RAJAMAHENDRAVARAM: Declaring education as the bedrock of social transformation in Agency tracks, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday announced a series of welfare, school education, and digital connectivity initiatives for tribal regions during a State-level Mega Parent-Teacher Meeting (PTM 4.0) in Rampachodavaram.
Making his first visit to the newly formed Polavaram district, Naidu highlighted a resurgence in public education, noting that improved infrastructure and quality reforms had driven a sharp rise in government school admissions over the past two years.
Interacting with mothers at the venue, the Chief Minister enquired about the disbursement of the Talliki Vandanam financial assistance, assuring them that the benefits would be extended to every eligible child without restriction.
Striking a light-hearted yet firm tone on governance, the Chief Minister expressed confidence in ongoing educational reforms, remarking that he would not hesitate to “deduct marks” for HRD Minister Nara Lokesh if the promised benchmarks were not met.
The Chief Minister also released the department’s “No Drugs, Bro” anti-addiction brochure, and launched the “Donor for School” portal.
1.10 lakh students migrated to govt schools from pvt institutes, says Lokesh
Addressing the gathering, Lokesh revealed that over 1.10 lakh students had migrated from private institutions to government schools this academic year, leading to several public schools displaying “No Admission” boards due to high demand.
Highlighting a historic shift in public messaging, Lokesh noted that the government published official advertisements celebrating SSC and Intermediate results featuring exclusively toppers’ photos, rather than those of political leaders.
Lokesh promised that all government schools in Agency tracks currently lacking infrastructure will receive dedicated buildings and structural overhauls by next year. Under the State’s LEAP (Learning Excellence and Achievement Program) framework, the department is implementing a “One Class, One Teacher” model across nearly 10,000 schools, active learning clicker models, and regional nutrition menus under the Dokka Seethamma Midday Meal Scheme, alongside upcoming smart kitchens.
Describing tribal children as “hidden gems,” the Chief Minister announced that specialised coaching for IIT entrance exams, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and digital skill training will be integrated into SC and ST residential schools, supported by a 10 per cent increase in hostel diet allowances. To bridge the digital divide, he directed officials to provide Wi-Fi connectivity and smartphones to every tribal household within three months.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to administrative transparency, Naidu pointed to the recruitment of over 15,000 teachers through the Mega DSC and announced the upcoming August launch of the Sanjeevani digital health project.
He added that the administration is actively examining legal options to protect local tribal employment reservations. Following the formal proceedings, the Chief Minister and the HRD Minister inspected students’ “Green Passports” which track tree saplings using QR-code technology.
