14-06-2025 12:00:00 AM
metro india news I AMARAVATI
Andhra Pradesh Education Minister Nara Lokesh reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to ensuring that every eligible student benefits from the flagship ‘Talliki Vandanam’ scheme. Emphasizing the government's inclusive approach, he declared that the program would extend its reach to all qualifying families without restriction.
Addressing the media, Minister Lokesh sharply contrasted the current government's outreach with that of the previous regime. “The YSRCP government extended Amma Vodi to only 42 lakh students. In comparison, our coalition government has already disbursed benefits to 67.27 lakh students under 'Talliki Vandanam'. We are ready to support even more eligible families,” he said.
Highlighting the government’s increased budgetary commitment, Lokesh revealed that an additional Rs.3,405 crore has been allocated over the previous government’s expenditure. “So far, funds have been directly credited to the bank accounts of 18.55 lakh mothers. Our goal is to ensure no deserving beneficiary is left out,” he noted.
In a strong rebuttal to YSRCP’s allegations that Rs.2,000 from the scheme was siphoned into Minister Lokesh’s personal account, the Education Minister issued a stern warning. “If these leaders cannot prove their claims, they must issue a public apology and withdraw their statement. Otherwise, I will proceed legally. We will not tolerate baseless accusations as we did in the past,” he stated, branding the opposition's claims as malicious propaganda.
Minister Lokesh also outlined the coalition government’s structural reforms in the education sector. He announced the successful implementation of the “One Teacher, One Classroom” policy in 9,600 schools, compared to just 1,200 schools under the previous administration.
Minister Lokesh said the government has already initiated a series of reforms in Intermediate education, though their full implementation would take time. “We are streamlining fee reimbursement and focusing on bringing systemic improvements in higher education,” he added. He also addressed the transformation in education accessibility, “Earlier, families with more than one child could afford to educate only one. That is no longer the case today,” he said, crediting state schemes for this shift. Lokesh noted that numerous parents with two or more children have been sharing videos and screenshots of their appreciation, expressing gratitude for the government’s proactive initiatives.
Calling the new model of education reforms the ‘Andhra Model’, Lokesh expressed confidence that it would serve as a benchmark for other Indian states. He urged parents to consider enrolling their children in government schools, which now offer free school kits through the Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishna Vidya Mitra initiative and nutritious mid-day meals with quality rice.
“These aren’t just schemes—they’re steps toward educational equity and long-term empowerment. Our policies are shaped by public feedback and aimed at building a resilient, future-ready Andhra Pradesh,” Lokesh concluded.