Industrial Growth Must Benefit Poor, Middle Class: CM

Vijayawada: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday asserted that the benefits of industrial growth must reach the poor and the middle class

Officials, he said, must create an inclusive industrial ecosystem that encourages not only large corporations but also entrepreneurs and ordinary citizens to establish businesses.

Chairing the 18th meeting of the state investment promotion board in Amaravati, the CM approved investment proposals from 50 companies involving a total outlay of Rs 30,515 crore. The projects are expected to generate 29,677 jobs across AP.

Emphasising that rapid industrialisation should translate into employment, entrepreneurship and economic opportunities for all sections of society, Naidu called for stronger support to startups through the state's innovation ecosystem, particularly the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub. He advised officials to facilitate venture capital funding and build a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The chief minister directed the education department to align academic curricula with emerging industrial requirements, including robotics, artificial intelligence and advanced technology courses, to ensure a future-ready workforce. He also stressed that only serious investors should be encouraged and that approved projects must be closely monitored for timely grounding and execution.

Highlighting ethanol as a strategic sector, Naidu said AP should emerge as a leader in biofuel production. Increased ethanol blending, he noted, would benefit farmers while reducing India's dependence on imported fuels. He called for consultations with oil companies and greater incentives for ethanol and biofuel industries.

On energy planning, the CM pointed to a 17 per cent rise in electricity demand this year and directed officials to prepare long-term projections for industrial, commercial and IT-sector consumption. He identified solar, wind, pumped-storage projects and battery energy storage systems as key pillars of the state's ambitious 160-gw green energy vision.

Special emphasis should be placed on lithium-ion battery manufacturing and EV fast-charging technologies, he said.

Naidu also underscored the importance of developing a strong semiconductor ecosystem, data centres and the proposed Amaravati Quantum Valley. He called for transparent, automated approval systems, simplified land allotments and the creation of technology parks, quantum computing infrastructure and research facilities.

He highlighted the strategic potential of Sri City, Tirupati and Anantapur as automobile manufacturing hubs, citing the presence of major companies such as Royal Enfield, Isuzu Motors, Hero MotoCorp and Kia. He also directed officials to expedite the proposed fifth-generation fighter jet manufacturing and testing facility at Puttaparthi and explore the development of an airstrip between Tadipatri and Anantapur.

Tourism development received significant attention, with Naidu calling for accelerated investment in hotels, beach resorts and spiritual tourism destinations. He proposed major tourism infrastructure projects in Gandikota, Polavaram, Anantapur, Kurnool, Horsley Hills and Suryalanka Beach, including a comprehensive master plan to transform Suryalanka into a premier beach tourism destination.

The chief minister stressed the need for integrated infrastructure in Amaravati, promotion of rare earth mineral industries, expansion of electronics manufacturing and the creation of affordable housing near industrial clusters. Andhra Pradesh, he felt, should aim to become a national hub for rare earth minerals and value-added industries.

Education minister Nara Lokesh said incentives and concessions should be extended only after projects become operational, ensuring sustainable revenue generation for the state. He announced plans to establish a centre of excellence for rare earth minerals research at Andhra University and advocated the development of a quantum technology ecosystem on the lines of successful international models.