20 Lakh Jobs Top Priority, Says Nara Lokesh

Andhra Pradesh has set a clear target of creating 20 lakh jobs, with employment generation emerging as the government’s central focus, HRD Minister Nara Lokesh said on Tuesday. He urged officials to move beyond signing MoUs and ensure that investment commitments turn into projects on the ground.

Speaking after inaugurating the Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board (APEDB) office at Mayuri Tech Park in Chinakakani near Mangalagiri, Mr. Lokesh emphasised a results-oriented approach. He also criticised the previous YSRCP government, stating that it failed to effectively utilise the board.

Referring to his Yuvagalam padayatra, Mr. Lokesh said people increasingly demand jobs rather than welfare. For instance, he recalled an interaction with a vendor who sought employment opportunities for her children. Therefore, he said, such aspirations must guide governance.

Meanwhile, highlighting the State’s progress, he said, Andhra Pradesh attracted a significant share of national investments over the past 20 months. In fact, he noted that the State accounted for ₹25 out of every ₹100 invested across the country. He also credited APEDB CEO Saikant Varma and his team for driving this momentum.

Moreover, Mr. Lokesh pointed out that global firms such as Google, ArcelorMittal, Tata Consultancy Services, and Cognizant have chosen to invest in Andhra Pradesh, signalling rising investor confidence.

Finally, he asked officials to prioritise project grounding, cluster-based development, and integration. He also announced that the foundation for a second steel city will be laid on March 23.