance of over 1,500 km from New Delhi to Mumbai in a specially designed  red auto rickshaw, over 9 days, stopping at multiple locations along the way, to  engage and interact with inspirational women whose initiatives have positively impacted people’s lives and made a real difference within their communities. 

Sharing insights on this unique initiative, Marten Pieters, Managing Director and CEO, Vodafone India said, “Vodafone India’s commitment towards society extends beyond products and services. Vodafone Foundation has been working in the area of women empowerment in India and the Red Rickshaw Revolution is a one-of-its-kind campaign to build support for this cause by taking it to a larger audience. We strongly believe that empowerment of women is vital for socio economic development and the funds raised from this initiative will benefit several more.”

The key objective of this initiative was to spread awareness, garner support and raise funds for NGOs working to empower several other such women. The ‘Red Rickshaw Revolution’ is raising funds for 3 renowned NGOs- Apne Aap Women’s Collective (AAWC), Breakthrough and Corp and has generated over Rs. 30 lakh till date. The Vodafone Foundation is contributing an additional sum of over Rs. 1 crore.  All funds generated will be used by the three NGOs for educating the underprivileged, facilitating sustainable livelihoods, and providing safety for women.

The Vodafone Foundation announced a further support of over Rs. 1.6 crore to work with the 30 women led projects identified on the route from Delhi to Mumbai, furthering their work by bringing them and their community online and enabling digital literacy. 

Mr Manu Kapoor, Director – External Affairs, Vodafone India, said, “The selfless dedication and commitment displayed by the entire team behind the Red Rickshaw project is to be lauded. This is the single largest social investment campaign till date by Vodafone Foundation in India and will be an inspiration for all employees at Vodafone, for whom a commitment to the society they live in is already deeply ingrained. The gesture of Vodafone Foundation to provide additional support of Rs .1.6crore will go a long way in ensuring that the cause of women’s empowerment is well served.”

Over the past fortnight, Vodafone has been actively reaching out to maximum people in the endeavour to generate support for the ‘Red Rickshaw Revolution’, a journey that covered 5 states and over 2,500 villages, capturing the work of more than 150 women on video.  48 inspirational women were featured, many through over 10,000 photographs taken during the journey. Almost 54,000 people have supported this revolution from all over the world by visiting the website since its launch resulting in 1,60,000 page views.

Fund raising will continue and Vodafone customers in India can donate by messaging DONATE to 58910. 

Donations can also be made online at http://samhita.org/redrickshaw or donations can be made by cheque in favour of Nadathur Trust. International donations can be made online at http://www.justgiving.com/redrickshawrevolution. Additionally, the Vodafone Foundation has also instituted an ‘Angel Programme’ for corporates to participate in this campaign. Companies contributing INR 1 lakh or more to the ‘Red Rickshaw Revolution’ will be featured on the website.

Those still wanting to join in the conversation and support the cause of women empowerment, can:

• Visit website: www.redrickshaw.in
• access Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RedRickshawRevolution;
• follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Redrickshaw2013
• get updates on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFIgzNfEWW2UnXk22ST-8iMfYgxYZyL2f&feature=mh_lolz

The ‘Red Rickshaw Revolution’ is a collaborative work of key partners who have provided active support towards this cause.  Vodafone Foundation would like to thank and appreciate the support of the following partners for their collaborative work towards this cause

·      Digital Partner: Digital Empowerment Foundation

·      Social media partner: Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Hungama, mydala.com and myntra.com

·      Fundraising supports: Samhita and Just giving

·      Other partners: India.com, kipl.net , missmalini .com, Rickshaw challenge, Cocoberry and ibibo.com

SOBHA DEVELOPERS’ MATTRESS DIVISION RECEIVES ISO 9001:2008 CERTIFICATION

Bangalore, March 21, 2013: Sobha Restoplus, the mattress division of realty major Sobha Developers Ltd.,

today announced that it has received the prestigious ISO 9001:2008 certification from TUV Rheinland. Sobha

Restoplus was awarded this certification after it successfully met the guidelines and assessment criteria set out

by the International Organisation of Standardisation (ISO).

Launched in August 2007 in Bangalore, Sobha Restoplus is the first retail product of Sobha Developers. Over

the years, it has redefined the art of sleeping with its best-in-class products.

The certificate was presented in person by Mr. M. Bhaskar, TUV Director-Finance, to Mr. Ravi Menon,

Chairman, Sobha Developers Ltd., on March 21, 2013.

The ISO 9001:2008 certification has been in place for over a decade now and is used by both customers and

companies as a method of controlling their quality. The Standard provides a framework to manage a business

and ensure a philosophy of continual improvement in all aspects of business. It is externally assessed on an

ongoing basis to ensure these business practices are maintained.

Commenting on the significance of the certification, Mr. Ravi Menon, said, “This certificate reiterates the

commitment to quality of our products and services, which we provide to our customers at Sobha Restoplus.”

“Sobha Restoplus today produces more than 27 variants of mattresses and has a sustainable run rate of 100

mattresses per day,” added Mr. Ravi Menon, Chairman, Sobha Developers Ltd.

Mr. M. Bhaskar, TUV Director- Finance, said, “The certification identifies that Sobha Restoplus has fully

demonstrated its ability to provide quality products that meets customer, and pertinent statutory and

regulatory requirements.”

These mattresses are produced on state-of-the-art spring mattress manufacturing plant located on Jigni Link

Road, Bangalore. The unit, spread over approximately 1.7 lakh sq feet, is one of the largest spring mattress

manufacturing facilities in the country.

“Beneath the super-fine finishing, multi-layered cushioning and the imported springs, is a wealth of

technology, design and engineering. All spring mattresses of Sobha Restoplus are tested under a special

Cornell Type Mattress Tester, which has been imported from Leggett & Platt, USA. It is the best and probably

the only such testing machine in the subcontinent,” concluded Mr. Raghav Menon, Executive Vice

President, Sobha Mattress Division.

L&T Construction Secures Orders Valued ` 2080 Cr

 

Mumbai, March 21, 2013: L&T Construction has won new orders valued over ` 2080 crores across various business segments in February and March 2013.

The Building & Factories Business has bagged new orders worth ` 1385 crores for the construction of residential towers in cities in North India

The Power Transmission & Distribution Business has won new orders aggregating to ` 585 crores from various customers. A major order was secured from Bangalore Metrorail Corporation Limited (BMRC) for electrical and mechanical work for seven underground stations and associated tunnel sections of North- South and East - West corridors of BMRC Phase-I. For the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited, L&T will construct a 400 kV Double Circuit (Quad) transmission line between Kurukhsetra – Jallandhar and a 400 kV Double Circuit (Triple) Transmission Line for Abdullapur –Sonepat at Kurukhsetra associated with a WR – NR HVDC interconnector.

L&T Construction also received a new order from Transmission Corporation of Andhra Pradesh Limited for 220 kV underground cable laying between Malkaram & Ghanapur substation to Moulali substation in Andhra Pradesh.

Additional orders worth ` 110 crores have been bagged from various ongoing jobs in the Water & Solar and Infrastructure Business.

Federal Bank Supports Earth Hour 2013

Manifesting solidarity with the world nature lovers, Federal Bank as part of its CSR activities involving employee participation joins the observance of Earth Hour 2013 in a unique way this year on 23^rd March 2013 for an hour from 8.30 P.M. to support the cause of environment protection.  Earth Hour is a simple global event organized annually by World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) giving out a call to households, institutions and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights and electrical appliances for one hour and seeking their compliance to raise awareness towards the need to take action on climate change. 

As done during the earlier years, this year also bank plans to switch off the signage of their Branches & ATMs pan India during The Hour.  Espousing the cause behind the observance, Federal Bank goes beyond just switching off lights for Earth Hour, by moving towards the use of Renewable Energy which is the need of the hour. Bank has already begun using Solar Power at its Corporate Office, five of its branches and four of its ATMs with many more offices /ATMs in the pipeline.  Through the observance of Earth Hour 2013 and by setting example, Federal Bank aims to introduce and raise awareness about Renewable Energy solutions as an upcoming and practical option to be adopted by institutions and individuals to reduce the societal negative impact on the environment. Adding color and aesthetics to the event, Federal Bank plans to stage a shadow puppet show at its corporate office. Bank has received various awards in CSR front including the most coveted Golden Peacock Award for CSR.

‘ASEAN Countries eyeing Kerala as major Business & Investment Destination’

A high profile delegation from ASEAN led by His Excellency Mr Nguyen Thanh Tan, Ambassador of Vietnam and Chairman of ANDC (ASEAN- New Delhi Committee) visited Kochi today for promoting and harboring Business Ties between ASEAN Nations and Kerala. The delegation consisted of Ambassadors, Trade & High Commissioners from 7 ASEAN Countries including Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Philippines, Indonesia & Myanmar. With this background, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Kerala had organized an Interactive Session with the ASEAN Heads of Mission at Hotel Casino, Willingdon Island.

ASEAN region has emerged as an important trading partner of India over the last one decade. India and ASEAN signed a Free Trade Agreement in 2009, which came into force from January 2010. Negotiations for agreement on services and investment between India and ASEAN countries have been concluded recently. India has also signed Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreements (CECA) with Malaysia and Singapore and is currently negotiating CECA with Thailand and Indonesia.

CII has been actively engaged with the ASEAN region for over two decades and even supported the recently held ASEAN India Car Rally 2012 which covered 8 of the 10 ASEAN Nations. Also, the recently held Emerging Kerala has truly managed to grab the World’s attention to Kerala and has been successful in transforming the image of Kerala into a Business and Investment friendly destination. The delegation’s visit to Kerala was aiming for two-way dissemination of information among the local industry on business opportunities in the ASEAN region and to strengthen the local industry and as well as to explore possibilities of collaboration and investment.

The Meeting was attended by the top Business Heads of Kerala including Muthoot, Dhathri Ayurveda, Ernst & Young; Fruitoman’s; Glass & Glazing Systems; Escapade Resorts; Synthite;
V-Guard; Western India Cashew and others. The delegation also interacted with the corporates regarding the potential avenues of Business in ASEAN countries and How Kerala could benefit from it.

Geojit BNP Paribas announces 75% interim dividend

Geojit BNP Paribas today (15.3.13) announced that the Board of Directors of the
Company has approved the payment of an interim dividend of 0.75 Rupees (75
paisa) per equity share of Rs.1/- each.

The Board has fixed 21st March 2013 as the record date for the purpose. The
dividend will be paid to all eligible shareholders whose names appear in the register
of members of the Company and in the records of the Depositories as beneficial
owners of the shares as on the close of business hours on Thursday, 21st March
2013, the record date.

Budget aims at Holistic development of Kerala: CII’

‘Budget aims at Holistic development of Kerala: CII’

Mr K M Mani, Finance Minister today presented the State Budget for the year 2013-14. Mr Mani was

pleased with the rate of growth of Kerala‘s GDP at 9.51 % and said this was a very promising sign of

good things to come for Kerala.

Meanwhile, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) had organized a live Budget Viewing Session in

their new office at Abad Nucleus Mall, Maradu, Kochi. The session was attended by top Industrialists

of the state including Mr C J George, Chairman, CII Kerala State Council & Managing Director, Geojit

BNP Paribas Financial Services Ltd; Mr Jose Dominic, Managing Director, CGH Earth; Mr Shivdas B

Menon, Managing Director, Sterling Farms Researches & Services Pvt Ltd; Mr KKM Kutty, Managing

Director, Sealings & Jointings Ltd; Mr Gigo Joseph, Chief Executive Officer, Infopark Kochi; Dr S

Sajikumar, Managing Director, Dhathri Ayurveda Ltd; and others.

Mr CJ George, Chairman, CII Kerala & Managing Director, Geojit BNP Paribas Financial Services said

that the Budget aimed at facilitating Holistic development of the State. The Industry overall welcomed

the Budget terming it as a very balanced budget formulated keeping in mind the future growth path of

the state. He also appreciated the growth rate of the state and said that Kerala achievements as a state

were commendable when compared to more developed states in the country. Mr George also praised

many of the initiatives planned by the Government including the proposal of Mobility Hubs across all

Districts in Kerala. He also mooted the government’s proposal to promote the use of Solar Energy and

said this was a step taken keeping the future of the state in Mind.

Mr KKM Kutty, Managing Director, Sealings & Jointings Ltd termed the budget as commendable and

congratulated the State Government for the same. He spoke highly of the Finance Ministers initiatives

and vision of transforming Kerala into a developed and progressing state. He also said that the

government was trying to rewrite and rebrand the Kerala success story with the proposal of this years

Southern Region Headquarters: 98/1, Velacherry Main Road, Guindy, Chennai – 600 042
Headquarters: The Mantosh Sondhi Centre, 23, Institutional Area, Lodi Road, New Delhi – 110 003

Mr Jose Dominic, Managing Director, CGH Earth termed the budget as encouraging from the Tourism

sectors perspective. He praised the proposal of introducing flagship projects promoting Innovations and

Skills development. With reference to the recently concluded Emerging Kerala, Mr Dominic stressed on

the importance of Tourism and the role it played in boosting the GDP and growth rate of the state. Mr

Dominic also said that the governments vision of The Cochin Muziris Biennale –II AND THE Sea plane

project were truly game changers and would transform the tourism landscape of the state. The only

disappointment was that the State was not taking adequate measures to promote Responsible Tourism

and he urged the government to look in that direction as well.

Mr Shivdas B Menon, Managing Director, Sterling Farms Researches & Services Pvt Ltd said that

the Budget was a blessing for the Agricultural Sector of the state. He praised the Finance Minister in

being lavish in his allocation for the state’s primary resource, that is, agriculture. He also said that the

Government through this year’s budget was aiming more at value addition. He welcomed the proposal

of setting up of 1000 Greenhouses, as well as the proposal of introducing Fish mall, and promoting

High-tech agriculture. He said that in order for the agricultural sector to develop and grow, latest

advancement in technology must be implemented and utilized. He also appreciated Finance Ministers

gesture of complete waiving of interest on agricultural loans for farmers. He also spoke highly of the

proposal of setting up Thrissur Agricultural Complex and said this would be an ideal platform to promote

indigenous products of Kerala such as Coir , Rubber etc.

Mr Gigo Joseph, Chief Executive Officer, Infopark Kochi called the Budget as a very balanced and

calculative Budget in terms of the IT Sector of the state. Mr Gigo was pleased of the allocation of 125

Crores to funding of IT Parks in the state. He also appreciated the governments vision of setting up of

a ‘Innovation Zone’ which would act as a common umbrella for various sectors promoting Innovation

and said that this truly was a revolutionary concept. Mr Joseph also welcomed the initiative of opening of

various IT Parks across the various districts in the state.

Southern Region Headquarters: 98/1, Velacherry Main Road, Guindy, Chennai – 600 042
Headquarters: The Mantosh Sondhi Centre, 23, Institutional Area, Lodi Road, New Delhi – 110 003

To sum it up, The Industry has termed the Budget as an encouraging one with focus on Kerala

Strengths that is, IT & Agriculture, and at the same time planning for the growth path to be adopted in ‘Budget aims at Holistic development of Kerala: CII’

Mr K M Mani, Finance Minister today presented the State Budget for the year 2013-14. Mr Mani was

pleased with the rate of growth of Kerala‘s GDP at 9.51 % and said this was a very promising sign of

good things to come for Kerala.

Meanwhile, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) had organized a live Budget Viewing Session in

their new office at Abad Nucleus Mall, Maradu, Kochi. The session was attended by top Industrialists

of the state including Mr C J George, Chairman, CII Kerala State Council & Managing Director, Geojit

BNP Paribas Financial Services Ltd; Mr Jose Dominic, Managing Director, CGH Earth; Mr Shivdas B

Menon, Managing Director, Sterling Farms Researches & Services Pvt Ltd; Mr KKM Kutty, Managing

Director, Sealings & Jointings Ltd; Mr Gigo Joseph, Chief Executive Officer, Infopark Kochi; Dr S

Sajikumar, Managing Director, Dhathri Ayurveda Ltd; and others.

Mr CJ George, Chairman, CII Kerala & Managing Director, Geojit BNP Paribas Financial Services said

that the Budget aimed at facilitating Holistic development of the State. The Industry overall welcomed

the Budget terming it as a very balanced budget formulated keeping in mind the future growth path of

the state. He also appreciated the growth rate of the state and said that Kerala achievements as a state

were commendable when compared to more developed states in the country. Mr George also praised

many of the initiatives planned by the Government including the proposal of Mobility Hubs across all

Districts in Kerala. He also mooted the government’s proposal to promote the use of Solar Energy and

said this was a step taken keeping the future of the state in Mind.

Mr KKM Kutty, Managing Director, Sealings & Jointings Ltd termed the budget as commendable and

congratulated the State Government for the same. He spoke highly of the Finance Ministers initiatives

and vision of transforming Kerala into a developed and progressing state. He also said that the

government was trying to rewrite and rebrand the Kerala success story with the proposal of this years

Southern Region Headquarters: 98/1, Velacherry Main Road, Guindy, Chennai – 600 042
Headquarters: The Mantosh Sondhi Centre, 23, Institutional Area, Lodi Road, New Delhi – 110 003

Mr Jose Dominic, Managing Director, CGH Earth termed the budget as encouraging from the Tourism

sectors perspective. He praised the proposal of introducing flagship projects promoting Innovations and

Skills development. With reference to the recently concluded Emerging Kerala, Mr Dominic stressed on

the importance of Tourism and the role it played in boosting the GDP and growth rate of the state. Mr

Dominic also said that the governments vision of The Cochin Muziris Biennale –II AND THE Sea plane

project were truly game changers and would transform the tourism landscape of the state. The only

disappointment was that the State was not taking adequate measures to promote Responsible Tourism

and he urged the government to look in that direction as well.

Mr Shivdas B Menon, Managing Director, Sterling Farms Researches & Services Pvt Ltd said that

the Budget was a blessing for the Agricultural Sector of the state. He praised the Finance Minister in

being lavish in his allocation for the state’s primary resource, that is, agriculture. He also said that the

Government through this year’s budget was aiming more at value addition. He welcomed the proposal

of setting up of 1000 Greenhouses, as well as the proposal of introducing Fish mall, and promoting

High-tech agriculture. He said that in order for the agricultural sector to develop and grow, latest

advancement in technology must be implemented and utilized. He also appreciated Finance Ministers

gesture of complete waiving of interest on agricultural loans for farmers. He also spoke highly of the

proposal of setting up Thrissur Agricultural Complex and said this would be an ideal platform to promote

indigenous products of Kerala such as Coir , Rubber etc.

Mr Gigo Joseph, Chief Executive Officer, Infopark Kochi called the Budget as a very balanced and

calculative Budget in terms of the IT Sector of the state. Mr Gigo was pleased of the allocation of 125

Crores to funding of IT Parks in the state. He also appreciated the governments vision of setting up of

a ‘Innovation Zone’ which would act as a common umbrella for various sectors promoting Innovation

and said that this truly was a revolutionary concept. Mr Joseph also welcomed the initiative of opening of

various IT Parks across the various districts in the state.

Southern Region Headquarters: 98/1, Velacherry Main Road, Guindy, Chennai – 600 042
Headquarters: The Mantosh Sondhi Centre, 23, Institutional Area, Lodi Road, New Delhi – 110 003

To sum it up, The Industry has termed the Budget as an encouraging one with focus on Kerala

Strengths that is, IT & Agriculture, and at the same time planning for the growth path to be adopted in ‘Budget aims at Holistic development of Kerala: CII’

Mr K M Mani, Finance Minister today presented the State Budget for the year 2013-14. Mr Mani was

pleased with the rate of growth of Kerala‘s GDP at 9.51 % and said this was a very promising sign of

good things to come for Kerala.

Meanwhile, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) had organized a live Budget Viewing Session in

their new office at Abad Nucleus Mall, Maradu, Kochi. The session was attended by top Industrialists

of the state including Mr C J George, Chairman, CII Kerala State Council & Managing Director, Geojit

BNP Paribas Financial Services Ltd; Mr Jose Dominic, Managing Director, CGH Earth; Mr Shivdas B

Menon, Managing Director, Sterling Farms Researches & Services Pvt Ltd; Mr KKM Kutty, Managing

Director, Sealings & Jointings Ltd; Mr Gigo Joseph, Chief Executive Officer, Infopark Kochi; Dr S

Sajikumar, Managing Director, Dhathri Ayurveda Ltd; and others.

Mr CJ George, Chairman, CII Kerala & Managing Director, Geojit BNP Paribas Financial Services said

that the Budget aimed at facilitating Holistic development of the State. The Industry overall welcomed

the Budget terming it as a very balanced budget formulated keeping in mind the future growth path of

the state. He also appreciated the growth rate of the state and said that Kerala achievements as a state

were commendable when compared to more developed states in the country. Mr George also praised

many of the initiatives planned by the Government including the proposal of Mobility Hubs across all

Districts in Kerala. He also mooted the government’s proposal to promote the use of Solar Energy and

said this was a step taken keeping the future of the state in Mind.

Mr KKM Kutty, Managing Director, Sealings & Jointings Ltd termed the budget as commendable and

congratulated the State Government for the same. He spoke highly of the Finance Ministers initiatives

and vision of transforming Kerala into a developed and progressing state. He also said that the

government was trying to rewrite and rebrand the Kerala success story with the proposal of this years

Southern Region Headquarters: 98/1, Velacherry Main Road, Guindy, Chennai – 600 042
Headquarters: The Mantosh Sondhi Centre, 23, Institutional Area, Lodi Road, New Delhi – 110 003

Mr Jose Dominic, Managing Director, CGH Earth termed the budget as encouraging from the Tourism

sectors perspective. He praised the proposal of introducing flagship projects promoting Innovations and

Skills development. With reference to the recently concluded Emerging Kerala, Mr Dominic stressed on

the importance of Tourism and the role it played in boosting the GDP and growth rate of the state. Mr

Dominic also said that the governments vision of The Cochin Muziris Biennale –II AND THE Sea plane

project were truly game changers and would transform the tourism landscape of the state. The only

disappointment was that the State was not taking adequate measures to promote Responsible Tourism

and he urged the government to look in that direction as well.

Mr Shivdas B Menon, Managing Director, Sterling Farms Researches & Services Pvt Ltd said that

the Budget was a blessing for the Agricultural Sector of the state. He praised the Finance Minister in

being lavish in his allocation for the state’s primary resource, that is, agriculture. He also said that the

Government through this year’s budget was aiming more at value addition. He welcomed the proposal

of setting up of 1000 Greenhouses, as well as the proposal of introducing Fish mall, and promoting

High-tech agriculture. He said that in order for the agricultural sector to develop and grow, latest

advancement in technology must be implemented and utilized. He also appreciated Finance Ministers

gesture of complete waiving of interest on agricultural loans for farmers. He also spoke highly of the

proposal of setting up Thrissur Agricultural Complex and said this would be an ideal platform to promote

indigenous products of Kerala such as Coir , Rubber etc.

Mr Gigo Joseph, Chief Executive Officer, Infopark Kochi called the Budget as a very balanced and

calculative Budget in terms of the IT Sector of the state. Mr Gigo was pleased of the allocation of 125

Crores to funding of IT Parks in the state. He also appreciated the governments vision of setting up of

a ‘Innovation Zone’ which would act as a common umbrella for various sectors promoting Innovation

and said that this truly was a revolutionary concept. Mr Joseph also welcomed the initiative of opening of

various IT Parks across the various districts in the state.

Southern Region Headquarters: 98/1, Velacherry Main Road, Guindy, Chennai – 600 042
Headquarters: The Mantosh Sondhi Centre, 23, Institutional Area, Lodi Road, New Delhi – 110 003

To sum it up, The Industry has termed the Budget as an encouraging one with focus on Kerala

Strengths that is, IT & Agriculture, and at the same time planning for the growth path to be adopted in the future.