Amaravati witnessed a high-profile visit as Bill Gates, Chairman of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, toured the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) centre at the Andhra Pradesh Secretariat.
During his visit, Gates praised the Andhra Pradesh government’s innovative use of technology in governance, healthcare, and agriculture. He also commended Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for his forward-thinking leadership.
RTGS Model Draws Global Attention
Gates spent nearly an hour at the RTGS centre, where the Chief Minister presented a detailed overview of how the system works. The presentation covered data-driven governance tools such as Data Lake integration, AWARE 2.0 monitoring, WhatsApp-based citizen services, and the Sanjeevani health initiative.
Impressed by the use of real-time data to improve civic services, Gates showed particular interest in how the government measures public satisfaction levels. He also asked about the protection of land records. In response, Naidu explained that the state uses blockchain technology and QR codes to prevent tampering and ensure transparency.
Focus on Healthcare and AI
Bill Gates enquired about the Sanjeevani health project, which is being implemented in Kuppam with support from the Gates Foundation. The Chief Minister explained that the state maintains digital health records of citizens using Artificial Intelligence tools.
Gates appreciated the initiative and stressed the need to make diagnostic services affordable for the poor. He highlighted that expanding access to healthcare remains a priority for his foundation.
He also noted that AI can play a major role in transforming the education sector and improving service delivery.
Amaravati’s Vision as a Green and Blue City
During the discussion, Gates asked about the development plans for Amaravati. Naidu shared his vision of building Amaravati as a sustainable “green and blue” city that balances growth with environmental responsibility.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the visit would strengthen Andhra Pradesh’s push toward AI and quantum technology. He added that collaboration with the Gates Foundation would support the state’s long-term development goals under the Swarnandhra Vision 2047.
Praise for Technology in Agriculture and Disaster Management
Bill Gates praised the Andhra Pradesh government for using technology to support farmers. He observed that even some developed nations have not fully integrated advanced technology into agriculture, while Andhra Pradesh has made significant progress in this area.
He also appreciated the state’s disaster management systems, which use technology to reduce the impact of natural calamities and protect lives and property.
A Long-Standing Association
Recalling his long association with Chandrababu Naidu, Gates described him as a “good old friend.” He mentioned their first meeting in 1997, when Naidu played a key role in bringing Microsoft to Hyderabad. That move, he said, helped accelerate the growth of the IT sector in the region.
Gates remarked that Naidu’s vision for digital governance was ahead of its time. He added that India is leading the digital revolution globally, with strong leadership at both the national and state levels.
The visit marks another milestone in Andhra Pradesh’s journey toward technology-driven governance, reinforcing its ambition to become a leader in digital innovation.
