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Hans India
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Govt failed to address critical issues in edu sector
Kurnool: Activists of the Progressive Democratic Students Union (PDSU) on Monday staged a massive protest in front of the Kurnool Collectorate, accusing the alliance government of failing to address critical issues plaguing the education sector across Andhra Pradesh. The demonstration, held under the leadership of PDSU State president Md Rafi, highlighted various demands ranging from pending fee reimbursements to the improvement of hostel infrastructure. Addressing the gathering, Md Rafi alleged that the government has failed to release Rs 6,400 crore in pending fee reimbursement and scholarship dues, severely affecting thousands of students. He demanded stringent enforcement of the Fee Regulation Act in private and corporate educational institutions. He also criticised the unchecked commercialisation in the name of textbooks, stating that the Education Department has taken no action against those exploiting students for profit. Rafi further pointed out the dire state of welfare hostels, where students are reportedly forced to live in rented buildings under poor conditions. He called for immediate revision of mess and cosmetic charges in accordance with inflation and urged the government to construct permanent hostel buildings. He also demanded that HRD Minister Nara Lokesh fulfill the promises made during his 'Yuvagalam' padayatra, particularly concerning student welfare and education reforms. Among other key demands were the provision of a Rs 3,000 monthly unemployment allowance to jobless youth, filling of over 2.5 lakh vacant government posts, construction of a permanent building for the Government Degree College in Adoni, and the immediate reopening of the medical college between Adoni and Yemmiganur. The PDSU also demanded urgent recruitment for vacant teaching and non-teaching posts in government institutions. Rafi condemned the Minister's foreign visits amid a domestic education crisis and announced a large-scale protest to be held in Vijayawada on July 25. Several district leaders, including Shahid, K Somashekar, Marriswami, Akhil, Naveen, Surendra, Vinod, Kiran, Vamshi, Hari, Vinay, and numerous student activists, participated in the protest.
Hans India
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
An extraordinary and unfolding political journey
It was an enriching, invigorating, and thought-provoking interaction, unmindful of few extra minutes time taken, with Lokesh Nara, Andhra Pradesh (AP) Minister for IT, Electronics and Communications, Real-Time Governance, and HRD. Before the conversation began, Lokesh's spontaneous gesture of respect, politely rising from his seat, welcoming me with warmth, and receiving with the affection due to an elder, really touched me. Well, meeting Lokesh was nothing short of a revelation. In an age where formality often eclipses sincerity, Lokesh with a characteristic smile, even before I started introducing myself, said that, 'Yes, yes, I know you,' in a simple, yet graceful acknowledgment. This quiet act of humility which left a lasting impression, spoke volumes about his grounded upbringing, cultural values, ability to recognize and remember people across an ever-present, infectious smile and a demeanor marked by warmth, grace, and boundless energy, he embodies a rare mix of political clarity and personal accessibility. His strong focus on development, active listening to feedback, open, and honest dialogue depicted his receptivity to I could not help but recall his illustrious father, AP Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, with whom I had the privilege of occasionally interacting during my tenure as Faculty Member at Dr MCR HRD Institute (1995–2004). Similar meticulous attention to governance, data-driven thinking, and people-centric leadership appeared to flow, in contemporary idiom, through Lokesh, as legacy meets innovation in thenext generation leader. Lokesh's natural instinct as I understood in that few minutes is never to say 'No' but how best to say 'Yes' even if that means reasoning diplomatically when circumstances demand otherwise. This reminded me KPS Menon, a prominent diplomat and served as an Ambassador to USSR, according to whom, a diplomat says 'yes' to mean 'Perhaps,' says 'Perhaps' to mean 'No' and never says was thus evident that, here is a leader who listens, learns, and leads, not from a pedestal, but from among the people, with a blend of optimism, realism, and humility. I had then, the unexpected honour of receiving a personally gifted copy of the Book, The Voice of People,a seminal chronicle of Lokesh's extraordinary and unfolding political journey. This is a living document of step-by-step, village-by-village account of 'the story of the Historic Yuvagalam (the voice of the youth) Padayatra' across AP. Nara Brahmani described the book as nothing short of a 'Game Changer.' The Voice of People book captures the transformation of a leader who has been shaped not by entitlement but by experience, not by mere legacy but by legwork especially against the background of political critics that had virtually written off Lokesh. The pages breathe with the voices, hopes, and aspirations of lakhs of people who walked beside him, spoke to him, and placed their trust in him. Lokesh shared with heartfelt pride that the first copy of the book was presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the second to his mother, Nara Bhuvaneswari, and the third copy, as he put it with a warm smile on his face, was given to me saying, 'you, among a few more.' It was a pleasant gesture and touching moment that made me feel both humbled and privileged. On myreading 'The Voice of People' book in depth, I witnessed the passion, purpose, and promise of a leader in the making. A swift initial perusal of the book's content itselfand eventually the entire book, I decided to share my impressions. In fact, when, on receiving the book, I offered to write review, Lokesh's immediate response was both open and admirable: 'Sure, be critical also wherever you feel so.' That one remark spoke volumes. In a political culture often resistant to scrutiny, Lokesh's willingness to invite criticism reflects not just maturity but democratic depth, a trait that every meaningful public leader would do well to emulate. The coffee table book offers a rich, pictorial, and content-driven narrative of the 226-day, 3132-kilometer-long Road to People's Happiness which touched 15 million individuals across 2094 villages in 232 mandals of 97 constituencies spanning 11 AP districts between January 27, 2023, and December book captures this massive and unprecedented public outreach, in vivid detail as to how Lokesh shared his dreams for a brighter AP with people from all walks of life. The photographs evoke deep emotion and truly heart-touching moments that reflect the personal bonds formed during the journey. The book notes that 'Lokesh embarked on his journey from the Sri Varadaraja Swamy Temple, driven by his vision for a brighter future and his desire for change. This historic yatra marked the beginning of the march towards that vision.' A particularly lasting impression on Day Three itself, was his interaction with Navneeta, a vegetable vendor, an early signal of how deeply this journey would resonate with ordinary people. The padayatra in initial stages itself, had drawn the attention of National Media. As Lokesh continued to engage extensively with agricultural workers and rural communities, his connect with the grassroots evolved naturally and powerfully. Gradually,The Voice of People unfolded not just a travelogue, but a chronicle of transformation, capturing Lokesh's evolving dialogue with citizens, his grasp of local issues, and the emotional pulse of a state yearning for change, which can be noticed on reading the book. The Voice of the Peopleis referred to as 'Vox Populi' in Latin. In many ways, this book mirrors the spirit of the legendary Vox Populi column from Rusi K Karanjia's Blitz Magazine. Karanjia used that space not merely for reportage, but as a platform of resistance, challenging power structures and amplifying public sentiment. Similarly, The Voice of People book captures not just events, but emotions; not just a leader's march, but state's collective yearning. Lokesh's padayatra across villages, mandals, and constituencies reflected democratic energy in motion. Just as Blitz became a movement in journalism, 'The Voice of People' stands as a political movement, shaped by public voices, grounded in dialogue, and driven by purpose. The outcome was, YSR Congress Party suffered a resounding defeat in 2024 elections, while the Telugu Desam Party returned to power triumphantly with renewed public trust. This was widely credited to Lokesh's tireless grassroots mobilization. Yet, in typical humility, Lokesh attributed his success to the unwavering support of wife Brahmani, son Devansh, mother Bhuvaneshwarihis pillar of strength, and above all, to the mentorship and vision of his illustrious father Chandrababu Naidu. Brief meeting with Lokesh sparked a deeper reflection propelling me to read 'The Voice of People' with a practitioner's eye and with a citizen's concern. Having worked with one Governor and two formidable Chief Ministers in Public RelationsRoles, and seen leadership at close quarters,what left an indelible image in me was, revelation of rare blend of sincerity, method, and connect that sets Lokesh apart, the way I found in those three great leaders with whom I worked. Ability, Capability and Leadership Quality in Politics is God Given Gift. Hard Work, Intellect, Oratory Skills, Legacy,andlittle bit of luck are essential skills. 'The Voice of People' portraysthese characteristic qualities in Lokesh. The stories, images, and testimonials from every corner of Andhra Pradesh offer more than evidence, echoing people's affirmation. That courteous moment at his residence now feels like an introduction to something larger - the emergence of a new-generation leader rooted in people-first politics. As I conclude this impromptu appreciation, I offer a quiet but considered hope, that Nara Lokesh will not only carry forward the formidable legacy of his illustrious father, Nara Chandrababu Naidu, who made a difference as a political leader, but rise even further, forging a distinct path marked by democratic conviction, digital clarity, and developmental imagination. Much has begun, has been earned, but let me remind Robert Frost:'I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep.'
Hans India
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Bharath to distribute house site pattas to eligible
Kurnool: Minister for Industries, Commerce, and Food Processing, TG Bharath announced that steps are being taken to distribute house site pattas to the eligible beneficiaries in Kurnool city. On Tuesday, the Minister conducted a review meeting at the State Guest House with District Joint Collector Dr B Navya, Kurnool RDO Sandeep Kumar, Kurnool Tahsildar Venkata Ramesh, Urban Tahsildar Ravi, and Kallur Tahsildar Anjaneyulu. He directed officials to initiate the patta distribution process similar to the one carried out by Minister Nara Lokesh in Mangalagiri. Referring to the earlier promise made by Lokesh during the Yuvagalam padayatra, the Minister said pattas would be issued to the residents of the Gudem Kottala locality near the Pump House. The Minister emphasized the need to issue pattas to long-time residents of various localities in Kurnool, in accordance with government regulations. He acknowledged that several individuals who had received pattas in the past were yet to be allocated plots and directed officials to identify and allocate lands to such beneficiaries. He also instructed that survey and verification be carried out in Budhavarapeta and other affected areas to ensure all eligible residents are granted rightful ownership. The Minister noted that issues have arisen in locating land in E Thandrapadu where pattas were given before 2014, and urged swift resolution of these concerns. In a key development, Minister Bharath directed officials to take immediate steps to acquire 4.5 acres of dotted land opposite the Municipal Water Works near Venkataramana Colony from the police department, to facilitate public development works. He also ordered the demolition and leveling of dilapidated houses in the A, B, and C camp government housing colonies, and proposed repurposing the cleared land for future government development projects.
The Hindu
18-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
HRD Minister Lokesh calls on Vice-President, apprises him of NDA government's achievements in Andhra Pradesh
Minister for IT & Human Resources Development Nara Lokesh on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar in New Delhi. During the meeting, Mr. Lokesh apprised Mr. Dhankhar of the coalition government's achievements in the last one year, and highlighted various development and welfare programmes being implemented in the State. He sought Mr. Dhankhar's support in taking the State forward, while pointing out that Andhra Pradesh was poised to be the front-runner in adopting quantum technologies by developing a Quantum Valley in Amaravati. Asked about the progress of construction of the capital Amaravati, Mr. Lokesh told the Vice- President that works costing about ₹64,000 crore were going on in different stages at a brisk pace. On the occasion, Mr. Lokesh presented a copy of the coffee-table book on his Yuvagalam to Mr. Dhankhar. Later, Mr. Lokesh called on Union Ministers Amit Shah (Home), Chirag Paswan (Food Processing Industries) and Dharmendra Pradhan (Education). In his meeting with Mr. Shah, the HRD Minister highlighted the achievements of the NDA Government, and informed him about the overall situation in the State. He mentioned that extensive arrangements were made for the International Yoga Day event in Visakhapatnam on June 21, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a host of other dignitaries would be taking part. The discussion with Mr. Paswan was focused on the Central government's support for the establishment of food processing units in the State, especially in the Rayalaseema region. Mr. Lokesh explained that farmers in Rayalaseema would extensively cultivate fruits like mango, banana, tomato, sweet lime, pomegranate and dates, but struggle to fetch fair prices. Their situation would improve if the Centre takes necessary market intervention measures. While promising to extend full support, Mr. Paswan said he would soon visit the State for inaugurating a food processing incubation centre at the IIIT, Tirupati, and would be touring Rayalaseema on July 11 and 12. Mr. Lokesh told Mr. Pradhan that structural reforms were being implemented to achieve better outcomes, highlighting the Learning Excellence in Andhra Pradesh (LEAP) initiative, which was aimed at improving the education ecosystem. He mentioned that the schools were being given star ratings on the basis of their academic and infrastructure standards. A new Teacher Transfer Act had been implemented for ensuring promotions and transfers with seniority and merit as the yardsticks. New universities were being set up under the Center of Excellence initiative, he said. They were Artificial Intelligence University in Visakhapatnam, a Sports University in Amaravati, and India International University of Legal Education and Research, Mr. Lokesh added. Mr. Lokesh was accompanied by MPs Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Kesineni Sivanath, B. Nagaraju, Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy, S. Satish, and Byreddy Shabari.
The Hindu
18-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh seeks Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar's support for State development
Andhra Pradesh IT & Human Resources Development Minister Nara Lokesh paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar in New Delhi on Wednesday (June 18, 2025). During the meeting, Mr. Lokesh apprised Mr. Dhankhar of the coalition government's achievements in the last one year and highlighted various development and welfare programmes being implemented in the State. He sought Mr. Dhankhar's support and cooperation in taking the State forward, while pointing out that Andhra Pradesh was poised to be the front-runner in adopting quantum technologies by developing a Quantum Valley in Amaravati. Asked about the progress of construction of the capital Amaravati, Mr. Lokesh told Mr. Dhankhar that works costing about ₹64,000 crore were going on in different stages at a brisk pace. On the occasion, Mr. Lokesh presented a copy of the coffee-table book on his Yuvagalam to Mr. Dhankhar. Telugu Desam Party MPs Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Kesineni Sivanath, B. Nagaraju, Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy, S. Satish, and Byreddy Shabari were present.
