Lokesh outlines State’s strategy to become leading destination

HRD Minister Nara Lokesh addressing the Pan-IIT Summit in Vijayawada on Saturday. | Photo Credit: G.N. RAO

Andhra Pradesh is working to transform itself into a developed State and contribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat, says HRD Minister Nara Lokesh.

Speaking at the Pan-IIT Summit 2026 here on Saturday, Mr. Lokesh said the State government’s strategy was centred on “speed, service and stability,” with a focus on converting investment commitments into projects, jobs and long-term economic growth.

He said the government was targeting leadership across key sectors and relying on a combination of experienced leadership and a younger political team. “Nearly half of the MLAs and 17 of the 25 Ministers are first-time legislators and Ministers respectively,” he said.

On governance, Mr. Lokesh said policies should withstand legal scrutiny and political transitions. He said the government was using Artificial Intelligence to analyse previous recruitment orders and court cases while framing new policies. He cited the recruitment of nearly 16,000 teachers as an example of using technology to identify weaknesses in earlier processes and reduce the risk of legal challenges.