AP education and skill development agenda presented to central government

Andhra Pradesh Education, IT, and Electronics Minister Nara Lokesh held high-level discussions with central government ministers in Delhi on Monday, following his recent US visit. The meetings focused on seeking support for the state’s education reforms, skill development initiatives, and technology programs.

After meetings with leading global tech companies during his US trip, Lokesh requested central government assistance to bring international investments and advanced technology to Andhra Pradesh.

During his meeting with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Lokesh highlighted key state initiatives, including the Guaranteed Foundational Literacy and Numeracy program, interactive clicker-based classrooms in government schools, and the Central Smart Kitchen in Kadapa, which is the first government-run facility of its kind. He also briefed the minister on student-led initiatives like the mock assembly under the Andhra Pradesh School Legislature and the launch of the Indian Children’s Constitution.

Lokesh requested approval to establish 11 new Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas in the state and urged rapid operationalization of 12 already allocated central schools. He also sought additional funding of ₹1,270 crore for the Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States (STARS) Project for 2025-26, on top of the existing ₹4,400 crore allocation. Approval was also requested for setting up 155 experimental smart kitchens under the PM Poshan Scheme, and he invited Pradhan to the inauguration of a model Autism Support Center in Chinnakakani, Guntur district.

In a meeting with Union Skill Development Minister Jayanth Chaudhary, Lokesh proposed setting up a National Skill Training Institute in Visakhapatnam. He said the state has identified five acres in Pedagantyada for the institute, which will serve as a regional center for teacher training, industry-linked skill programs, green skills, and digital transformation initiatives.

Lokesh also updated Union IT and Electronics Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on discussions with tech leaders like Google CEO Sundar Pichai, and executives from NVIDIA and Adobe during his US visit. He highlighted the interest of American companies in increasing investments in India, particularly in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, electronics manufacturing, and digital infrastructure.

The meetings were also attended by Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, Union Minister of State P. Chandrasekhar, and several MPs. Lokesh emphasized that the trip aimed to strengthen coordination with the central government to provide extensive employment opportunities to the state’s youth through global investments, modern technology, and skill development.