HYDERABAD: Asserting that her government was determined to harness the power of new technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan on Thursday said that the focus of the administration would be not just on creating digital infrastructure but also on making it accessible and affordable for all sections of society.
Addressing the joint session of the Telangana Legislature on the first day of the Budget session, the Governor said: “We will position Hyderabad and Telangana as the AI capital of the country by inviting the top global and national technology companies to establish their AI centres. We will set up a dedicated AI City in 50–100 acres.”
The Governor unveiled an ambitious roadmap for Telangana’s future, saying that her government would introduce the Internet as a basic right. “My government will implement a very thorough digital literacy programme to ensure that every household, regardless of its economic status or location, will be able to benefit from the rapid digital adoption of opportunities that are arising,” she said.
Promises to be kept
Stating that the promises made by the Congress before the elections would be fulfilled by the government, the Governor said that two more of the six guarantees would be implemented very soon and that Kulaganana (caste census) would be conducted through a door-to-door survey.
‘’I am happy to announce that my government will implement two more guarantees very soon. Under the Mahalakshmi scheme, LPG cylinders will be supplied to eligible families for Rs 500 only. Similarly, under the Gruha Jyothi scheme, 200 units of free power will be given to every eligible household. My government pledges to implement the guarantees, including the Mahalakshmi scheme, Rythu Bharosa, Gruha Jyothi, Indiramma Houses, Yuva Vikasam and Cheyutha. The promises made will be fulfilled, and we stand committed to the Declarations for farmers, youth, SC & ST communities, BC, and minority communities,” she said.
New MSME, energy policies
Recognising the unique challenges faced by micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the state government will unveil a new MSME policy, offering assistance in technology adoption, skilled manpower recruitment, financing, market access and preventing industrial sickness.“Additionally, a comprehensive Energy Policy is in the works to boost green energy, to significantly increase the share of renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions by 2030,” the Governor said.
Tourism to boost economy
Tamilisai also announced that a Tourism Policy was on the anvil, aiming to promote and preserve architectural wonders, culinary delights, reservoirs and temples. “The policy not only targets economic growth but also seeks to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Telangana to the world,” she said.
Industries & service sectors
“My government aims to introduce a new policy supporting industries and service sectors. My government will create a conducive environment for investors, ensuring high-quality infrastructure, and addressing regional disparities within the state,” she said.
Vocational education
Skill development and vocational education will take precedence, with the transformation of government ITIs into Advanced Technology Centres. These centres, with an estimated project cost of Rs 2,000 crore, will offer NCVT-approved courses to benefit nearly one lakh youth in Telangana, the Governor said.
Pharma village clusters
To support champion sectors like IT and Pharma, the government will establish 10-12 Pharma village clusters. “We will continue to support champion sectors like IT and Pharma. My government is proposing to set up 10-12 pharma village clusters of extents between 1,000 and 3,000 acres, which will be away from habitations and also self-contained with facilities for effluent treatment, testing labs, logistics infrastructure, and social infrastructure for housing, education and healthcare,” she said.
The Governor said that the government will establish skill universities across the state to bridge the gap between education and employment, focusing on sectors such as leather and footwear, gems and jewellery, chemicals and plastic, high-value food processing, and electric mobility.
“To address skill gaps and meet the requirements of Industry 4.0, my government is transforming all government ITIs in the state into Advanced Technology Centres, with an estimated project cost of about Rs 2,000 crore. These centres will offer NCVT-approved long-term and short-term courses in high-demand trades and will benefit nearly one lakh youth in Telangana,” the Governor added.