Andhra Pradesh government appoints four Advisors with Cabinet rank

Andhra Pradesh government appoints advisors in space, defence, handloom, and forensic science sectors to drive innovation and development.

Andhra Pradesh government has appointed Sreedhara Panicker Somnath, G. Satheesh Reddy, Suchitra Ella and K.P.C. Gandhi were appointed as honorary advisors to the State government in Cabinet rank for space technology, aerospace & defence manufacturing hub, handloom & handicrafts development and forensic science sectors respectively for a period of two years.

Sreedhara Panicker Somanath, former Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was appointed as advisor for space technology. With 40 years of experience in the space sector, he will provide guidance on utilising the space technology in administration, industrial research, agriculture, disaster management, urban planning, and climate change initiatives.

Nellore-based Dr. Satheesh Reddy, former Chairman of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Advisor to Union Ministry of Defence, will advise the A.P. government on providing strategic guidance on policies to develop a robust defence manufacturing ecosystem and guide the development of industrial corridors, testing facilities, and innovation clusters.

He will also advise on regulatory frameworks, incentives, and compliance requirements for defence manufacturers. He will recommend measures to enhance ease of doing business for defence manufacturers. He will track global trends and suggest adaptive measures to facilitate emergence of A.P. as the global hub of aerospace & defence research and manufacturing.

Suchitra Ella, Co-founder and MD of vaccine manufacturing company Bharat Biotech, will provide guidance on strengthening and developing the handloom and handicrafts sectors. She will expand the market opportunities, attract domestic and global investments, support the artisans, cooperative societies, and MSMEs. She will also suggest programs for the upliftment of women artisans.

K.P.C. Gandhi, former Director of AP Forensic Science Laboratory, will advise on existing forensic science policies to align with global best practices, with a focus on enhancing forensic infrastructure, human resources, and funding mechanisms. He will guide the establishment and modernisation of forensic laboratories by integrating state-of-the-art technology.

He will support the adoption of advanced technologies such as AI, biometrics, DNA sequencing, and digital forensics to improve crime investigation capabilities. He will also facilitate technology transfer and foster collaborations with global forensic research institutions to stay at the forefront of advancements.