Lokesh Urges Focus on Quality Education and More Enrolment in Govt Schools

In a recent statement, TDP leader Nara Lokesh strongly emphasised the need to improve the quality of education in government schools and called for practical steps to boost student enrolment. During his address, he pointed out that the condition of many government schools across Andhra Pradesh was not up to the mark and that the trust of parents needed to be regained through real reforms. Lokesh’s remarks come at a time when many families, especially from lower-income backgrounds, are increasingly opting for private schools despite financial pressure.

I chose to write about this because it raises a very important issue that affects lakhs of students across the state. Government schools are meant to provide free, accessible education to every child, but if quality is lacking, then the purpose is defeated. This topic matters because education is not just about buildings and uniforms, it’s about learning outcomes, trained teachers, and student confidence. Many parents today are worried that their children are not getting enough attention in government schools. Lokesh’s comments reflect a concern that needs urgent public discussion. If proper attention is given now, we can make government schools a first choice, not just the only choice for poor families.

Government Schools Need Urgent Attention

Nara Lokesh said that the poor state of infrastructure and the falling student strength in many government schools were a serious concern. He mentioned that despite promises made by the ruling government under the ‘Mana Badi – Nadu Nedu’ scheme, many schools still lack basic amenities like clean toilets, proper classrooms, and drinking water.

He also raised the issue of teacher vacancies and said that many schools are functioning without enough subject-specific teachers. As a result, students are not receiving proper guidance, especially in subjects like Maths and Science. Lokesh pointed out that unless this situation changes, people will continue losing faith in government-run institutions.

Need to Restore Public Trust

According to Lokesh, one of the key reasons why enrolment is going down in government schools is the lack of trust among parents. Most people want to send their children to private schools thinking they offer better education. But not everyone can afford the fees. He said that by improving quality—like training teachers regularly, introducing digital tools, and reducing student-teacher ratio—the government schools can regain their lost image.

He also added that free midday meals and schemes like free uniforms and books are good steps, but they are not enough. What matters more is what students are learning in the classroom and how well they are being prepared for the future.

Enrolment Drive and Community Involvement

Lokesh proposed that the state should start a strong enrolment drive before the new academic year. He suggested involving village-level committees, teachers, and volunteers to reach out to parents and inform them about the improvements being made. He stressed that the government should also highlight success stories from government schools, so that the positive image spreads across communities.

One practical step he recommended was using local media and social media platforms to showcase the achievements of students from government schools. This can motivate others and increase confidence in the system.

Opposition Slams Delay in Reforms

The TDP has been regularly criticising the YSRCP-led state government for not acting quickly on school-related issues. While some steps have been taken under the Nadu Nedu programme, Lokesh believes they are not enough and are limited to a few schools. He said that improving education should not be about photoshoots or inaugurations, but about day-to-day changes in classrooms.

He urged the government to release a white paper on the current status of government schools, including data on dropout rates, vacancies, infrastructure gaps, and student performance. Only with transparency, he said, can accountability be achieved.

Education and Employment Can Transform Society: Dinesh Gundu Rao Highlights the Way Forward

During a recent public address in Mangaluru, Karnataka’s Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao stressed that education and employment are two powerful tools that can shape the future of any society. He pointed out that when people are educated and have meaningful jobs, they can rise above social divisions, poverty, and other long-standing issues. His statement came while addressing students and faculty at a function organised at Srinivas University, where he also touched on the importance of knowledge-driven growth.

I felt the need to write about this because it’s rare to hear such a strong political focus on the link between education, employment and overall societal transformation. We often hear about schemes, budgets and infrastructure, but rarely is the bigger picture discussed—how these two sectors can change the life of a common person. This topic matters to all of us, especially the youth, who are navigating a fast-changing job market while also dealing with rising academic pressure. By writing about this, I hope more people start thinking seriously about how education is not just about degrees, and employment is not just about money—it’s about dignity, stability and progress.

Why Education and Employment Matter Together

Education and employment are often treated as separate issues, but in reality, they go hand-in-hand. Education gives people the ability to think, create and contribute. Employment gives them the opportunity to apply what they know, support their families, and be part of the economy. According to Dinesh Gundu Rao, these two pillars must be developed together if we want a fairer and more productive society.

He stressed that:

Lack of access to education pushes people into poverty.
Unemployment leads to frustration, crime, and brain drain.
A society that fails to create job-ready youth will always remain unequal.

This is why investing in schools, colleges, and job-oriented courses is not just a policy decision—it’s a moral responsibility.

Government’s Role in Creating Equal Opportunities

During the event, Rao mentioned that governments should focus not only on building schools and colleges but also on ensuring the quality of education. He said students from rural areas often struggle because they don’t have the same access to English-medium teaching or computer labs as those in urban areas. This kind of inequality reflects in the job market too, where rural youth get fewer chances.

He also pointed out that:

Many graduates remain unemployed or underemployed because they are not industry-ready.
There is a big gap between what is taught in classrooms and what the job market demands.
Career counselling and vocational training should start at the school level.

According to him, if we want to see real change, we need long-term thinking and serious government commitment—not just one-time policies or election promises.

Importance of Social Harmony for Progress

One of the key messages Rao delivered was about unity. He said education should be a tool to unite people and not divide them. The minister raised concern about how communalism and polarisation are slowly taking attention away from important issues like job creation and educational reform.

He added that:

When youth are unemployed, they are more vulnerable to divisive ideologies.
Education can help people develop critical thinking and tolerance.
A strong education and employment ecosystem reduces dependence on populist politics.

He urged young people to stay informed, ask questions, and focus on real-life issues rather than distractions.