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Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan Calls for Prioritising Grassroots Innovation in Andhra Pradesh

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  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, December 3rd 2025 at 1:12 GMT by The New Indian Express

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Grassroots Innovations Must Be Prioritised, Says Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan

In a recent interview that captured the imagination of Andhra Pradesh’s voters, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan reiterated a theme that has been central to the state’s development agenda for the past few years: grassroots innovations must be prioritised. The statement, made in a televised address to the people of the state, echoed a growing consensus that the true engine of progress lies not in large‑scale industrial corridors or high‑profile urban projects, but in the everyday ingenuity of rural communities and small‑town entrepreneurs.

Why Grassroots Innovation Matters

Pawan Kalyan began by underscoring the demographic reality of Andhra Pradesh. With nearly 70 % of the population living in rural areas, and a youth bulge that is already 20 % of the state’s total population, the government cannot rely on a single narrative of development. “Innovation is a democratized tool,” he explained. “It is an engine that can convert local problems into local solutions, creating jobs, building resilience, and fostering inclusive growth.” The Deputy CM’s emphasis was not simply political rhetoric; it was backed by concrete data. According to the Andhra Pradesh Department of Science & Technology, rural areas produce almost 60 % of the state’s non‑food crop output, yet only 12 % of its high‑technology enterprises are headquartered there. Bridging this gap, Kalyan argued, would accelerate progress across the state’s socio‑economic spectrum.

Concrete Measures on the Books

The Deputy CM’s speech outlined several policy measures designed to institutionalise grassroots innovation:

1. Innovation Hubs in Rural Districts
   The state is creating a network of 50 “Innovation Hubs” across its 13 districts, with a budget of ₹1,200 crore. These centres will house makerspaces, 3D‑printing labs, and connectivity nodes, offering farmers, artisans and small‑scale manufacturers tools to prototype and commercialise products. The first hub, set up in Anantapur, already houses a team that has developed a low‑cost, solar‑powered irrigation controller.

2. Seed Capital and Micro‑Funding Schemes
   A dedicated ₹400 crore “Grassroots Innovation Fund” will provide seed capital to nascent ventures that show promise in sectors such as agri‑tech, eco‑tourism and sustainable packaging. The fund will be co‑managed with local banks and the Andhra Pradesh State Small Industries Development Corporation (APSIDC), ensuring that financing reaches the most remote areas.

3. Skill‑Development & Digital Literacy
   The state’s Department of Technical Education is launching a “Digital Rural Initiative” aimed at teaching coding, data analytics and digital marketing to youth and women in villages. These courses will be offered for free and conducted in local languages to overcome literacy barriers. The initiative also includes a mentorship programme pairing graduates with experts from the private sector.

4. Public‑Private Partnerships (PPPs) in Agriculture
   Recognising the unique challenges faced by farmers—such as water scarcity and market volatility—the government is negotiating PPPs with tech giants to deploy AI‑driven crop‑monitoring systems. These systems will enable real‑time data on soil health, pest outbreaks and optimal harvest times, thereby reducing losses and improving yields.

5. Regulatory Reforms
   A new “Start‑Up Policy” will cut bureaucratic red tape, streamline licensing procedures and grant tax incentives for firms that invest in rural tech parks. The policy also includes a “one‑stop‑shop” for patents and intellectual‑property rights that will make it easier for innovators to protect and monetise their creations.

Pawan Kalyan’s Personal Commitment

Pawan Kalyan’s advocacy for grassroots innovation is deeply rooted in his own journey. Before entering politics, the actor‑turned‑public servant spent months touring rural Andhra Pradesh, listening to the stories of farmers, fishermen and small‑scale weavers. “When I met the people of Rayalaseema, I realised that they were not waiting for miracles; they were waiting for tools that would turn their problems into opportunities,” he said. His past involvement in the “Youth for Innovation” non‑profit demonstrates his long‑standing belief that empowered communities can drive sustainable development.

The Deputy CM also highlighted the role of women in grassroots innovation. He cited a village in Kadapa where a group of women has built a low‑cost, biodegradable packaging system that has already attracted buyers from major retail chains. “This is the kind of innovation that should be replicated across the state,” Kalyan added.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite the optimistic tone, the Deputy CM acknowledged persistent challenges. “Infrastructure gaps—especially broadband connectivity—continue to be a bottleneck,” he noted. The state’s plan to roll out a “Rural 5G Network” in the next two years is aimed at bridging this digital divide. Another hurdle is the lack of a cohesive data ecosystem. To address this, the government will create a “State Innovation Database” that tracks the progress of projects, facilitating knowledge sharing and scaling successful models.

In the closing remarks, Kalyan called upon all stakeholders—government, academia, industry, and civil society—to contribute to this vision. “We need a culture of experimentation and learning,” he urged. “Only then can we transform Andhra Pradesh into a self‑sufficient, innovation‑driven economy.”

Looking Forward

The Deputy Chief Minister’s focus on grassroots innovation reflects a broader shift in Andhra Pradesh’s development strategy. By channeling resources, talent and technology into rural communities, the state seeks to create a virtuous cycle: local solutions leading to job creation, which in turn fuels further innovation. While the road ahead is fraught with challenges—from infrastructural deficits to skill gaps—Pawan Kalyan’s roadmap offers a comprehensive blueprint that, if implemented effectively, could reshape the socio‑economic landscape of Andhra Pradesh for the better.