Andhra Pradesh Budget: Free electricity to all government schools in State revolutionary, says Nara Lokesh

Nara Lokesh. File
| Photo Credit: The Hindu

Andhra Pradesh Minister for IT and Education Nara Lokesh on Friday (February 28, 2025) said the government was steadily moving forward with a well-planned approach to make school education the number one in the country.

Andhra Pradesh Budget highlights: State Govt presents ₹3.2 lakh crore Budget for 2025-26

In a statement released after the presentation of Budget by Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav in the State Assembly, Mr. Lokesh said the decision to provide free electricity to all government schools in the State was a revolutionary one, as this would not only reduce the financial burden on local bodies but also ease the pressure on teachers and students.

He said as was promised under the ‘Super Six’ initiative, funds were allocated in the Budget to start ‘Thalli ki vandanam” scheme from the financial year 2025-26. “This scheme would be implemented for every student from Class I to Class XII in the State,” he said.

The Minister pointed out that this year, ₹31,805 crore was allocated for school education and ₹2,506 crore for higher education, amounting to a total of ₹34,311 crore (₹2,076 crore excess of last year). Mr. Lokesh said the Budgetary allocation reflects the government’s commitment to strengthen public education system.

Stating that availability of funds would facilitate achievement of the proposed Andhra Pradesh Model Education System, the Minister said the decision to establish Ratan Tata Innovation Hub in Amaravati would open doors for international-level opportunities for youth of Andhra Pradesh.