Centre sanctions an additional ₹432.19 crore for the Samagra Shiksha in AP

Following representations from IT and Education Minister Nara Lokesh, the Centre has sanctioned an additional ₹432.19 crore for the Samagra Shiksha Schemetto Andhra Pradesh this year.

The additional funds are expected to help ensure model education. With a vision to transform government schools in the state into the best in the country and to make the AP model of education a benchmark for others, Lokesh has been driving reforms with determination. Extending support to his efforts, the Centre has sanctioned an additional ₹432.19 crore for the Samagra Shiksha Scheme this year, according to an official release.

With the goal of making Andhra Pradesh a guiding force in India’s education sector, the Department of School Education and Samagra Shiksha are implementing innovative programmes aimed at enhancing quality standards in learning. Since the formation of the coalition government in the state, the Centre has begun sanctioning funds for Samagra Shiksha in AP, giving the state special priority owing to Minister Lokesh’s efforts. As a result of his initiatives, the Centre has been releasing successive additional funds for Samagra Shiksha and the School Education Department.

To strengthen secondary and senior secondary students, the Centre has sanctioned an additional ₹167.46 crore for setting up ICT (Information and Communication Technology) labs, smart classrooms, and science labs across schools. Further, for upgrading DIET (District Institutes of Education and Training) colleges into Centres of Excellence, the Centre—which earlier provided only 50% of required funds—this year sanctioned 96% i.e. ₹43.23 crore out of ₹45 crore. Funds will also be allocated in phases to convert other DIET colleges into Centres of Excellence.

Under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA-JGUA) scheme, the Centre has sanctioned ₹11 crore for the construction of four hostels for tribal students in the state. This flagship programme of the Central Government aims at improving the social and economic conditions of tribal communities. The scheme will be implemented over five years from 2024–25 to 2028–29, focusing on holistic development of tribal-majority villages through better infrastructure, education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Nyay Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN), the Centre has sanctioned ₹210.5 crore for the construction of 79 hostels across the state in two phases. Last year, only four hostels were sanctioned. This year, however, the Centre approved the highest-ever allocation for 79 hostels in Andhra Pradesh.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme, the Centre has sanctioned 80 additional schools for Andhra Pradesh.