Regular and independent evaluations of major initiatives will ensure that reforms are not only ambitious but also effective and responsive to the needs of students and teachers alike.
Published May 20, 2025 | 11:59 AM ⚊ Updated May 20, 2025 | 11:59 AM
Minister Nara Lokesh during a meeting with officials. (X)
Synopsis: The Andhra Pradesh government had initiated measures to transform the education sector in the state, with the recruitment of staff and digitisation efforts. Yet, these successes coexist with persistent challenges.
The past year has witnessed a discernible shift in the trajectory of Andhra Pradesh’s education sector. With the TDP-led government returning to power on the promise of rejuvenating public education and skill development, Human Resource Development Minister Nara Lokesh’s tenure has been expected to hold both bold ambition and the weight of public expectation.
At the heart of these reforms lies an unambiguous commitment to transparency, modernisation, and inclusivity. The recent Mega DSC 2025 recruitment drive, aiming to fill over 16,000 teacher vacancies, stands as a testament to the government’s resolve to address chronic staffing shortage — a malaise that has long plagued government schools.
The digitisation of teacher transfers and seniority lists, alongside the introduction of computer-based recruitment for educational administrators, has lent a new degree of transparency to a system often criticised for opacity and favouritism.
Lokesh’s focus on foundational learning is evident in the establishment of thousands of Model Primary Schools and the introduction of Personalised Adaptive Learning Labs. These initiatives, validated by independent studies, have begun to yield measurable improvements in student outcomes. The “Gnana Prakash” teacher certification and extensive training for both teachers and Anganwadi workers further underscore the administration’s recognition that the quality of education is inextricably linked to the quality of its educators.
The government’s embrace of technology, evident in the integration of exam services with WhatsApp and the impressive 85 percent APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) ID registration rate, signals a forward-thinking approach. Mega Parent-Teacher Meetings and nutritional enhancements under the PM POSHAN scheme have fostered greater community engagement and addressed the holistic needs of students.
The state’s recognition for its inclusive education efforts, particularly for children with special needs, is a laudable achievement.
A significant new initiative, the Talliki Vandanam Scheme, is poised to further strengthen the social safety net for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Set to launch in the upcoming academic year, this scheme will provide direct financial assistance of ₹15,000 per annum to the mothers of students from Classes 1 to 12, provided the child maintains at least 75 percent attendance.
With a budgetary allocation of ₹9,407 crore, the scheme’s direct benefit transfer mechanism aims to ensure that no child is forced to abandon education due to poverty. By empowering mothers and targeting the most vulnerable, Talliki Vandanam is expected to substantially reduce dropout rates and promote regular school attendance, reinforcing the government’s commitment to universal access and equity in education.
Another noteworthy reform is the extension of mid-day meals to intermediate students. Traditionally limited to primary and upper primary levels, the expansion of this scheme to junior colleges signals a recognition of the nutritional needs of adolescents and the role of midday meals in supporting attendance and academic performance at a critical stage.
The “Dokka Seethamma Madhyanam Bhojanam” program, now serving students in intermediate colleges, provides not only sustenance but also a tangible incentive for continued enrolment, especially among students from low-income families. This move, coupled with the provision of free uniforms, shoes, books, and high-quality rice, underscores a holistic approach to student welfare and retention.
Yet, these successes coexist with persistent challenges. The shadow of the previous regime’s school closure policy lingers, with lakhs of students having dropped out, a crisis that demands urgent and sustained intervention.
While the Star Rating System for schools is innovative, its reliance on quantitative data risks overlooking the qualitative aspects that define a truly nurturing educational environment. In higher education, Andhra Pradesh’s gross enrolment ratio is commendable, but the low percentage of NAAC-accredited colleges and the absence of state institutions in global rankings highlight a pressing need to focus on quality, research, and global competitiveness.
Political controversies, such as the recent resignations of Vice-Chancellors and allegations of interference, threaten to erode public trust in the reforms. The government must address these concerns with utmost transparency, ensuring that institutional autonomy is preserved and that educational leadership is determined by merit rather than political expediency.
Moreover, while digital initiatives are praiseworthy, care must be taken to ensure that they do not inadvertently exclude students and families lacking access to technology.
Looking ahead, the path to educational transformation in Andhra Pradesh must be paved with a renewed focus on equity and quality. The state would do well to launch targeted campaigns to bring dropouts back into the fold, especially in rural and tribal areas.
Remedial education and foundational literacy programs should be institutionalised, with robust monitoring to ensure that no child is left behind. Teacher training must become a continuous, evidence-based process, with incentives for innovation and accountability.
Infrastructure, both physical and digital, requires urgent attention. Every school must be equipped with adequate classrooms, sanitation, electricity, and internet connectivity.
The digital divide must be bridged, not widened, by the state’s embrace of technology. In higher education, a concerted push for NAAC accreditation, research partnerships, and support for innovation will be essential if Andhra Pradesh is to compete on the national and global stage.
Crucially, these reforms must be anchored in community participation. School Management Committees and Parent-Teacher Associations should be empowered and made central to school governance.
Regular and independent evaluations of major initiatives will ensure that reforms are not only ambitious but also effective and responsive to the needs of students and teachers alike.
Nara Lokesh’s tenure has set a new tone for education in Andhra Pradesh — one of aspiration and action. However, the journey from promise to progress requires a sustained, inclusive, and evidence-based approach. Only by confronting persistent challenges with honesty and by fostering a culture of accountability and innovation can Andhra Pradesh realise its vision of becoming a true knowledge society.
The coming years will be the true test of whether these reforms can deliver not just numbers, but meaningful, lasting change for every child in the state.
(Views are personal. Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
