Telangana allocates ₹774 crore for IT Department

In a recent budget speech, Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu announced that the allocation for the Information Technology (IT) Department in Telangana for 2025-26 will remain at ₹774 crore. This is the same amount as the current financial year. The minister highlighted the significant growth of the IT sector in Telangana, thanks to government policies that support service sector development. The government is focusing on advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Blockchain, to drive innovation and modernization. As part of its development plans, Telangana is creating a new AI City on 200 acres. This area aims to position the state as a global hub for AI innovation, attracting top multinational companies. Google will also set up an AI-powered Accelerator Centre in this new city. Mallu mentioned the successful AI Global Summit held in September 2024, which drew 10,000 participants from over 100 countries. During the summit, the government signed 20 memorandums of understanding with leading AI companies like NVIDIA and Microsoft, as well as several startups. Furthermore, the government introduced an AI Strategic Roadmap. This plan focuses on nurturing AI startups, training government employees and youth in AI, and integrating AI into public services and governance.