Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh held a ‘Praja Darbar’ at the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) district office during his visit to Visakhapatnam. At the event, the minister directly interacted with citizens, listening to their concerns and addressing their grievances. “I assure you that every issue raised will be thoroughly reviewed, and we will make every effort to resolve them,” Lokesh stated, emphasising his commitment to public service.
During the session, the minister underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive investigation into the killings and attacks on Dalits that occurred under the YSRCP government. “It is vital to ensure justice for all communities, especially the marginalised,” he added.
Members of the AP Nurses Struggle Committee presented their demands to Minister Lokesh, seeking solutions for contract staff nurses. Their requests included the regularisation of nurses working under the DME, APVVP, DPH, and NHM departments, the implementation of full gross salary, mutual consent transfers, and insurance coverage. Representatives from journalists’ associations also voiced their concerns, requesting 4 cents of land for free housing, a pension of Rs 10,000, and compensation for journalists who lost their lives due to COVID-19.
Additionally, representatives from the AP Velama Teachers Federation sought justice for candidates who were not selected during the DSC 2008 notification. Meanwhile, parents of students studying medicine in Russia appealed for the NTR Foreign Education BC Overseas Scholarship, highlighting the financial burdens associated with overseas education.
A coalition of Dalit groups demanded the release of fee reimbursement arrears for engineering and degree students, which had been suspended by the previous YCP government due to high electricity bills. They urged the government to take over aided schools and colleges to strengthen the education system and called for accountability regarding the attacks on Dalits during the previous regime.
Specific incidents were brought to Minister Lokesh’s attention, including the cases of Dr Sudhakar and the murders of driver Subrahmanyam, Kodikatti Srinu, and Kiran Kumar, allegedly perpetrated by YSRCP MLC Ananthababu. “We need a thorough investigation into these serious matters to ensure justice is served,” the minister affirmed. Minister Lokesh concluded by stating, “We will do everything possible to address these appeals and support those in need.”
Every grievance will be addressed: Nara Lokesh
