AndhraPradesh – Sri City University Launch Highlights State’s Long-Term Growth Plan
AndhraPradesh – Andhra Pradesh Human Resources Development and IT Minister Nara Lokesh has outlined a long-range economic plan that aims to expand the state’s economy from about $220 billion to $2.4 trillion by 2047. He presented the target while inaugurating Sri City International University in Tirupati district on Thursday, describing the institution as an important addition to the state’s education and employment landscape.
University Linked to Industrial Employment Opportunities
The new university has been established within the Sri City industrial region, where more than 200 companies from 31 countries currently operate. Lokesh said the government expects the university to support the creation of around 75,000 jobs by 2029 through closer links between academic programmes and industry requirements.
According to the minister, the campus is expected to help students gain access to practical training, workplace exposure and career opportunities in sectors represented at Sri City. He said the university’s location within a major industrial hub could make it easier for employers to identify skilled candidates and for students to understand changing workplace needs.
Call for a New Approach to Higher Education
Lokesh also spoke about the need to reassess how higher education institutions are evaluated across India. Referring to recent discussions with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, he said the country should move beyond judging universities primarily by graduation numbers and the volume of degrees awarded.
He argued that institutions should instead be assessed on their contribution to society, their ability to prepare students for real-world challenges and the solutions they help create for communities and businesses. The minister said this approach would encourage universities to focus more on employability, innovation and applied learning.
Learn, Earn and Graduate Framework Introduced
Sri City International University will operate around three key institutional ideas, Lokesh said. The first is the Learn, Earn, Graduate, or LEG, model. Under this approach, students will be encouraged to combine classroom education with work experience and income opportunities during their studies.
The model is intended to give students an early understanding of professional environments while allowing them to continue their academic programmes. Lokesh said such arrangements can reduce the gap between formal education and industry expectations, particularly for young people entering competitive job markets.
Artificial Intelligence Seen as a Workplace Tool
The second focus area is the use of artificial intelligence in education and professional work. Lokesh said AI should be viewed as a tool that can support people rather than as a direct threat to jobs.
He cited the use of AI within his political party as an example of how digital systems can assist decision-making. According to him, the party maintains a two-terabyte digital library that can provide leaders with contextual information during press interactions and other public engagements.
The minister said students will need to become comfortable using emerging technologies responsibly, as AI-based tools are increasingly being adopted across business, government and public services.
Startup Support and Investor Services
The third pillar involves developing a startup culture aligned with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s “One Family, One Entrepreneur” vision. The initiative seeks to encourage entrepreneurship at the household level, with local AI-based support expected to play a role in helping people develop business ideas and services.
Lokesh also assured companies operating in the state that the government is following a “Speed, Stability and Service” approach for investors. He said a dedicated corporate desk has been created to address issues related to logistics, power supply and business expansion for existing industries.
Highlighting the government’s digital working methods, Lokesh said he approved the university’s executive file through an online portal while travelling between diplomatic meetings in Russia.