Bill Gates lauds Naidu’s tech-driven governance

Microsoft founder Bill Gates’ recent visit to Andhra Pradesh and his interaction with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu have drawn political attention, with Telugu Desam Party (TDP) State president Palla Srinivasa Rao describing it as a matter of pride for the State.

Mr. Rao said Mr. Gates toured the Real-Time Governance Society (RTGS) centre at the State Secretariat, where officials briefed him on the State’s technology-driven governance and real-time public service delivery systems.

Describing the visit as significant, Mr. Rao noted that Mr. Gates showed keen interest in the governance framework, particularly the use of digital platforms for monitoring, analysis, and decision-making. He said the interaction underscored growing international attention to Andhra Pradesh’s digital governance initiatives.

Mr. Rao said Mr. Gates observed that the State’s administrative model demonstrated effective integration of technology into governance. He added that Mr. Gates described Mr. Naidu as a leader with a global outlook, especially in adopting and implementing digital solutions.

The TDP leader further stated that Mr. Gates acknowledged Mr. Naidu’s contribution to India’s digital transformation. According to Mr. Rao, the Chief Minister’s approach focuses on leveraging technology to improve outcomes in sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and disaster management.

Referring to Mr. Gates’ earlier association with Mr. Naidu, Mr. Rao said the Microsoft co-founder recalled the Chief Minister’s long-term vision and foresight. He described Mr. Gates’ remarks as rare global recognition of Mr. Naidu’s administrative and strategic thinking.

Mr. Rao also said the Gates Foundation had conveyed its willingness to explore partnerships aligned with the State’s ‘Swarna Andhra Vision–2047’. He highlighted Mr. Gates’ reported appreciation of the government’s ‘Sanjeevani’ healthcare initiative, which he described as an effective model.

Commenting on the rapport between Mr. Gates and Mr. Naidu, Mr. Rao said Mr. Gates referred to the Chief Minister as a long-standing friend. He added that Mr. Gates recalled Mr. Naidu’s role in facilitating Microsoft’s expansion in Hyderabad during the 1990s, a move widely seen as contributing to the region’s emergence as a technology hub.