Thu Oct 17 01:01:17 UTC 2024: ## Andhra Pradesh Government Declares Valmiki Jayanti as State Festival
**Amaravati, October 13, 2024:** The Andhra Pradesh government has officially declared Valmiki Jayanti as a state festival, fulfilling a promise made by Minister Nara Lokesh during the Yuvagalam Padayatra.
The decision follows a request by members of the Boya and Valmiki communities who met with Minister Lokesh during the padyatra. The government has issued orders to celebrate Valmiki Jayanti on October 17th in all districts of Andhra Pradesh. A state-level celebration will be held in Anantapur, where Minister Savita will be the chief guest.
Minister Lokesh emphasized that the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government is committed to empowering and upholding the dignity of Backward Classes (BCs).
This is the second promise fulfilled by the government following the Yuvagalam Padayatra. The first promise was the inauguration of a Kidney Dialysis Centre in Bangarupalya, Chittoor district on September 20th.
**Other Developments:**
* The TDP government has increased social pensions to ₹4,000.
* The government is attracting investments and industries to the state.
* The Land Titling Act has been revoked.
* The government has announced the establishment of dialysis centers across the state within 100 days of the NDA government coming to power.
* Minister Lokesh has also condemned the YSRCP government’s alleged failures in implementing complete prohibition on alcohol and its alleged persecution of dissenters.
The declaration of Valmiki Jayanti as a state festival is seen as a major step towards inclusivity and recognition of the contributions of the Valmiki community.
First Piper 