Efforts under way to attract top private and foreign universities to Andhra Pradesh, says IT Minister Lokesh

Efforts under way to attract top private and foreign universities to Andhra Pradesh, says IT Minister Lokesh. Emphasising the government’s commitment to expanding world-class educational opportunities, Lokesh tells the Legislative Assembly that the Cabinet has approved the establishment of BITS in Amaravati, allocating 70 acres to the prestigious institution. Similarly, steps are afoot to set up a Deep Tech University in Amaravati and a dedicated AI University in Visakhapatnam.

The Government of Andhra Pradesh is making significant strides in higher education by inviting top private and foreign universities to set up their campuses in the State. The Cabinet has already approved the establishment of BITS in Amaravati, allocating 70 acres to the prestigious institution.

Speaking in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday during a discussion on the Private Universities Amendment Bill-2025, Minister for HRD, IT, and Electronics Nara Lokesh emphasised the government’s commitment to expanding world-class educational opportunities.

“Plans are under way to establish a Deep Tech University in Amaravati, in collaboration with the Tata Group, L&T, IIT-Madras, and the University of Tokyo. Similarly, a dedicated AI University is being planned in Visakhapatnam,” Mr. Lokesh said.

He said the Central government was actively promoting foreign university campuses in India, and Andhra Pradesh aimed to be a key destination for such institutions, he said. Several global universities, including the University of Tokyo and AME University (Philippines), had already shown interest, he added.

“The government is also focusing on bringing top institutions to Rayalaseema by offering incentives and is considering establishing an IIIT in Kanigiri. Efforts are under way to strengthen public universities, including Andhra Kesari University in Prakasam district, by ensuring proper faculty appointment and funding,” he said.

“The TDP-led NDA government in the State is prioritising higher education development and decentralisation, aiming at retaining students within the State rather than losing them to other regions and countries,” Mr. Lokesh said.