AP making optimum use of tech to become digitally literate: CM

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu today said his government has been utilising technology in a big way to make Andhra Pradesh a digitally literate state and called on information technologists to come forward with innovative ideas.
Addressing a gathering at ETCIO Digital Transformation Summit - Digital Disruption and Innovation, Navigating the NextGen Revolution - here, Naidu said the state government will welcome new ideas and innovation and devices in the field of information technology.
"I want to make the state as digitally literate by using technology in a big way. All the systems like water utilisation, power consumption, street lighting systems, distribution of pensions and other benefits for the needy people are being monitored in the state by using technology," he said.

The chief minister stressed that the state is having natural resources like water, mineral wealth, human resources, road, rail and air connectivity to establish the units.
"India is utilising the technology in a big way. About 95 per cent of the people, including people from remote areas, are using the cell phones," he said.
He said the Andhra Pradesh government has decided to provide internet connection to all households with 15 Mbps for a cheap rate of 149 per month.

"The government has been utilising the existing electricity poles for fiber connection instead of going for under ground cable. Instead of spending Rs 5,000 crore for under ground cable, we can utilise the electricity poles for wiring with a Rs 332 crore," he pointed out.

He predicted that Visakhapatnam will become an educational and industrial hub in the future because of its natural resources available in the district.
Later, Naidu on the occasion launched the Information Technology Association of Andhra Pradesh (ITAAP).
A not-for-profit organisation funded by the industry, ITAAP's objective is to foster growth and sustainable development of Information Technology (IT), IT Enabled Services and Electronics Industry in the state of Andhra Pradesh by working closely with the industry and the government.
IT professionals and CEOs of various companies also attended the seminar.