Lokesh seeks Pan-IIT community’s support to make Andhra Pradesh India’s No. 1 State
Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh has called on the Pan-IIT community to partner with the Andhra Pradesh government in its effort to make the State the No. 1 in the country, citing a broad push across emerging technology and high-growth sectors. He made the appeal at a dinner meeting with the Pan-IIT Conference team in Vijayawada on Friday, October 2, 2026, where Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu was also present.
Appeal for collaboration to accelerate growth
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Lokesh said the State was intent on delivering rapid development through collaboration with industry, academia and technology experts. He asked the Pan-IIT network to contribute ideas and expertise, noting that Andhra Pradesh was creating opportunities across a range of sectors and aiming to play a leading role in India’s transformation into a developed nation.
“Operating systems keep improving with every new version. Similarly, our Chief Minister is also becoming better with every version. This is his fourth version,” Mr. Lokesh said, in a reference to Mr. Naidu’s current term and administrative experience. He added that the government’s team combined continuity with fresh energy: 50% of MLAs are first-time legislators, and 17 of the 25 ministers are holding ministerial positions for the first time. “I am now a senior minister. All of us are working with determination and commitment for the development of the State,” he said.
Focus on emerging sectors and investment
Outlining the State’s priorities, the Minister said Andhra Pradesh was seeing momentum across a spectrum of sectors, including horticulture, space technology, drones, quantum technology and data centres. He highlighted the recently launched Indian School of Agriculture and Horticulture Mission, under which the public and private sectors are expected to invest nearly $10 billion. The initiative aims to elevate India to the top ranks globally in horticulture, with Andhra Pradesh positioned as a key driver.
Mr. Lokesh said the State’s talent base, intellectual strength and leadership were instrumental to its ambitions. He expressed confidence that Andhra Pradesh could help catalyse national progress, adding that India could become a developed country within a decade with the right partnerships and sustained effort.
Amaravati as a world-class capital
The Minister also outlined plans for the capital city, Amaravati, describing it as a flagship development aimed at global standards. He invited Pan-IIT delegates to visit the city and witness the ongoing work firsthand. The government, he said, wants Amaravati to become a city that will make the country proud and draw international attention.
Centre–State synergy and shared responsibility
Emphasising the importance of Centre–State cooperation, Mr. Lokesh referred to the “Naidu ji–Modi ji” combination and said the administration was working at a rapid pace. He stressed that the goal of making Andhra Pradesh the No. 1 State could not be accomplished by the government alone and required the support of experts, professionals, industry and academic institutions.
Participants
The dinner meeting was attended by Pan-IIT Chairman Prabhat Singh, members of the Pan-IIT community, Directors of IITs from across the country, alumni and industrialists.
Significance
Mr. Lokesh’s outreach to the Pan-IIT community underscores the State’s strategy of tapping into premier academic and industry networks to accelerate innovation-led growth. With a focus on emerging technologies, agricultural excellence and urban development through Amaravati, the government is seeking to align public ambition with private expertise and investment to position Andhra Pradesh at the forefront of national development.
