Overview
- Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw was briefed on the Mangalagiri pilot, including an AI-based interview mechanism to address data-collection issues, and he responded positively to supporting a statewide rollout.
- Lokesh asked Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to clear 11 Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, operationalise 12 Kendriya Vidyalayas, release Rs 4,400 crore under STARS and provide Rs 1,270 crore in additional funds for 2025–26, alongside permission to pilot 155 Smart Kitchens under PM POSHAN.
- He sought approval from Minister of State Jayant Chaudhary to establish a National Skill Training Institute in Visakhapatnam, noting a five-acre site identified at Pedagantyada and requesting wider adoption of NCVET qualifications via SBTET-AP.
- Requests to MeitY included support from the Startup Hub for the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub, cooperation on Centres of Excellence under AVGC-XR and WAVEX, and assistance under the IndiaAI Mission for adoption in governance, education, skilling and industry.
- Briefing the Centre on his US meetings with leaders such as Google, NVIDIA and Adobe, Lokesh reported strong interest in semiconductors, AI, electronics manufacturing, digital infrastructure and R&D investments.