Andhra Pradesh Minister for Education, IT, and Electronics, Nara Lokesh, made multiple appeals to Union Ministers on Wednesday, seeking support for the state’s development initiatives.
Lokesh met Union Minister for Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, to discuss the upcoming All-India Education Ministers’ Conclave scheduled for August. He requested that Andhra Pradesh host the conclave, aiming to strengthen the state’s academic system, which, according to Lokesh, suffered due to the misuse of funds by the previous government. He urged the Union Government to increase the state’s funding for Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs), skill education, ICT-based learning, and infrastructure improvements. Additionally, Lokesh appealed for the approval of remaining schools under the PM SHRI scheme and requested a significant allocation for high schools under the Purvodaya scheme.
Lokesh also met Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh to propose the establishment of a defense cluster in Andhra Pradesh, highlighting the potential job opportunities in the defense sector. He emphasised the progress of the state’s capital, Amaravati, and the Polavaram project, thanking the central government for its support in overcoming the state’s debt crisis. Rajnath assured Lokesh of full cooperation for the state’s development.
He also met Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to express gratitude for the railway budget allocations to the state. He sought further central assistance for the establishment of an AI Centre of Excellence and a Data City in Visakhapatnam, both pivotal for the state’s future growth in IT and electronics sectors. Lokesh also requested the Union Minister to allocate unused railway land in Mangalagiri for housing the state’s underprivileged families. Vaishnaw responded positively and assured further action after reviewing the request.
He also met Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy and former Prime Minister HD Devegowda, thanking the JDS leader for releasing Rs 12,000 crores for the revival of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.