Team siliconindia

• Central government approves Rs 432.19 crore under Samagra Shiksha for Andhra’s education initiatives.
• Focus on ICT labs, smart classrooms, and upgrading teacher training institutes into Centres of Excellence.
• Over Rs 221 crore sanctioned for hostel construction to support tribal students under national welfare schemes.

The Central government has extended major support to Andhra Pradesh’s education reform agenda by approving Rs 432.19 crore under the Samagra Shiksha scheme. This funding strengthens the ‘AP Model of Education’, led by HRD and IT Minister Nara Lokesh, and highlights the Centre’s recognition of the State’s efforts to transform public education.

In collaboration with Samagra Shiksha, the School Education Department is introducing new initiatives to enhance classroom learning, teacher training, and school infrastructure. A significant allocation of Rs 167.46 crore will go toward setting up ICT labs, smart classrooms, and science laboratories in secondary and senior secondary schools.

To improve teacher education, Rs 43.23 crore, 96% of the proposed budget has been sanctioned for upgrading District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs) into Centres of Excellence, compared to just 50% funding in previous years. Similar upgrades are being planned for more DIETs statewide.

The Centre has also prioritised tribal student welfare. Under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA-JGUA), Rs 11 crore has been allocated for constructing four hostels for tribal students. Additionally, the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) has approved Rs 210.5 crore for building 79 hostels in two phases, a major leap from just four hostels last year.

Also Read: Andhra Pradesh ranks across the top States in obtaining an education, learning infrastructure

Andhra Pradesh also continues to lead in the PM SHRI scheme, with 80 new schools added this year, raising the total to 935 schools, one of the highest among all states. Minister Lokesh’s strategic planning and proactive measures have been central to securing these allocations, reinforcing Andhra Pradesh’s growing role in shaping national education policy.

Andhra Pradesh education reforms, Samagra Shiksha funding, Tribal welfare in Andhra Pradesh, Nara Lokesh education initiatives, Centre grant for school infrastructure, DIET Centres of Excellence India