Chandrababu Naidu Pledges Rs 500 Crore for Andhra University at Centenary
Synopsis
At Andhra University's centenary, CM Chandrababu Naidu pledged a Rs 500 crore corpus fund, inaugurated a Rs 64 crore innovation centre, and linked Visakhapatnam's global rise to Google's $15 billion data centre investment — signalling a bold convergence of academia and industry in Andhra Pradesh.
Key Takeaways
CM Chandrababu Naidu announced a Rs 500 crore corpus fund for Andhra University at its centenary celebrations on April 27, 2025 .
The AU Factory and Network Centre , built at Rs 64 crore , was inaugurated to strengthen academia-industry linkages.
Foundation stones for nine infrastructure projects worth Rs 112 crore were laid, including hostels and a convocation hall.
Naidu revealed that a Google Data Centre foundation stone would be laid in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday , backed by a $15 billion investment .
The CM set an ambitious target for Andhra University to rank among India's top 5 universities and the global top 100 .
Students from 58 countries currently study at Andhra University, which leads among the state's 53 universities .
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday, April 27, called on universities to transform into engines of innovation, delivering a landmark address at Andhra University's centenary celebrations in Visakhapatnam. Naidu announced a Rs 500 crore corpus fund for the institution and inaugurated infrastructure worth crores, signalling a renewed state commitment to higher education as a driver of economic growth.
Key Developments at the Centenary Event
The Chief Minister inaugurated the AU Factory and Network Centre, constructed at a cost of Rs 64 crore, a facility designed to bridge academia and industry. He also laid foundation stones for nine development projects valued at Rs 112 crore, covering boys' and girls' hostels, a convocation hall, and critical campus infrastructure.
Addressing a distinguished gathering that included Vice President of India C.P. Radhakrishnan, former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Union Ministers, Education Minister Nara Lokesh, former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, and film director Trivikram Srinivas, Naidu called Andhra University a
Frequently Asked Questions
What did CM Chandrababu Naidu announce at Andhra University's centenary?
CM Chandrababu Naidu announced a Rs 500 crore corpus fund for Andhra University at its centenary celebrations on April 27, 2025, in Visakhapatnam. He also inaugurated the Rs 64 crore AU Factory and Network Centre and laid foundation stones for nine projects worth Rs 112 crore.
What is the AU Factory and Network Centre inaugurated in Visakhapatnam?
The AU Factory and Network Centre is a newly built facility at Andhra University, constructed at a cost of Rs 64 crore, aimed at fostering innovation and strengthening ties between academia and industry. It was inaugurated by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu during the university's centenary event.
What is the Google Data Centre investment in Visakhapatnam?
Google is investing $15 billion in a data centre in Visakhapatnam, with the foundation stone scheduled to be laid on Tuesday, April 28, 2025. CM Naidu described this investment as a reflection of Visakhapatnam's global stature and potential.
What is Andhra University's ranking goal set by CM Naidu?
CM Chandrababu Naidu set a target for Andhra University to rank among India's top five universities and within the global top 100. He said the Rs 500 crore corpus fund is intended to provide the resources necessary to achieve this level of growth.
Who attended Andhra University's centenary celebrations?
The centenary celebrations were attended by Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Union Ministers, Education Minister Nara Lokesh, former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, and film director Trivikram Srinivas, among others.
