During recent assembly meetings in Andhra Pradesh, the State Education Minister Nara Lokesh made significant announcements regarding education. Speaking on Thursday, Lokesh revealed plans to release the 2024 DSC (District Selection Committee) notification soon to fill vacant teaching positions across the state. Lokesh assured the assembly that steps are being taken to fill these posts as quickly as possible. This announcement comes as part of a broader goal to address employment and educational needs in Andhra Pradesh, aiming to resolve current teaching shortages by the following year.

Immediate Plans for Teacher Recruitment

The Education Minister announced that the upcoming DSC notification will prioritize filling all available teaching positions in the state. Lokesh explained that this urgent recruitment drive aligns with the government’s “Super Six” promises, under which a Mega DSC notification was recently released, aiming to fill 16,000 teaching posts. Lokesh assured assembly members that the government is prepared to issue the DSC 2024 notification at a fast pace, with the recruitment process set to begin as soon as possible. The minister also mentioned that officials have been instructed to manage the legal aspects carefully, ensuring there are no delays due to legal disputes.

Lokesh’s statements were in response to BJP MLA Vishnu kumar Raju, who raised questions on Wednesday about the ongoing employment issue related to the 1998 DSC. Lokesh responded by emphasizing that his department is dedicated to providing solutions and expediting the recruitment process for teaching positions.

Update on 1998 DSC Recruits and Pending Vacancies

Lokesh also addressed the pending employment cases from the 1998 DSC batch. He stated that out of those who had cleared the 1998 DSC, a total of 18,008 individuals have already been appointed to teaching positions. However, of the remaining 4,534 vacant positions, 3,939 posts were filled through Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) positions, while around 600 positions are still vacant. Lokesh acknowledged these pending positions, assuring that they are exploring options to ensure the remaining posts are filled soon.

Regarding the MTS positions, Lokesh noted that individuals recruited through MTS are not eligible for retirement benefits under current regulations. However, he stated that this concern would be discussed with the Chief Minister, and the government would look into possible adjustments to retirement age or benefits for these recruits.

Long-Term Employment Goals

Looking forward, Minister Lokesh shared the state’s ambitious employment plan to create around 20 lakh (2 million) jobs within five years. This plan, he explained, is part of the government’s comprehensive strategy to boost employment opportunities across various sectors, including education. Lokesh reassured the assembly that his department is committed to filling all remaining teaching vacancies over the next year, supporting this larger employment goal.

Establishment of Tribal University

In addition to recruitment, Lokesh touched on the government’s commitment to establishing a Tribal University. He confirmed that this institution would be built at the location initially approved by the former TDP government. According to Lokesh, the site was previously allocated for this university, but during the prior government’s term, it was relocated, causing a five-year delay in the university’s construction. However, Lokesh assured the assembly that the Tribal University would be completed within the next two years, providing crucial educational resources for tribal communities in the state.

Lokesh highlighted that the Tribal University’s development is a priority under the AP Reorganization Act, emphasizing that its completion will address longstanding educational needs. He answered questions from legislators Buchaiah Chaudhary and Bonda Uma, who had inquired about the progress of other educational institutions mandated under the Partition Act. Lokesh reiterated the government’s commitment to fulfilling these requirements and accelerating the development of pending institutions.

Conclusion: Positive Steps for Education in Andhra Pradesh

Overall, Minister Nara Lokesh’s announcements represent a proactive approach to addressing both immediate and long-term educational needs in Andhra Pradesh. His plans for rapid recruitment of teachers, the establishment of the Tribal University, and ambitious employment goals reflect a comprehensive strategy to strengthen the state’s educational and employment sectors.

With DSC 2024 on the horizon and commitments to infrastructure development, Lokesh’s initiatives signal a positive shift toward improving education and creating job opportunities in Andhra Pradesh.