Lokesh accuses previous regime of chasing away IT companies from AP

Vijayawada: Education and IT minister Nara Lokesh criticised the previous YSRCP govt, accusing it of chasing away IT companies from Andhra Pradesh and causing severe damage to the sector. Speaking in the Legislative Council, Lokesh revealed that 295.68 acres of land were allocated to 54 companies in IT parks in Visakhapatnam through APIIC.
Lokesh stated that several IT companies fled the state due to policy failures, citing an instance where YSRCP MPs harassed a Fortune 500 company, forcing it to exit Vizag. "If you are angry with me, take it out on me, not on the state," Lokesh said, criticising the previous administration's handling of investments. "Currently, 41 out of 54 companies continue to operate in AP's IT sector, employing 11,496 people with Provident Fund (PF) benefits. He said TCS will soon operate from Millennium Towers, which was vacated by YSRCP. Talks are underway with Cognizant and other big companies, Lokesh said. Plans are in place to ease business regulations and boost IT infrastructure. TNN