Lokesh Announces Job Calendar Every Ugadi; Interacts With Differently-Abled Beneficiaries, Vows Jobs Push

Vijayawada: The “people’s government” in AP has a strong focus on inclusive development and equal opportunities, education minister Nara Lokesh said on Wednesday, reaffirming the government’s commitment to promoting the dignity and well-being of differently-abled people.

“A work schedule will be published on every Ugadi, ensuring transparency and predictability in recruitment,” he said at the launch of the Divyang Shakti scheme in Mangalagiri along with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan.

Later, Lokesh joined the CM for an interaction and dinner with the beneficiaries of the programme. The Minister personally met the participants, including Shivanagaraju, Saubhagya, Khasimbi and Annapurnamma, shared meals and exchanged views.

Addressing the meeting, Lokesh emphasized the importance of self-esteem among differently-abled people and said that they have immense determination. “Given the right opportunities, they can achieve extraordinary things. Society needs to treat them with dignity and sensitivity,” he said.

The Minister emphasized that derogatory expressions, especially those that belittle women, should be avoided.

Highlighting employment initiatives, Lokesh said the government has filled 16,000 teaching posts through DSC recruitment. “A job schedule will be published every Ugadi which will ensure transparency and predictability in recruitment,” he said.

Nara Lokesh also underlined the role of private investment in job creation, stating that many companies have shown interest in Andhra Pradesh. Due to limited government land in Mangalagiri, around 75 acres are being acquired in Kaza to facilitate development.

“We aim to bring four to five IT companies to Mangalgiri,” he said, adding that the government is giving equal priority to welfare and development.

Talking about women empowerment, Lokesh said that programs like Stree Shakti help women become self-reliant. Sharing a personal note, she described her decision to pursue higher education in the US after Intermediate as the “best decision” of her life, which helped her gain independence and visibility while pursuing education for nearly eight years.

During the interaction, the minister inquired about beneficiaries’ welfare and government support, including pension distribution and IVRS calls conveying the prime minister’s message. The beneficiaries demanded job opportunities and housing support for their children, and Lokesh promised them full government support.