IT Minister Nara Lokesh has called upon people to join hands in achieving ‘Swarnandhra’ and assured to improve the conditions in government educational institutions.

The Minister hoisted the Tricolour during the 80th Independence Day celebrations at Makineni Basava Punnaiah Stadium here on Saturday and received the guard of honour.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Lokesh said Independence Day was a festival for all, irrespective of caste, creed and age, and recalled his school days. He also recalled the services of great freedom fighters who had laid down their life for achieving independence.

Highlighting the measures being taken to improve facilities in the government schools, Mr. Lokesh said, “We have changed the curriculum and appointed an adviser, We are distributing kits in the name of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishna and serving mid-day meal in the name of Dokka Seethamma. Due to the reforms brought in government schools, 1.10 lakh students have shifted from private institutions,” Mr. Lokesh said.

He distributed meritorious certificates to about 275 officers of Revenue, Municipal, Medical and Health, Police, AP-Transco and other departments during the celebrations.

In Machilipatnam, Excise Minister Kollu Ravindra participated in the celebrations at the Police Parade grounds.

Speaking after hoisting the Tricolour, he said priority was being accorded for development of women, farmers and the weaker sections.

Explaining the welfare schemes rolled out for women and farmers, Mr. Ravindra said the government was extending financial aid for women through self-help groups and several other schemes, and taking steps for security of women.

Tableaux displayed by various departments attracted the visitors. Students of various schools and colleges performed cultural shows depicting tradition and patriotism during the celebrations.

NTR district Collector G. Lakshmisha, Krishna district in-charge Collector M. Naveen, Police Commissioner S.V. Rajashekar Babu, Superintendent of Police V. Vidyasagar Naidu and other officers hoisted the flag at their offices and distributed sweets to the students.

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) 10th Battalion Commandant V.V.N. Prasanna Kumar read out the names of the personnel who received the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service, Police Medal for Meritorious Service and Gallantry Medals during the Independence Day celebrations at the battalion headquarters at Kondapavuluru village of Gannavaram mandal in Krishna district.

Mr. Prasanna Kumar took the guard of honour and hoisted the National Flag. Second-in-commandants, deputy commandants, assistant commandants, officers, jawans and their family members participated in the celebrations.

Students of Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technologies, Nuzvid IIIT celebrated the occasion on a grand scale on the university campus in Eluru district. Vice-Chancellor M.L.N. Rao, faculty and students participated in the celebrations.