Nara Lokesh Criticizes Previous Government Over Education Schemes, Promises Reforms

Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh has accused the previous YSRCP-led government of neglecting students' welfare by failing to clear dues for key educational schemes, including a ₹6,500 crore backlog in fee reimbursement. Responding to criticism from former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, who alleged that the TDP government was ignoring students' interests, Lokesh labeled the previous administration as the "worst governance."

Lokesh highlighted that bills worth ₹3,500 crore under programs like Vidya Deevena and Vasathi Deevena were left unpaid during the YSRCP tenure. "Thousands of students faced difficulties in obtaining their certificates because of the pending dues," he said. He assured students and their families that the TDP government had started clearing these dues in phases after coming to power. Lokesh also instructed educational institutions to release certificates to students without further delays.

Directing his criticism at Jagan Mohan Reddy, Lokesh questioned whether it was true that enrollment in government schools declined by 4 lakh during his rule. He blamed the hasty introduction of the CBSE syllabus, without adequate teacher and student preparation, for a failure rate of nearly 90% in exams.

Lokesh further alleged that the much-touted Nadu-Nedu program had left many schools without basic amenities like benches, drinking water, and toilets. He also raised concerns about the ill-effects of distributing tablets to students, suggesting these issues could be confirmed by speaking with parents.

To address these challenges, Lokesh said the government was creating an action plan to evaluate the academic capabilities of students at each school. He also announced efforts to strengthen school infrastructure, fill 16,347 vacant teaching positions through a mega DSC recruitment drive, and improve educational standards statewide.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Lokesh promised the seamless implementation of Vidya Deevena and Vasathi Deevena schemes to ensure students and parents do not face any difficulties in the future.