Centre grants additional ₹432.19 crore for Samagra Shiksha scheme in AP

To help the School Education Department in the State implement initiatives effectively, the Centre has sanctioned an additional ₹432.19 crore for the ‘Samagra Shiksha’ scheme this year.

According to a statement issued by the department, it said that ₹167.46 crore has been sanctioned for setting up Information and Communication Technology (ICT) labs, smart classrooms and science labs across schools. For upgradation of the DIET (District Institutes of Education and Training) colleges into Centres of Excellence, 96% i.e. ₹43.23 crore of the ₹45 crore has been sanctioned this year, with an assurance of further allocation of funds in phases for converting the remaining DIET colleges into Centres of Excellence.

Under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA-JGUA) scheme, a sum of ₹11 crore has been sanctioned for the construction of four hostels for tribal students in the State. This flagship programme of the Central Government aims at improving the social and economic conditions of tribal communities. The scheme will be implemented over five years from 2024–25 to 2028–29, focusing on holistic development of tribal-majority villages through better infrastructure, education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Nyay Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN), funds to the tune of ₹210.5 crore has been sanctioned for the construction of 79 hostels across the state in two phases. Last year, only four hostels were sanctioned. This year, however, the Centre approved the highest-ever allocation for 79 hostels in Andhra Pradesh. Besides, 80 additional schools have been granted to Andhra Pradesh under the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme.