Lokesh outlines State’s strategy to become leading destination
Speed, service and stability are the core principles, says the HRD Minister, adding that focus is on converting investment commitments into projects, jobs and long-term economic growth
Andhra Pradesh is striving to become a leading state and contribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a Viksit Bharat, according to HRD Minister Nara Lokesh. Speaking at the Pan-IIT Summit 2026, Mr. Lokesh outlined the state's strategy, centered on "speed, service, and stability," with a focus on transforming investment commitments into projects, jobs, and long-term economic growth.
The government aims to lead in key sectors, relying on a combination of experienced leaders and a younger political team. Notably, nearly half of the MLAs and 17 of the 25 ministers are first-time legislators and ministers. In terms of governance, Mr. Lokesh emphasized that policies should withstand legal scrutiny and political transitions.
The administration is leveraging Artificial Intelligence to analyze previous recruitment orders and court cases while drafting new policies. An example of this is the recruitment of nearly 16,000 teachers, which helped identify weaknesses in earlier processes and reduce legal challenges. The state is moving beyond signing Memoranda of Understanding to ensuring their implementation.
The proposed Indian School of Agriculture at Madanapalle, aimed at supporting an integrated horticulture ecosystem, could attract investments of nearly ₹1 lakh crore. The ArcelorMittal greenfield steel project, which has progressed from discussions to foundation-laying in about 17 months, is another example. The Google data-centre investment has bolstered Visakhapatnam's position on the global technology map, and the government is supporting emerging sectors like space, drones, and quantum technology.
The state has allocated 300 acres for the space startup Skyroot and provided waterfront access to maritime-drone company Sagar Defence. Andhra Pradesh has developed 23 sectoral growth clusters covering various areas, and the state added about 4.8 GW of renewable-energy capacity in a year, aiming to move from third to first position.
Mr. Lokesh stressed the need for both vertical and horizontal integration of industrial supply chains, linking industry with education, skills, research, and testing. He also called for collaboration on "Visible Governance, Invisible Government" by institutionalizing faster government processes. Regarding Amaravati, the capital development as a major urban, education, and research hub was announced, along with plans for a 5,000-acre greenfield airport.
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