Lokesh sets goal to create 10L jobs in 4 yrs
During a review meeting with officials at his residence, the minister revealed that 95 prominent companies have already expressed interest in setting up GCCs and data centers in Andhra Pradesh. He emphasised the need for officials to provide seamless support and create a conducive atmosphere to expedite these investments. Highlighting the state's proactive approach, Lokesh announced that the government has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with ANSR and Sattva companies, which are projected to provide employment to 35,000 youth.
He also stressed the importance of establishing co-working spaces in all 26 districts to fuel the growth of startup companies.
The minister confirmed that the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub will be inaugurated shortly, a move aimed at further encouraging the startup ecosystem. To support emerging tech ventures, he called for the establishment of regional centers in Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, Tirupati, and Anantapur.
In a significant push for advanced technology, Lokesh directed officials to take the initiative in providing the necessary infrastructure for the development of a Quantum Computer Valley in Amaravati, in partnership with global tech giants TCS, L&T, and IBM.
Focusing on digital governance, Lokesh instructed officials to enhance the 'Mana Mitra' WhatsApp government services. He stated that essential certificates should be made readily available to citizens through this WhatsApp platform, further streamlining public service delivery.
Additionally, the minister called for the provision of internet connectivity to 45,000 government schools and all airports in the state, underscoring the government's commitment to digital inclusion and infrastructure development.
IT Secretary Katamneni Bhaskar, IT & C Special Secretary Sundar, APIIC MD Abhishikth Kishore, EDB CEO Saikanth Varma, RTGS CEO Prakar Jain, and APTS MD Suryateja, and others also attended.
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Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Karnataka aims for $20 billion quantum advantage-driven economy by 2035
With a goal to make Karnataka a USD 20 billion quantum advantage-driven economy by 2035, the state government on Wednesday reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the growth of the quantum technology sector. The government has also announced that a dedicated 'Quantum Task Force' will be constituted and a strategic roadmap will be prepared, it said. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Degree PGDM Healthcare Data Analytics Cybersecurity Artificial Intelligence CXO Project Management healthcare Product Management Data Science Others MBA MCA Public Policy Data Science Design Thinking Digital Marketing Management others Finance Operations Management Leadership Technology Skills you'll gain: Data-Driven Decision-Making Strategic Leadership and Transformation Global Business Acumen Comprehensive Business Expertise Duration: 2 Years University of Western Australia UWA Global MBA Starts on Jun 28, 2024 Get Details As part of Karnataka's vision for comprehensive development of the quantum ecosystem, the ' Quantum India Bengaluru Summit ' has been planned on July 31 and August 1. In this context, a high-level meeting was convened on Wednesday at Vidhana Soudha by the Department of Science & Technology, where key representatives from leading quantum technology companies participated. Ministers N S Boseraju (Minor Irrigation, Science & Technology), M B Patil (Industries), and Priyank Kharge (IT&BT) addressed the participants and shared their vision and assurances, an official release said. Speaking on the occasion, Minister Boseraju said the Karnataka government is ready to offer all necessary support to make the state a leader in the quantum sector. Live Events "Under the leadership of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, a roadmap will be developed. We will consult the CM on forming a dedicated Task Force to guide this roadmap. Our government is committed to framing the necessary policies to support this mission," he said. "Our goal is to make Karnataka a USD 20 billion quantum advantage-driven economy by 2035. As part of this vision, India's first 'Quantum India Conclave' will be held on July 31 and August 1 under the Department of Science & Technology," he added. Industries Minister M B Patil said that the objective is for Karnataka to lead in quantum technology. "The state government is fully prepared to offer land, infrastructure, and all types of support needed for industries to thrive. We have asked industry representatives to submit their specific requirements, and we are ready to respond with the necessary facilitation," he added. IT&BT Minister Priyank Kharge highlighted that skill development in human resources is crucial for Karnataka to lead the quantum revolution. "We are committed to enabling a robust ecosystem of innovation and deep-tech collaboration. Through a phased approach under the proposed Quantum Mission, we aim to become a bridge between industry, academic institutions, and innovation networks. Karnataka must be at the forefront on the global quantum map," he added. Noting that Karnataka is well-positioned to emerge as a major stakeholder in India's quantum ecosystem, officials said the state offers top academic institutions, industry-friendly policies, world-class infrastructure, forward-looking industries capable of adopting cutting-edge technologies, and a skilled talent pool - strengths that are rare to find in other states. Industry representatives at the meeting emphasised the need for dedicated land and supportive policies to help the sector expand further.
Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Indian Express
Contractual hiring in Q4FY25 hit by geopolitics, new banking rules and end of festive season, says Indian Staffing Federation
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The Hindu
2 hours ago
- The Hindu
Nara Lokesh draws flak from farmers' unions of his own State for trying to take advantage of Karnataka's ‘pro-farmer stand'
Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh has drawn flak from farmers' organisations in his State for extending an open invitation to the aerospace industry to Andhra Pradesh with an offer of 8,000 acres of ready-to-use land. Mr. Lokesh, son of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, had put out an open invitation to the aerospace industry on social media on Tuesday in a bid to take advantage of the Karnataka government shelving the process of acquisition of 1,777 acres of farmland in Devanahalli taluk, near Bengaluru international airport, for the proposed defence and aerospace park, following stiff resistance from farmers. Farmers' organisations in Andhra Pradesh termed his promise of providing 8,000 acres of land just outside Bengaluru as 'inappropriate' and the struggle by Karnataka's Devanahalli farmers demanding shelving of land acquisition as 'historical'. 'Highly inappropriate' In a statement, Vadde Sobhanadreeswara Rao, convener of the Andhra Pradesh Farmers' Associations' Coordination Committee and Samyukta Kisan Morcha's Andhra Pradesh unit, said, 'Farmer organisations of Andhra Pradesh strongly object to this highly inappropriate statement. Without the consent of the farmers in the Lepakshi Knowledge Park area and without paying the legally mandated compensation under the 2013 Land Acquisition Act, the government has no authority to give away farmers' land.' Mr. Rao, who had earlier served as Agriculture Minister in the Chandrababu government, defended the demand by Devanahalli farmers to shelve the land acquisition. 'The proposed land acquisition has been strongly opposed by local farmers in a historic struggle. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, respecting the farmers' demands, announced the withdrawal of the proposal.' Tejasvi Surya draws flak Meanwhile, Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya has drawn the ire of farmers' leaders from Karnataka for endorsing Mr. Lokesh's statement by posting on social media that 'this is how business is attracted, industry is welcomed and jobs are created. Hope Karnataka Government learns from Nara Lokesh Garu and correct its course.' Mr. Surya deleted his post later. Objecting to this, Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha president Badagalapura Nagendra made it clear that farmers were not opposed to industrialisation, but were against acquisition of fertile farmland for industrial projects. Questioning the logic of Mr. Surya, he said: 'The farm sector continues to be the biggest employment generator in the country as it engages nearly 60% of the country's population. There is a dire need to protect the farm sector too.' Mr. Nagendra referred to the impact of losing green spaces around Bengaluru and said that there is increasingly not even adequate water to take care of the city's growing needs. Idea of development KRRS (Collective leadership) president Chukki Nanjundaswamy too took exception to Mr. Surya's statement and maintained that agriculture and development are not contradictory. 'Development does not mean only industrial development. Development of the farming sector is also development,' she said, opposing the view that heeding the demand of farmers to drop acquisition of their fertile and productive farmland for an industrial project, would not make a business sense.
