Andhra Pradesh Minister of Education, Information Technology, and Electronics Nara Lokesh inaugurated the newly constructed Government Girls’ Junior College building and the Zilla Parishad High School Plus Girls’ Junior College building during his visit to the Penamaluru Assembly constituency on Monday (July 27, 2026). He also conducted a surprise inspection at the Zilla Parishad High School and later visited a senior Telugu Desam Party (TDP) worker to assure support for the family.

The Minister inaugurated the newly constructed Government Girls’ Junior College building in Punadipadu in Kankipadu mandal, built at a cost of ₹1.20 crore, donated by Polavarapu Madhava Rao and his family. Mr. Lokesh also inaugurated the Zilla Parishad High School Plus Girls’ Junior College building in Punadipadu, conducted a surprise inspection of the laboratories, and reviewed the infrastructure, academic standards, and learning outcomes.

He felicitated Mr. Madhava Rao, thanking him for strengthening the educational infrastructure. Additionally, the Minister released the book “Prime Ministers of India,” authored by Dasari Alwar Swamy.

Interacting with Class X students, the Minister urged them to outperform their seniors. Referring to last year’s SSC results, he said only 67 per cent of students had passed in the first attempt, which was 11 percentage points below the State average. “If you do not score well, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu will reduce my marks,” Lokesh remarked in a lighter vein, encouraging students to work hard.

Mr. Lokesh stressed that educational reforms have largely been completed, and the focus should now shift to improving learning outcomes. While appreciating the increased enrolment, he expressed concern over poor academic performance despite good infrastructure and directed officials to strengthen assessments, support weaker students, curb teacher absenteeism, and improve vocational education.

Later, Mr. Lokesh visited senior TDP activist Billa Satyanarayana in Gosala village. A long-time party worker suffering from kidney failure, Mr. Satyanarayana has faced severe personal and financial hardships. The Minister enquired about his health and family, assuring them of his personal support and all possible assistance.

Published - July 27, 2026 07:19 pm IST