In a striking turn of events in Andhra Pradesh, Minister Nara Lokesh, who oversees both the IT and Education departments, finds himself at the center of a growing controversy regarding his effectiveness in these crucial areas. Despite being the son of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Lokesh’s tenure has been marred by concerns over declining student enrollment numbers and his perceived overreach into other government sectors.
Every year, the state witnesses a significant drop in the number of students, raising questions about Lokesh’s leadership in education. Critics argue that while he claims to implement various changes within the educational framework, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Reports highlight a staggering 1.8 million students have dropped out of school since the beginning of the Naidu administration, indicating a pressing need for reform and accountability.
Interestingly, the yellow media has been vocal in praising Lokesh’s efforts, suggesting he has introduced substantial improvements in the government’s educational systems. However, many observers remain skeptical, arguing that his contributions have been minimal at best. The recent elevation of Lokesh as a prominent minister is seen as an attempt by Naidu to bolster his son’s image and credibility among the youth, but the outcomes have yet to justify such a move.
As part of his initiatives, Lokesh is credited with promoting the “Mother’s Respect” scheme, an idea attributed to him by Naidu. However, when the scheme was launched under a different name by the current government, concerns arose regarding the credit allocation. Additionally, Lokesh’s efforts to lure tech companies to the state have not yielded significant results, and the promised investments have largely failed to materialize.
Despite previous assurances that companies would flock to Andhra Pradesh under his leadership, the reality has been starkly different. Land allocation decisions have drawn criticism, with accusations of arbitrary distribution processes that undermine the integrity of the decision-making. This has led to public discontent, with many questioning Lokesh’s authority and approach to governance.
Moreover, Lokesh’s interference in other departments, particularly the Home department, has further tarnished his image. Allegations of issuing directives to police officials and asserting control over the Red Book have not helped his standing, with many viewing these actions as overstepping his ministerial boundaries.
In stark contrast, the previous administration placed a significant emphasis on education and healthcare, garnering public support and goodwill. Current statistics suggest a worrying trend, with a 5% decline in primary education enrollment and 6% in high school levels under Lokesh’s watch. The current government, led by Jagan Mohan Reddy, has introduced innovative programs aimed at rekindling interest in education among parents and their children, a move that has seemingly overshadowed Lokesh’s contributions.
The educational landscape in the state is in dire need of attention, and experts argue that both Naidu and Lokesh must take responsibility for the current situation. As Andhra Pradesh continues to grapple with these challenges, the necessity for immediate action to prevent students from dropping out of schools has never been more urgent. Senior journalist and political commentator Kommneneni Srinivasa Rao emphasizes that the coalition government must prioritize education to ensure a brighter future for the children of the state.
