Andhra Pradesh government has decided to set up six universities, including aquaculture and energy universities in the State.
This was stated by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu during his interaction with Australia’s Consul General for South India, Sean Kelly, who met him at the Secretariat on Monday. Water University, Hospitality University, Logistics University and Sports University are the other institutions proposed to be set up.
Addressing a press conference later, Parakala Prabhakar, Advisor (Communications) to AP Government, said the main objective behind the plans to set up the varsities was to ensure that the State has skilled and qualified manpower in those areas. Citing the example of aquaculture, he said it has potential to generate revenue of Rs. 1 lakh crore per annum in another four to five years.
Mr. Kelly informed the Chief Minister that Australia was keen to collaborate with Andhra Pradesh in aquaculture, dairy industry, healthcare management, mining, gas and energy, logistics, sports, skill development, education, human resources and pension funds. He invited Mr. Naidu to attend a major Seafood Convention in Perth in October this year. The Chief Minister accepted the invitation.
Earlier, Mr. Naidu had a meeting with industry leaders from FICCI, CII, FAPCCI, ASSOCHAM and ALEAP in connection with the State Government’s flagship ‘Smart Village/ Smart Ward’ programme.
Mr. Parakala said the programme has picked up momentum and in response to government’s call, as many as 2,321 people had so far registered to adopt smart villages/ smart wards, including 128 NRIs. He said the meeting with the industry leaders was quite successful and many of them came forward to offer their company’s domain expertise for the entire State, apart from adopting villages or wards.
The Chief Minister suggested to them to start an analysis of the current status of the village/ward by rating key indicators and come up with a plan of action.
