Andhra Pradesh seeks top universities for educational expansion

The Andhra Pradesh government is working to attract top private and foreign universities to the state. IT Minister Nara Lokesh recently announced plans to improve higher education during a discussion in the Legislative Assembly. The Cabinet has already approved the establishment of the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) in Amaravati. The government has set aside 70 acres for this prestigious institution. Additionally, a Deep Tech University is being planned in collaboration with the Tata Group, L&T, IIT-Madras, and the University of Tokyo. An AI University is also planned for Visakhapatnam. Lokesh highlighted the Indian government's support for foreign university campuses and stated that Andhra Pradesh aims to be a prime location for them. He mentioned that several overseas universities, including the University of Tokyo and AME University from the Philippines, are interested in setting up in the state. To further enhance education, the government is offering incentives to attract institutions to the Rayalaseema region and is considering establishing an Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) in Kanigiri. Efforts are also being directed towards strengthening public universities, including Andhra Kesari University in Prakasam district, by improving faculty appointments and funding. Lokesh stressed that the ruling TDP-led NDA government is focused on enhancing higher education and preventing students from leaving the state for studies elsewhere.