Bill Gates’ remarks on Chandrababu Naidu’s governance vision seen as global endorsement: Palla Srinivasa Rao*

Amaravati, February 17:*The appreciation expressed by Microsoft founder and Gates Foundation Chair Bill Gates for Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s technology-driven governance has been described as a matter of pride for Andhra Pradesh, said Telugu Desam Party (TDP) State president Palla Srinivasa Rao.

Mr. Gates’ visit to the Real-Time Governance Society (RTGS) centre at the State Secretariat, where he closely observed the functioning of the real-time public service delivery model, was seen as a significant recognition of Mr. Naidu’s long-standing administrative vision. His keen interest in the governance framework explained by the Chief Minister, Mr. Rao noted, underlined the growing international attention to Andhra Pradesh’s digital governance initiatives.

*Rare blend of technology and public service*

Mr. Gates reportedly remarked that Mr. Naidu stands out as a leader with a truly global outlook, particularly in the way digital governance has been seamlessly integrated into everyday public life.

Drawing from his exposure to governance systems across countries, Mr. Gates is said to have observed that it is uncommon to find leaders who not only speak of digital transformation in theory but also translate it into effective, on-ground execution. The RTGS mechanism, which enables swift decision-making and real-time responsiveness to citizens’ needs, was cited as a reflection of this forward-thinking approach.

*A key contributor to India’s digital journey*

Mr. Rao said it was noteworthy that Mr. Gates acknowledged Mr. Naidu’s role—alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi—in shaping India’s broader digital revolution.

He added that Mr. Naidu’s distinctive contribution lies in using technology not merely as an administrative tool, but as a catalyst for improving outcomes in critical sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and disaster management—areas that directly touch people’s lives.

*A leader who anticipated the future*

Recalling his first meeting with Mr. Naidu, Mr. Gates reportedly noted the Chief Minister’s exceptional ability to think ahead of his time. He is said to have compared Mr. Naidu’s vision with that of leaders from some of the world’s most advanced urban centres, even remarking that Mr. Naidu possessed the strategic foresight of Singapore’s leadership during its transformative phase.

Mr. Rao described these comments as a rare global acknowledgment of Mr. Naidu’s stature as a visionary leader.

*Gates Foundation support for ‘Swarna Andhra–2047’*

Mr. Rao further stated that Mr. Gates’ assurance of the Gates Foundation’s willingness to partner with Andhra Pradesh in achieving the goals of the ‘Swarna Andhra Vision–2047’ reflects strong international support for the State’s long-term development agenda.

He also highlighted Mr. Gates’ reported praise for the State’s ‘Sanjeevani’ healthcare initiative, which he termed an “excellent model”, calling it a testament to the government’s people-centric governance.

*A relationship spanning decades*

Mr. Rao said Mr. Gates’ light-hearted reference to Mr. Naidu as a “good old friend” symbolised nearly three decades of mutual respect and trust.

He noted that Mr. Gates also recalled Mr. Naidu’s role in encouraging Microsoft’s presence in Hyderabad during the 1990s—an early decision that helped lay the foundation for the region’s evolution into a technology hub and for the State’s present-day digital governance architecture.

— *Palla Srinivasa Rao*

*TDP State President & MLA, Gajuwaka*