Calling upon young people to actively participate in politics to bring meaningful change in society, Minister for IT and Education Nara Lokesh on Friday assured students that he would personally mentor youth who show genuine interest in public life. He made these remarks during an interactive session titled ‘Hello Lokesh’ held at the Government Arts College, Rajamahendravaram.

The interaction drew enthusiastic participation from students, who posed a wide range of questions on careers, governance, women’s safety, education reforms and personal values. Responding to a direct question from a student named Kiran, who asked whether the minister would personally mentor him if he entered politics, Lokesh responded positively. “We are definitely encouraging youth to come into politics. Complete your graduation and I will personally mentor you,” he said, drawing loud applause from the audience.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to employment generation, the minister asserted that the coalition government would fulfil its promise of creating 20 lakh jobs in the public and private sectors over five years. He announced that a comprehensive job calendar would be released in January and said academics were being aligned with industry needs to improve employability. As part of this effort, he said 22 industrial clusters have been identified across the state, covering sectors such as IT, renewable energy, automotive manufacturing and medical devices.

Minister Lokesh also announced the launch of a dedicated employment and skills platform, ‘Naipunyam’, which will guide students on interview preparation, global job opportunities and career mentoring. “The responsibility of connecting youth to jobs lies with the government,” he said.

Responding emotionally to a question on women’s dignity, the minister said respect for women must become a social movement. He announced curriculum reforms from KG to PG level to instil values of gender respect and moral education, with special classes to be held every Saturday. He recalled that noted spiritual speaker Chaganti Koteswara Rao has been appointed as an advisor for value-based education. The minister also assured students that every student would be provided access to Artificial Intelligence tools free of cost, stating that AI literacy would be crucial for future careers. He further promised improved sports infrastructure in colleges, stressing the importance of all-round development.

‘Coalition Government has delivered every promise’

Addressing a coordination meeting of TDP leaders and activists from the Rajahmundry City Assembly constituency, IT Minister Lokesh said coalition government has honoured every commitment made to the people.

Speaking at the meeting held at the Cherukuri Veerraju Subbalakshmi Convention Centre,  Lokesh described the Telugu Desam Party as an organisation bound by family-like ties. “Other parties may have workers, but TDP has family members. Our activists are our real strength,” he said, recalling the hardships faced by the party over the past five years and the unwavering support of its cadre base.

Highlighting key welfare initiatives, the minister said Andhra Pradesh is the only state providing Rs. 4,000 old-age pensions, Rs. 6,000 for persons with disabilities and Rs. 15,000 for the bedridden, despite severe financial constraints. He said promises such as Talliki Vandanam, free bus travel for women and free LPG cylinders were being implemented without compromise. “Within 150 days, we completed the DSC process and filled 16,000 teacher posts, besides appointing 6,000 constables. Investments are flowing into the state like never before,” he said.