Govt to keep education beyond politics : Lokesh

In a bid to keep education above political influence and inspire students to cherish history and culture, Minister for IT and HRD Nara Lokesh has emphasized naming government schemes after individuals who made notable contributions to the education sector.

"My ambition is to make education apolitical. The first decision I took was to eliminate political interference in schools by removing photos and colors associated with political leaders," Lokesh said while addressing a gathering at the recently modernized ZP High School in Undi, a 108-year-old institution.

Lokesh inaugurated a newly built CC road from the high school to the village, constructed at a cost of Rs 18 lakh. A statue of the late industrialist Ratan Tata was unveiled at Pedhamiram, and the foundation stone for the expansion of the Bhimavaram-Undi road—dubbed "Ratan Tata Marg"—was laid. Additionally, a water plant funded by philanthropist Sagi Prasadaraju at ₹35 lakh was inaugurated virtually.

Speaking at a meeting at SR KR Engineering College, Lokesh reflected on the importance of schools as bastions of learning and moral values. “PVG Raju revolutionized education by establishing several schools and making it accessible to all. Many illustrious individuals, like Series Raju, emerged from institutions like this.”

Lokesh also highlighted his government’s achievements in education, including the “Dokka Seethamma Midday School Meal Scheme”, providing nutritious meals to lakhs of students, and the distribution of free “Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Vidyarthi Mitra Kits” worth Rs 944 crore to students from classes 1 to 12.

Furthermore, he announced a Mega DSC recruitment drive for 16,347 posts, promising a transparent process. Lokesh lauded deputy speaker Raghurama Raju's relentless efforts for the development of the Undi constituency, dubbing him "Triple R" for being "Real, Responsible, and a Rebel."

He acknowledged Raju's initiatives, including renovating 31 of the 34 schools in the constituency, setting up playgrounds, modernizing police stations, and cleaning canals. Lokesh noted that Raju and his associates have spent approximately Rs 10 crore on developmental activities.

“The State faces a monthly deficit of Rs 4,000 crore, yet Raghurama is turning challenges into opportunities. He has brought remarkable transformation to the constituency. After witnessing his work, I want Mangalagiri to compete with Undi in development,” Lokesh remarked. Lokesh pledged unwavering support from the state government to further the progress of Undi, expressing gratitude for the warmth and love of the people.