Bill Gates Applauds A.P.’s Digital Governance Push
Gates Foundation chairperson Bill Gates on Monday praised Andhra Pradesh’s technology-driven governance during his visit to the Real-Time Governance System (RTGS) Centre at the Secretariat. He commended the State’s focus on citizen-centric service delivery.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu briefed Gates on key initiatives. These included Sanjeevani, Data Lake, and WhatsApp Governance. He also outlined the State’s future roadmap anchored in emerging technologies. Meanwhile, officials demonstrated how citizens can access 921 government services through WhatsApp.
Gates appreciated the integration of Data Lake and WhatsApp Governance. He noted that the platforms had improved efficiency and simplified service delivery. In addition, he described the development of Amaravati as “great work.” He also welcomed the capital’s “blue and green” planning concept. The design reserves 30 per cent of the area for waterbodies and greenery.
Naidu said the government regularly evaluates Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) growth. The assessment relies on key performance indicators. When Gates asked about safeguards for land records, officials highlighted blockchain technology and QR codes. According to them, these tools ensure transparency and security.
Gates expressed satisfaction with the Sanjeevani project. The initiative began as a pilot in the Kuppam Assembly segment. Since then, digital health records have been created to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes.
Naidu said the State is now focusing on large-scale adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. The government also plans to expand bio-design medical services. However, Gates stressed the need for affordable diagnostic services. He noted that low-cost testing would greatly benefit economically weaker sections.
In a social media post, Naidu recalled his interactions with Gates in the 1990s. He said those discussions shaped Andhra Pradesh’s technology-led governance model. Furthermore, he credited them with influencing the establishment of Microsoft’s development centre in Hyderabad.
“I was delighted to showcase the RTGS Centre, powered by brilliant young minds,” Naidu said. He added that RTGS was transforming lives by enabling speed in governance and ease of doing business.
During a meeting at the Secretariat, Gates observed that many developed nations still lag in adopting AI in agriculture. By contrast, he said, Andhra Pradesh had made notable progress. He also praised the State’s vision for specialised hubs. These include Visakhapatnam as a Data-AI City, Kakinada as a Green Hydrogen Valley, Orvakal as a Drone City, Tirupati as an Electronics and Space City, and Lepakshi as an Electronics and Aero City.
Later, at an agricultural field near Undavalli village, Gates watched demonstrations of the A.P. Agriculture Information Management System. Officials showcased AI-based crop pest identification through image uploads. In addition, he observed a drone spraying fertiliser. He also reviewed organic produce grown through natural farming.
Highlighting the growing use of AI in farming, Gates said the adoption of advanced tools marked a significant step forward.