Minister for Education, Information Technology (IT), and Electronics, Nara Lokesh, announced that the TDP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in Andhra Pradesh has fulfilled its promises within the first 100 days of taking office. Speaking on Friday at the relaunch of Anna Canteens in Nulakapeta and the old bus stand in Mangalagiri, Lokesh criticized the YSRCP MLA for mocking the poor and expressed concern over the previous government’s closure of these canteens. Lokesh also joined those in attendance for breakfast.
Lokesh recalled that when he raised the issue of the canteens’ closure in the Legislative Council, the then Minister for Municipal Administration promised to reopen them but failed to take any action.
Despite being in the Opposition at the time, Lokesh personally funded and operated four Anna Canteens in the Mangalagiri Assembly segment, providing meals for just ?2 each at locations in Mangalagiri town, Nulakapeta in Tadepalli, Railpet in Duggirala, and Revendrapadu.
In addition to running these canteens, Lokesh implemented 29 welfare schemes in the Mangalagiri segment using his funds.
These initiatives included supplying water through tankers, providing medical services, distributing sewing machines to women under the Sthree Sakthi scheme, and various other welfare programs.
The Minister also reminisced about the TDP founder, the late N.T. Rama Rao, who launched the first Anna Danam (free food supply) program. He mentioned that ?1,800 crore is currently available as fixed deposits with the Anna Danam Trust.
Lokesh emphasised the urgent need to strengthen government schools and colleges to boost enrollment and ensure that teachers focus solely on their profession. “I am confident that government educational institutions will be developed to a level where they can compete with private institutions,” he stated.
The Minister also warned of stringent action against those who deliberately violate norms to cause harm to innocent people. Referring to the case of the former minister Jogi Ramesh’s son, who allegedly purchased Agrigold lands using fake documents, Lokesh questioned, “Should we not take action against such individuals?”
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