AP Govt to take up Vizianagaram Polytechnic infrastructure works next year; says Minister Lokesh

Minister Lokesh highlighted improved academic outcomes in KGBVs over the past two years, stating that student demand for admissions has increased significantly

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh Minister for Education, IT and Electronics Nara Lokesh on Monday announced that the State government will undertake infrastructure development and construction of additional buildings at the Vizianagaram Polytechnic College under the SASKI scheme from the next financial year, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen technical education and align it with emerging industrial growth.

Replying to a question raised by Vizianagaram MLA Aditi Gajapathi Raju in the Assembly, Lokesh said technical education institutions such as polytechnics, ITIs, and degree colleges are as crucial as engineering education in building a skilled workforce. With large-scale industrial investments flowing into the State, he emphasised the need to integrate technical institutions with upcoming industrial ecosystems.

The minister noted that North Andhra is set to host major industrial clusters, including a Data City, Pharma City, Steel City and Medical Devices City, necessitating a strong educational and skills ecosystem. “The government is prioritising cluster-based development through vertical and horizontal integration,” Lokesh said. Under the vertical model, ancillary units linked to industries will be developed within the same region, while the horizontal approach focuses on designing specialised courses, strengthening infrastructure, and creating market linkages to produce industry-ready manpower.

During the discussion, MLA Aditi Gajapathi Raju urged the government to expedite approvals and explore Central government assistance under the Reorganisation Act, along with CSR funding support, to complete the construction works. She also welcomed the establishment of India’s first Aviation Edu-City in Vizianagaram district under the GMR-MANSAS initiative, stating that it would significantly boost regional educational and industrial prospects.

Addressing another question in the Assembly, Lokesh said the State government is in consultations with the Centre regarding salary revisions for staff working in Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs), which operate under a centrally sponsored scheme with a 60:40 funding ratio between the Centre and the State. He noted that any pay revision requires Central approval and confirmed that discussions have already been held with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to enhance budget allocations.

The minister highlighted improved academic outcomes in KGBVs over the past two years, stating that student demand for admissions has increased significantly. He added that around 11,000 personnel are employed under the system and that the government would take responsibility for implementing salary revisions once Central approvals are secured.

Lokesh further informed the House that the State is preparing to release a mega job calendar by Ugadi, which will include recruitment notifications across departments, including teaching posts. He said the government is working on reservation adjustments, zonal re-notifications, and administrative restructuring to facilitate the recruitment process.

Reaffirming the government’s focus on education and employment generation, the minister said coordinated efforts across departments are underway to strengthen technical education, expand job opportunities, and support regional development through skill-oriented infrastructure and policy reforms.