Andhra Pradesh Leads Nation in PM SHRI Fund Usage, Claims Lokesh

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh has emerged as the leading state in the effective utilisation of funds under the PM SHRI Scheme, according to Education Minister Nara Lokesh. During a high-level review meeting with senior officials, the minister highlighted the state’s progress in strengthening public education infrastructure and enhancing student welfare initiatives.

Congratulating the Education Department for its achievement, Lokesh said Andhra Pradesh has set a benchmark in implementing projects under the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) programme. The centrally sponsored initiative aims to transform selected government schools into modern institutions aligned with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

As part of the next phase of development, the minister directed officials to establish 844 smart kitchens in schools across the state, drawing inspiration from the successful model implemented in Kadapa district. The move is expected to improve the quality and efficiency of meal preparation under student nutrition programmes.

The review meeting also focused on educational support measures. Officials informed the minister that the distribution of Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Vidyarthi Mitra Kits has commenced, with efforts underway to complete delivery before the upcoming Mega Parent-Teacher Meeting. The kits are designed to provide students with essential academic materials before the start of the new academic cycle.

Special attention was given to residential educational institutions for girls. Lokesh instructed the department to fast-track the installation of more than 53,000 bunk beds in 430 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, benefiting over one lakh students. He also asked officials to explore extending the facility to government-run residential schools and colleges to improve living conditions for students.

In another major initiative, educational kits are being distributed to more than two lakh students enrolled in government junior colleges. The programme is aimed at reducing financial barriers and ensuring that students have access to necessary learning resources.

The minister also reviewed regulatory issues concerning private unaided schools. Stressing the importance of accountability, he directed authorities to simplify approval procedures while ensuring that approved fee structures are displayed prominently on school campuses and made publicly accessible to parents.

Addressing the welfare of vulnerable children, Lokesh instructed officials to ensure that orphaned students are included under the Talliki Vandanam scheme, which provides annual financial assistance of Rs 15,000 per child. He emphasised the need to collect guardian information and create mechanisms that guarantee direct benefit delivery. In cases where guardians are unavailable, district administrations would oversee the utilisation of funds for the children’s welfare.

To provide long-term financial support, the minister suggested developing a system that allows financial assistance to be deposited directly into accounts for orphaned children, enabling them to access the funds after completing their education.

The meeting also discussed expanding access to educational content. Lokesh asked officials to make Telugu Academy textbooks available through major online marketplaces, allowing students, parents, and competitive exam aspirants to purchase books more conveniently.

Improving academic outcomes remained a key priority during the review. The minister identified Kurnool, Anantapur, Markapuram, Alluri Sitarama Raju and Polavaram as districts requiring special educational interventions. He instructed officials to evaluate teacher availability, identify learning gaps, and prepare district-specific strategies to improve student performance.

Student attendance and classroom engagement were also reviewed. Lokesh directed officials to maintain attendance levels above 95 percent and ensure strict monitoring of school functioning. He stressed that quality standards and transparency should remain central to the implementation of the Mid-Day Meal programme.

Highlighting the importance of language education, the minister urged schools to strengthen Telugu language instruction while simultaneously improving performance in Mathematics and Science. He called for the preparation of bridge-course materials, identification of academically weak students, and implementation of targeted remedial programmes.

Further, the minister instructed the department to expedite the establishment of computer laboratories equipped with Chromebooks in high schools. The initiative is expected to enhance digital literacy and prepare students for technology-driven learning environments.

The review underscored the state’s broader strategy of combining infrastructure development, digital education, welfare support, and academic improvement to strengthen the public education ecosystem and deliver better learning outcomes for students across Andhra Pradesh.