Lokesh urges Centre to permit CSR funding for R&D in institutions
The Hindu
Lokesh calls on the Centre to permit CSR funding for R&D in educational institutes, supporting Andhra's Quantum Valley initiative.
Minister for Education and Information and Technology Nara Lokesh has appealed to Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw to allow industries to fund Research and Development (R&D) in educational and research institutes through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
During the ‘Hello Lokesh’ programme at the Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU-Kakinada), the Minister interacted with students after inaugurating the P.G. hostel (Boys), Nandanam‘, and Innovation Fair 2026 on the campus.
Responding to students on R&D, Mr. Lokesh said; “During the World Economic Forum conference 2026 in Davos, I proposed to Mr. Ashwini Vaishnav to allow industries to use their CSR funds for R&D in research and academic institutions.”
Sharing the outcomes of the Davos meet with students, Mr. Lokesh said that he met 20 experts to create an ecosystem for the proposed Quantum Valley in Andhra Pradesh.
On attracting industries and investment, Mr. Lokesh said; “The State succeeded in attracting 755 companies in 22 sectors since the alliance was voted to power, and all projects are now grounded”.
With regard to challenges in aqua and agriculture, Mr. Lokesh advocated that cluster-based research is the need of the hour in the State. He further said that before revising the higher education curriculum, feedback from industries and students will be considered to bridge the skill gap.
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