Published Oct 08, 2026 | 12:05 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 08, 2026 | 12:05 PM
School children. (iStock)
Synopsis: The state government has decided to amend Sections 20(1), 20(2), 20(3)(a)(i), 33-B(1), and 33-B(2) of the Andhra Pradesh Education Act, 1982, to bring necessary changes to the legal regulations in the state’s education system. The Council of Ministers approved the proposal to issue an ordinance in this regard.
The Andhra Pradesh government has taken a key decision to encourage private schools in the state, approving the issuance of an ordinance amending the Right to Education Act.
Following the Cabinet’s decision, setting up private schools will become easier. Restrictions that previously existed on establishing private schools near government schools will now be revoked.
However, concerns are being raised that this move might affect the survival of government schools.
The state government has decided to amend Sections 20(1), 20(2), 20(3)(a)(i), 33-B(1), and 33-B(2) of the Andhra Pradesh Education Act, 1982, to bring necessary changes to the legal regulations in the state’s education system.
The Council of Ministers approved the proposal to issue an ordinance in this regard. Through these amendments, requirements such as conducting an education department survey in an area before granting permission to establish a private school, issuing a notification, and proving the necessity of a private school in that location will be removed.
These changes are being made as part of Phase 2 of the Central Government’s Deregulation and Compliance Reduction programme. Alongside this, state regulations will be aligned with the Right to Education Act, 2009.
Also Read: Andhra Pradesh BC reservation politics reaches Delhi: Suspense over Supreme Court decision
The state government stated that this decision reduces the regulatory burden on private educational institutions and simplifies the clearance process.
Minister Parthasarathy explained that there would no longer be a need to wait for government surveys and notifications to set up private schools. He mentioned that avoiding unnecessary delays in granting approvals will allow schools to be established on time.
“Going forward, schools will receive recognition based solely on whether they adhere to safety, infrastructure, and other standards under the Right to Education Act. Prior surveys for establishing private schools are not taking place currently; permissions are presently being granted based on field inspection reports.”
The government stated that the latest amendment will streamline the application process. It was also announced that there is no relaxation regarding building safety, fire protection arrangements, sanitation, infrastructure, and other academic standards.
To attract international-standard higher education institutions and high-quality private universities to AP, and to enhance international partnerships, investments, and premier educational opportunities, the government decided to formulate the “Andhra Pradesh Policy for Promotion of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions (FHEIs) and Private Universities, 2026.”
Through this policy, the goal is to create a conducive environment for foreign higher education institutions and Indian private universities to set up campuses in the state, while further strengthening the higher education sector.
The policy clearly details eligibility criteria, incentives, and government support for setting up campuses. Provision has also been made to establish campuses through government-selected Academic Infrastructure Service Providers.
There will also be a dedicated mechanism for policy implementation and monitoring. This policy will not impose any financial burden on the government; private entities will fund and set up the universities themselves.
With this decision, it is expected that renowned foreign universities and prominent private universities will come to the state. World-class quality education will become accessible to local students within the state itself. The number of students going abroad for higher education will decrease, and the substantial expenditure incurred on overseas studies will remain within the state.
Research, innovation, industry partnerships, and international academic collaborations will be strengthened, bringing new opportunities for students, faculty, and researchers. The state’s global profile will rise, attracting foreign students, faculty, and investments.
The government stated that this policy will contribute to the state’s economic growth by developing a skilled youth population.
Also Read: CM Naidu, Pawan Kalyan launch ₹30,156-crore Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 in Andhra Pradesh
The number of beneficiaries receiving cash transfers under the Andhra Pradesh government’s ‘Thalliki Vandanam’ scheme for school-going students has reached 68 lakhs. There is no clear breakdown regarding the exact number of students studying in government schools versus private schools within this total.
The government decided to ratify Government Orders (G.O.s) 15 and 16 issued for the implementation of the ‘Thalliki Vandanam’ scheme for the academic year 2026–27, and grant corresponding administrative approvals.
The Cabinet approved revised administrative sanction to bring an additional 58,601 eligible students under the scheme this year, as well as the release of financial assistance to 3,29,201 eligible beneficiaries selected in the second phase.
These two orders were issued by the School Education Department on July 16, 2026. The administrative approval previously granted for the scheme was raised from ₹10,120.78 crore to ₹10,208.69 crore. With this, the number of eligible students benefiting under the scheme increased from 67,47,190 to 68,05,791.
Eligible students and their mothers across all districts in the state will benefit from this scheme.
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
