Nara Lokesh Says Strong States Are Essential to Building a Strong India
Andhra Pradesh Education Minister Nara Lokesh advocates for a 'Speed of Doing Business' model, asserting that strong states are vital for national prosperity. The state aims to become a $2.4-trillion economy by 2047, supported by massive new investment agreements.
Highlights
- •Nara Lokesh emphasized that individual state strength is essential for building a strong India.
- •Andhra Pradesh is prioritizing a 'Speed of Doing Business' approach to attract and accelerate industrial projects.
- •The state has already signed investment agreements worth approximately ₹24 lakh crore.
- •New infrastructure projects, including the Bhogapuram International Airport, are set for upcoming completion.
The vision for a prosperous national future rests heavily on the strength of individual states. Recently, Andhra Pradesh Education Minister Nara Lokesh emphasized this perspective, urging investors to engage deeply with the state’s ongoing development journey. He highlighted that robust, thriving states are the fundamental building blocks of a strong India.
During his address at the Indian Chamber of Commerce plenary session held at ITC Sonar in Kolkata, the minister outlined the specific pillars driving the state’s economic acceleration. According to Nara Lokesh, the core tenets of Andhra Pradesh’s growth strategy revolve around the concepts of speed, stability, and service. These elements are designed to attract significant investment and foster a conducive environment for industrial expansion.
Driving Economic Growth and National Progress
Addressing an audience of business leaders, intellectuals, and industrialists, the minister acknowledged Kolkata as a major hub for intellectual, economic, and cultural discourse. He invoked the sentiment that the progress seen in West Bengal often mirrors the future trajectory of the entire country. He argued that healthy, constructive competition between various states is a vital catalyst for national development, suggesting that states can benefit by sharing experiences and aligning on common progress goals.
In detailing Andhra Pradesh’s recent success, Nara Lokesh pointed to the implementation of the land pooling model, which helped secure the cooperation of farmers by linking infrastructure development with future employment and stability. Currently, the state is positioning itself as a top-tier economic destination, reportedly capturing nearly 25 percent of the national investment inflow.
The Shift Toward Speed of Doing Business
A significant highlight of the state's current strategy is the evolution from the traditional concept of 'Ease of Doing Business' to the more dynamic 'Speed of Doing Business.' Under the guidance of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, administrative processes have been streamlined to ensure rapid decision-making and project implementation. This approach has already yielded tangible results, such as the facilitation of the ArcelorMittal project, securing Google investments, and advancing the AMCA project located at Puttaparthi.
Looking toward the long-term horizon, the government has set an ambitious target to develop a $2.4-trillion economy by 2047. The state has already successfully signed investment agreements valued at approximately ₹24 lakh crore. Future infrastructure developments include the inauguration of the Bhogapuram International Airport this coming July and the establishment of a specialized Gems and Jewellery Park at Mangalagiri. By creating industry-specific zones and clusters, Andhra Pradesh intends to build a world-class industrial ecosystem that offers direct government support and efficient issue resolution for all partners.
