VIJAYAWADA: Human Resources Development Minister Nara Lokesh has announced that Andhra Pradesh has secured the number one position nationally in utilising Central government funds under the PM-SHRI scheme for modernising government schools.
Reviewing the progress of educational initiatives with senior officials at his Undavalli residence, Lokesh congratulated the department for achieving the top rank and urged them to sustain the momentum as new infrastructure and welfare upgrades are rolled out across the state.
He directed immediate steps for constructing 844 smart kitchens this year, modelled on the successful Kadapa pilot. Officials reported that distribution of Sarvepalli Radhakrishna Vidyarthi Mitra kits has already begun and will be completed by the time of the upcoming Mega Parent-Teacher Meeting (PTM).
Placing strong emphasis on student welfare and residential facilities, the Minister ordered the procurement of 53,180 bunk beds to accommodate 1,06,360 girl students across 430 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs). He noted that similar facilities will be extended to all state residential schools and colleges.
Additionally, student kits are currently being distributed to 2,03,430 junior college students.
Turning to institutional regulation, Lokesh called for the removal of unnecessary compliance hurdles in granting approvals for private unaided schools.
He mandated that private institutions must publicly display their fee structures on campus notice boards and publish them online for complete transparency.
Lokesh instructed officials to ensure full coverage of the ‘Thalliki Vandanam’ scheme for orphaned children. He ordered the meticulous collection of guardian details and, in cases where none exists, the routing of funds through District Collectors.
A permanent mechanism will be devised to deposit welfare amounts directly into the bank accounts of orphaned students, enabling them to access the accumulated funds independently upon completing their education.
He also directed that Telugu Academy textbooks be made available for direct purchase on major e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart.The minister laid down strict benchmarks to improve learning outcomes and attendance, insisting that student presence must not fall below 95%. He asked officials to focus on lagging districts, including Kurnool, Anantapur, Markapuram, Alluri Sitarama Raju, and Polavaram, by reviewing teacher availability and bridging learning gaps. He also ordered the uncompromised implementation of the Mid-Day Meal scheme.