NEW DELHI: Internet of Things and New technologies are a deadly combination and will play an important role in the growth of his state, said N Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister, Andhra Pradesh.
Speaking at the India Economic Summit, Naidu pointed out that no one can escape technology, especially when south India is facing a stagnation in family growth.
“We are experiencing similar situation to China,” said Naidu, “and employment opportunities can be created if the skills can be developed.”
As an example, he drew upon how Gurgaon and Noida had created infrastructure but the land value had gone up consequently. The monetisation of the land had gone to real estate owners, instead the cities.
“This is where AP and Chief Minister Naidu have taken the lead in building smart cities slowly and in developing Amravati as a smart city,” pointed out Amitabh Kant, CEO Niti Aayog. Urbanisation, he said, holds the key to India’s growth and that requires political will.
Naidu also highlighted the importance of converting waste to energy as an intergral part of developing a culture.
“It is matter of how we create public awareness about cleanliness,” he said. By 2031, urban areas in India are expected to house 40 per cent of the country’s population and generate 75 per cent of its economic output. “Migration is inevitable when people look for employment. Rural areas might have the best infrastructure, but availability of opportunity and knowledge will lead to migration, so we have to be prepared,” said Naidu.
Currently, cities occupy 3 per cent of the land mass but generate 76 per cent of GDP. “Indian cities need to provide better infrastructure…. our process of urbanization has just begun…. China did it but made mistakes by copying the US model. India cannot afford to do it,” said Kant.
Naidu also explained his government’s policy on urban housing, stating that the state is creating townships, through a model where state and centre schemes provide funds.