Tadepalli (Andhra Pradesh) [India], August 24 (ANI): Former MP and YSRCP leader Talari Rangaiah on Monday strongly criticised Andhra Pradesh Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Nara Lokesh over the poor conditions in government schools and SC, ST and BC welfare hostels.
He asked Lokesh to first provide water, safe toilets, proper food and basic facilities to students before making big claims about investments and companies coming to Andhra Pradesh.
Speaking at the YSRCP Central Office in Tadepalli, Rangaiah said, "Nearly 100 students had reportedly died across the State in recent months, with many of them poor children aged between 8 and 13 years. He questioned why the government remained silent when children were losing their lives".
He cited the death of SC student Teja Harshavardhan at Setturu Mandal ZP High School after a wall collapsed when he went outside to relieve himself due to inadequate toilet facilities. Another student, Akshay, suffered a leg fracture. He also referred to a boy who died after falling into a farm pond at Rayalappadoddi.
Rangaiah claimed that around 650 students at Kanekallu hostel were living without adequate water and challenged Lokesh to spend even four minutes near its toilets. He questioned why the government could not spend around Rs 1.5 lakh to provide a borewell.
"He recalled that the previous YSRCP government spent Rs 7,245 crore on the Jagananna Gorumudda programme, while students were now allegedly being served poor-quality food. He also referred to the deaths of eight-year-old Rashmika and 12-year-old Kalpana at Basivalasa in Narasannapeta".
Rangaiah demanded a comprehensive review of the HRD Department. He sought Rs 1 crore compensation and a government job for the family of the deceased student, cases under the SC/ST Atrocities Act against those responsible, and said Nara Lokesh should step down if he cannot ensure basic safety and facilities for students.
Earlier, on August 21, Andhra Pradesh Education Minister Nara Lokesh expressed deep grief over the tragic death of a six-year-old student, who allegedly lost his life after being beaten by a teacher at a private school.
Extending his sympathies to the grieving family, the Minister promised full support from the administration to ensure justice is served.
In a post on social media platform X, Lokesh said, "It is heartbreaking that a six-year-old lost his life due to a teacher beating him... in Visakhapatnam. We are taking legal action against the culprits and the school management. I convey my deepest condolences to the parents. Stay strong. The loss you have suffered is irreplaceable by anyone. Our government will stand by you in every possible way."
Lokesh's condolences come after a minor boy studying in UKG at a school in Visakhapatnam died after he allegedly collapsed at the school on Wednesday evening, officials said. (ANI)
Andhra Minister Nara Lokesh has failed to provide basic facilities in welfare hostels: YSRCP's Talari Rangaiah
