“Development and Welfare Are the Twin Pillars of Our Government”: Nara Lokesh
Minister says Andhra Pradesh will focus on jobs, education, Amaravati, industries and balanced development across the state.
VIJAYAWADA, August 15, 2026: Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh said development and welfare are the two pillars of the state government, and called on people to work collectively to make Andhra Pradesh a leading state in the country.
Lokesh made the remarks while participating in the Independence Day celebrations at Makineni Basavapunnayya Maidan in Vijayawada, where he unfurled the national flag and addressed the gathering.
WHAT HAPPENED
Lokesh said Independence Day is not merely a date on the calendar but a day to remember the country's history and work towards building its future.
Speaking about education reforms, he said the government was implementing several changes in the education sector. He highlighted the decision to feature photographs of students who achieved top ranks in textbooks instead of photographs of political leaders.
EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT
Lokesh said the government was working to link education with employment, with the aim of ensuring that students acquire skills relevant to the job market.
He said the government has set a target of creating 20 lakh jobs for youth over five years.
The Minister questioned how long young people in Andhra Pradesh should have to depend on neighbouring states for employment and opportunities.
AMARAVATI AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Lokesh highlighted Amaravati, saying the Centre had provided legal recognition to the state capital.
He also referred to the government's focus on the Polavaram project, protection of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant and securing the South Coast Railway Zone.
INDUSTRIES AND INVESTMENT
The Minister said large industries were coming to Andhra Pradesh and becoming part of the state's economic identity.
He said the government was working to create an environment in which investment, employment and industrial development could expand across the state.
“TWIN PILLARS” OF GOVERNMENT
Lokesh described development and welfare as the “twin bulls” pulling the government's vehicle, stressing that both should move together.
He said the government was working to place Andhra Pradesh at the forefront across different sectors rather than focusing on development in only one area.
LOKESH'S APPEAL
Lokesh called upon people to work for the development of Andhra Pradesh beyond caste, religion and regional considerations.
He urged citizens to work with determination and perseverance so that neighbouring states would look towards Andhra Pradesh as an example of development.
KEY POINTS
Lokesh described development and welfare as the government's twin pillars.
Government aims to create 20 lakh jobs for youth in five years.
Education is being linked with employment opportunities.
Amaravati, Polavaram and the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant were highlighted.
Lokesh called for development beyond caste, religion and regional divisions.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
The government's focus will be on implementing its employment, education, infrastructure and industrial-development commitments while advancing the broader development agenda for Andhra Pradesh.