In a significant move aimed at attracting global tech investments, Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh has announced a symbolic land lease of just 99 paise per acre to major IT firms. Speaking to media, Lokesh said the initiative draws inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Gujarat model, when he brought Tata Motors to the state by offering land at Rs 1 per acre.
The latest push has already borne fruit, with tech giants Cognizant and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) signing on for massive investments in Visakhapatnam. The Andhra government has leased 21.31 acres to Cognizant at Rs 1 per acre, with the company pledging Rs 1,582.98 crore and generating 8,000 jobs. In April, TCS received 21.16 acres at 99 paise per acre and committed to investing Rs 1,370 crore and creating 12,000 jobs.
Lokesh has now extended the offer to the top 100 global IT companies, signaling Andhra Pradesh’s ambition to become a prominent hub for technology and innovation.
Lokesh targets Visakhapatnam as major tech and industrial hub
Highlighting Andhra’s past delays in developing its IT sector, Lokesh outlined plans to turn Visakhapatnam into both a major IT centre and a global hub for chemical manufacturing. He also revealed proposals for a new airport and what could become India’s largest steel plant in the region.
People rejected three-capital idea, says Lokesh
On the politically sensitive issue of the three-capital plan proposed by former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, Lokesh asserted that the people had clearly rejected the idea. He cited the Telugu Desam Party’s sweep in Visakhapatnam during the last Assembly elections, where the YSR Congress failed to win a single seat.
According to Lokesh, the election outcome showed the public’s preference for economic growth and stable development under a single administrative capital, contrary to YSRCP’s vision.
No conflict with Telangana on water sharing, says AP minister
On the inter-state water dispute with Telangana, Lokesh emphasized that Andhra Pradesh supports mutual progress and is not looking to infringe on Telangana’s rights. He reaffirmed support for projects like Kaleshwaram and stressed the need for efficient water usage.
Lokesh vows accountability over past misgovernance
Lokesh also addressed allegations of corruption under the previous government, revealing that a “redbook” of irregularities by the YSR Congress regime is being acted upon. He claimed that those who broke the law, including in land-grabbing cases like Kakinada Port, are being held accountable.
Contrasts TDP’s ethics with YSRCP’s alleged silence on personal attacks
In response to questions about political discourse in the state, Lokesh maintained that the TDP has never indulged in personal attacks. He said action was taken against a party worker who crossed the line, contrasting it with Jagan Reddy’s alleged silence during attacks on his own family members. He accused the YSRCP of encouraging political violence, while crediting TDP’s victory in the 2024 elections to discipline and issue-based politics.