Naidu to make Andhra Pradesh electronics manufacturing hub.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who was instrumental in developing Hyderabad as a key information technology services destination in the country, is now embarking upon a mission to establish the state as an electronics manufacturing hub.

In what is seen as a timely plan in sync with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 'make in India' focus, the Andhra Pradesh Electronics Policy 2014-20 envisages setting up of a mega electronics hub, an electronics hardware park and associated common facilities by taking the private sector on board. It also envisions developing the 'electronics industry as an important growth engine for Andhra Pradesh through effective use of the talent pool'.

In his maiden Independence Day speech on August 15, PM Modi had called for developing the country as a manufacturing destination of choice. He had appealed to investors to 'come, make in India'.

Andhra Pradesh aims to attract $5 billion worth of investment in electronics systems design and manufacturing (ESDM) by 2020 and generate employment for 400,000 people. For this, it will tap into the skills of around 200,000 engineering graduates each year.

The plan is expected to solidify Naidu's stature as an information technology (IT) reformer in the divided Andhra Pradesh, adding a gloss to his pro-technology and pro-industry image.

Adopting and promoting the National Policy on Electronics (NPE), 2012, the state has lined up fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to achieve its mission.

BS