AP literacy rate rises to 82.1% in two years

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh’s literacy rate has increased from 72.6 per cent in 2024 to 82.1 per cent in 2026, marking a rise of nearly 10 percentage points in two years, Human Resources Development Minister Nara Lokesh said on Wednesday. Describing the improvement as a historic transformation, Lokesh credited the NDA government’s initiatives, particularly the Akshara Andhra program, under which around 25 lakh people have reportedly become literate.

Lokesh said Andhra Pradesh had a literacy rate of 72.6 per cent when he assumed charge of the Education Department in 2024, lower than Bihar’s 74.3 per cent at the time. The State has now moved above the reported national average of 80.9 per cent, he said, citing recently released Central government adult education examination results. The minister directed officials to work in mission mode to achieve 100 per cent literacy by September 2027. The government has set a phased target of making another 25 lakh people literate by March 2027 and the remaining 27 lakh by September.

The Akshara Andhra program is being implemented in coordination with 11 government departments. Lokesh called for greater involvement of MLAs and local representatives in identifying and mobilizing people who remain illiterate. During a review of the School Education Department, he also directed officials to ensure that every school-age child is enrolled. Officials said 1,64,821 children were currently outside formal education, with about 33,000 enrolled this year. Details of the remaining children have been shared with headmasters through the LEAP app.

Teacher attendance was reported at 98.97 per cent and student attendance at 85.41 per cent. Lokesh called for further improvement in student attendance and stressed quality mid-day meals and stress-free learning. He also directed the establishment of 125 autism centers across the State and reviewed preparations for Mission March-2026 and the Special TET. Specialized AI training for teachers will be provided under the AI Samarth initiative.