NRIs Can Drive Andhra Pradesh’s Growth, Says Minister

Minister for NRI Empowerment and Relations, Kondapalli Srinivas, emphasized the vital role that Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) have played in driving the development of Andhra Pradesh through their investments and engagement. Speaking at the 30th CII Partnership Summit at AU Engineering College on Saturday, he highlighted the government’s focus on attracting greater participation from the global Telugu diaspora.

Mr. Srinivas noted that the government has mobilized non-resident Telugus (NRTs) to contribute to the state’s rebuilding, following the NRI-driven vision of Vikshith Bharat. During the CII Summit tour, he mentioned that they visited several countries in Europe where NRTs remain enthusiastic and closely connected to Andhra Pradesh. Their support has translated into initiatives that foster development, reflecting Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s vision.

Officials reported that the NRT community is widespread, with significant populations in the U.S., Malaysia, the UAE, Singapore, Australia, and other countries. To facilitate investment and community projects across 128 countries, the government established the Andhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu Society (APNRTS).

Demographic data indicate that approximately 1.2 million Telugus reside in the U.S., 500,000 in Malaysia, 408,000 in the UAE, and 40,000 in Singapore. The government has set up dedicated NRI units at both state and district levels, with coordinators assigned to enhance interaction.

Additional initiatives include weekly NRI courts to resolve property disputes, annual programs for direct dialogue with the diaspora, and a global export-import cell to assist NRIs in becoming international entrepreneurs, according to officials.