Mr. Lokesh Nara is an influential and forward-thinking leader who is deeply committed to shaping the future of Andhra Pradesh through digital innovation and inclusive governance. As the Minister for Information Technology, Electronics, Communications, and Human Resources Development, Mr. Lokesh has positioned Andhra Pradesh as a global technology hub, making the state a premier destination for IT and electronics investments. His leadership is characterized by fostering innovation, creating an environment where startups thrive, and empowering youth through education and digital access.

Leadership through Innovation and Technology

Mr. Lokesh has revolutionized Andhra Pradesh’s IT landscape, attracting global investments and positioning the state as a technology leader.

Andhra Pradesh is home to 246 IT companies employing 70,968 professionals, with Visakhapatnam (Vizag) hosting 117 companies employing 24,904 professionals.

Major players like Wipro, Tech Mahindra, Randstad, WNS Global, and Patra have established significant operations in Vizag. Infosys alone created 750 high-end jobs in 2023.

He has created an enabling environment for startups, fostering growth in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cloud computing. He has also driven e-Governance initiatives like Digital Andhra Pradesh, ensuring efficient service delivery and transparency.

During his tenure as Minister for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development (2017-2019):

1. He launched Jalavani, call center for addressing water issues, introduced real-time dashboards, and geo-tagged water tankers, saving ₹60-70 crore.

2. His innovative governance earned him the ‘Skoch Person of the Year- Governance’ award in 2018.

In addition, Mr. Lokesh has been a staunch advocate of e-Governance, aiming to harness technology to improve governance, enhance transparency, and ensure efficient delivery of services to citizens. Initiatives like Digital Andhra Pradesh showcase his vision to use technology to solve real-world problems, such as water management and healthcare delivery among others.

The Yuvagalam Padayatra, Connecting with the People:
In 2024, Mr. Lokesh’s 226-day, 3,132-km Padayatra enabled him to engage directly with citizens, shaping policies that bridge the rural-urban divide, enhance digital infrastructure, and improve agricultural productivity.

A Global Leader: Mr. Lokesh’s participation in international platforms like the World Economic Forum (WEF) has positioned Andhra Pradesh on the global stage. In 2018, he was the only Indian politician nominated to WEF’s Network of Global Future Councils.

Awards and Recognition
His accolades include:

1. Skoch Person of the Year (2018) for governance innovation.
2. Business World Digital Leader of the Year (2018) for leveraging digital tools in governance.
3. Panchayat Raj Innovation Award for integrating technology into rural systems.
4. Global Representation: Represented India at the World Economic Forum’s Entrepreneurship Summit and the Annual Meeting of World Champions in Tianjin, China.
5.Only Indian politician nominated to the WEF’s Network of Global Future Councils (NGFC).

Vision for the Future: Mr. Lokesh’s vision is to make Andhra Pradesh a global technology hub, where innovation drives growth coupled with responsive, transparent, and inclusive governance. His focus on fostering international partnerships aligns with the Davos Summit 2025 themes, emphasizing sustainability, digital innovation, and economic growth.

Andhra Pradesh's flourishing IT ecosystem, showcased by Visakhapatnam's remarkable growth, stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication to fostering opportunities for businesses and empowering individuals alike. The state is actively open for partnerships and investments, offering a robust infrastructure, skilled workforce, coupled with a supportive business environment.

Through his leadership, Mr. Lokesh is not only transforming Andhra Pradesh but also contributing to India’s digital transformation, making the state a model for progressive governance and innovation.