Samagra Shiksha: Centre approves Rs 432 crore additional funds for Andhra Pradesh

Amaravati: The Centre has approved an additional Rs 432.19 crore for the Samagra Shiksha scheme in Andhra Pradesh this year, giving a significant boost to the State’s education sector.

With the vision of making Andhra Pradesh a model state in education, the Department of School Education and Samagra Shiksha are rolling out innovative programmes to improve quality and learning standards.

Officials noted that since the formation of the coalition government, the State has received special priority from the Centre, largely due to the efforts of Minister Nara Lokesh. His initiatives have resulted in successive fund allocations for Samagra Shiksha and school education.

Key allocations

Rs 167.46 crore for ICT labs and smart classrooms

To strengthen learning outcomes for secondary and senior secondary students, the Centre has sanctioned Rs 167.46 crore to set up ICT labs, smart classrooms, and science labs in schools.

For upgrading DIET (District Institutes of Education and Training) colleges into Centres of Excellence, the Centre— which previously funded only 50 per cent of requirements—has sanctioned Rs 43.23 crore out of Rs 45 crore this year (96%). Funds will also be released in phases to convert other DIETs into Centres of Excellence.

Rs 11 crore for tribal student hostels under DA-JGUA

Under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA-JGUA), the Centre has sanctioned Rs 11 crore for the construction of four hostels for tribal students.

The scheme, a flagship programme of the Government of India, will be implemented over 2024–29, focusing on holistic development of tribal-majority villages through improved education, healthcare, infrastructure, and livelihood opportunities.

Rs 210.5 crore under PM JANMAN

Under the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Nyay Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN), Andhra Pradesh has received Rs 210.5 crore for building 79 hostels across the State in two phases. Last year, only four hostels were sanctioned, making this the highest-ever allocation for AP under this scheme.