Andhra Pradesh Achieves Top Rank in PM SHRI Fund Utilization, Bolstering Education Reforms

Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh – In a significant boost to its education sector, Andhra Pradesh has been lauded for securing the top position across the nation in the utilization of funds allocated under the ambitious Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme. This commendation came from the state's Education Minister, Nara Lokesh, during a recent review meeting with senior education officials. The Minister congratulated the department for this notable milestone, emphasizing the state's focused efforts to strengthen government school infrastructure and align with the transformative goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The PM SHRI scheme, a flagship initiative of the Government of India, was officially launched in 2022. It is a centrally sponsored scheme designed to upgrade and develop over 14,500 existing schools across India, transforming them into model institutions that fully exemplify the NEP 2020. The primary objective is to create a nurturing and stimulating learning environment where every student feels welcomed and cared for, providing a wide array of learning experiences supported by robust physical infrastructure and appropriate resources.

The scheme envisions these PM SHRI schools as beacons of quality education, fostering holistic development and equipping students with crucial 21st-century skills such such as communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. They are designed to shift away from traditional rote learning towards competency-based assessments and inquiry-driven, learner-centric pedagogies. The total budgetary allocation for the PM SHRI scheme is substantial, amounting to ₹27,360 crore spread over a five-year period from 2022-23 to 2026-27, with the central government contributing ₹18,128 crore. For general states and Union Territories with legislatures, the funding pattern follows a 60:40 Centre-State ratio. The initiative is projected to directly benefit more than 1.8 million to 20 lakh students nationwide.

Key features of the PM SHRI schools include modern facilities such as smart classrooms, digital libraries, integrated science laboratories, vocational labs, and Atal Tinkering Labs. A significant focus is also placed on environmental sustainability, with schools incorporating eco-friendly elements like solar panels, LED lighting, water conservation techniques, waste management systems, and nutrition gardens. The selection of these schools is carried out through a rigorous three-stage 'Challenge Mode' process, where schools self-apply through an online portal and compete for support based on their adherence to national scheme guidelines.

The scheme is structured around six core pillars derived from the National Education Policy 2020: Access Infrastructure (focusing on adequacy, functionality, aesthetics, and safety); Human Resources and School Leadership; Management, Monitoring and Governance; Beneficiary Satisfaction; Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment; and Inclusive Practices and Gender Equity.

Andhra Pradesh's proactive approach to the scheme's implementation has yielded tangible results and led to this top ranking. Minister Lokesh outlined several key initiatives being undertaken across the state to further enhance educational infrastructure and student welfare. These include the immediate commencement of construction for 844 'smart kitchens' this year, drawing inspiration from the successful pilot model implemented in YSR Kadapa district. This aims to significantly improve the quality and hygiene of school meals.

In terms of student support, the distribution of 'Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Vidyarthi Mitra Kits' for school students has already begun, with plans for completion before the upcoming Mega Parent-Teacher Meetings. Similar educational kits are also being provided to an impressive 2.03 lakh students enrolled in government junior colleges across the state.

Addressing the critical need for improved residential facilities, particularly for girl students, Minister Lokesh directed officials to install 53,180 bunk beds. This initiative will benefit 1.06 lakh girl students across 430 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs), with plans to extend these facilities to all state residential schools and colleges. Furthermore, the 'Thalliki Vandanam' scheme, which provides annual financial assistance, will now be extended to include orphaned children. A structured mechanism is being developed to ensure these benefits reach them directly through guardians or, in the absence of guardians, via District Collectors, with funds securely deposited in bank accounts and accessible upon completion of their education to ensure long-term financial security.

Minister Lokesh also addressed regulatory reforms for private unaided schools, advocating for the removal of unnecessary restrictions in the approval process. He mandated greater transparency by requiring private institutions to prominently display their approved fee structures on school premises and publish them online for public access. To enhance the accessibility of learning materials, the Minister suggested making textbooks published by the Telugu Academy available on major e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart.

In his directives, Lokesh also laid down strict benchmarks to improve learning outcomes and student attendance, insisting that student presence must not fall below 95%. He urged officials to pay special attention to lagging districts such as Kurnool, Anantapur, Markapuram, Alluri Sitarama Raju, and Polavaram, by reviewing teacher availability and bridging existing learning gaps. The uncompromised implementation of the Mid-Day Meal scheme was also underscored as a priority. These comprehensive measures underscore Andhra Pradesh's dedication to creating an equitable, inclusive, and high-quality educational environment for all its students, setting a benchmark for other states in the implementation of central schemes.