Nara Lokesh Visit to Delhi: Andhra Pradesh is now implementing the most industry-friendly policies in the country, according to IT Minister Nara Lokesh. He explained that the state is creating a conducive ecosystem for all types of industries, moving forward with the slogan “Speed of Doing Business.” Lokesh, focusing on attracting investments and creating employment opportunities for the state, met with central leaders and various industrialists in Delhi for the second consecutive day.
Nara Lokesh met with representatives of the Indian Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), including its chairman, Pankaj Mahindro. During the meeting, he discussed the measures being taken to transform Andhra Pradesh into an electronics hub and highlighted the state’s advantages to the industrialists. He also mentioned that a special task force has been set up with prominent industrialists, which will regularly meet to address policy-related challenges and take necessary actions.
Lokesh emphasized that Andhra Pradesh is not only competing with other states but also with other countries in the IT and electronics sectors. He stated that in the next five years, these sectors will play a crucial role in creating 2 million jobs in the state. To achieve this, they are developing tailor-made policies for IT and electronics industries. Lokesh also urged the industrialists to support turning Tirupati into an electronics hub.
He highlighted that companies like Dixon, Daikin, and TCL have already set up units in Tirupati, and Kia Motors is operating in Anantapur. He shared plans for establishing automobile, electronics, and EV centers in Anantapur and Kurnool districts. Lokesh urged industrialists to collaborate for Andhra Pradesh’s development.
During a meeting with the Union Minister of Skill Development, Jayant Sinha, Lokesh sought support for the state’s skill development initiatives, including India’s first skill census. He presented an overview of the state’s skill development programs and requested the establishment of national-level skill development centers in Andhra Pradesh. Lokesh proposed setting up an Indian Institute of Skills in Amaravati under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Nara Lokesh on Skill Development: Lokesh requested integration of Andhra Pradesh’s skill development initiatives with national skill development websites, including those under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY). He appealed for significant funding to establish tribal skill training centers. Additionally, he sought the support of the Skill Council to set up Centers of Excellence, including a Gems and Jewelry center in Mangalagiri, a construction center in Amaravati, a renewable energy and handicrafts center in Kurnool, a pharma lab in Visakhapatnam, and electronics system design and manufacturing centers in Nellore and Tirupati.
