In a recent statement, TDP leader Nara Lokesh strongly emphasised the need to improve the quality of education in government schools and called for practical steps to boost student enrolment. During his address, he pointed out that the condition of many government schools across Andhra Pradesh was not up to the mark and that the trust of parents needed to be regained through real reforms. Lokesh’s remarks come at a time when many families, especially from lower-income backgrounds, are increasingly opting for private schools despite financial pressure.
I chose to write about this because it raises a very important issue that affects lakhs of students across the state. Government schools are meant to provide free, accessible education to every child, but if quality is lacking, then the purpose is defeated. This topic matters because education is not just about buildings and uniforms, it’s about learning outcomes, trained teachers, and student confidence. Many parents today are worried that their children are not getting enough attention in government schools. Lokesh’s comments reflect a concern that needs urgent public discussion. If proper attention is given now, we can make government schools a first choice, not just the only choice for poor families.
Government Schools Need Urgent Attention
Nara Lokesh said that the poor state of infrastructure and the falling student strength in many government schools were a serious concern. He mentioned that despite promises made by the ruling government under the ‘Mana Badi – Nadu Nedu’ scheme, many schools still lack basic amenities like clean toilets, proper classrooms, and drinking water.
He also raised the issue of teacher vacancies and said that many schools are functioning without enough subject-specific teachers. As a result, students are not receiving proper guidance, especially in subjects like Maths and Science. Lokesh pointed out that unless this situation changes, people will continue losing faith in government-run institutions.
Need to Restore Public Trust
According to Lokesh, one of the key reasons why enrolment is going down in government schools is the lack of trust among parents. Most people want to send their children to private schools thinking they offer better education. But not everyone can afford the fees. He said that by improving quality—like training teachers regularly, introducing digital tools, and reducing student-teacher ratio—the government schools can regain their lost image.
He also added that free midday meals and schemes like free uniforms and books are good steps, but they are not enough. What matters more is what students are learning in the classroom and how well they are being prepared for the future.
Enrolment Drive and Community Involvement
Lokesh proposed that the state should start a strong enrolment drive before the new academic year. He suggested involving village-level committees, teachers, and volunteers to reach out to parents and inform them about the improvements being made. He stressed that the government should also highlight success stories from government schools, so that the positive image spreads across communities.
One practical step he recommended was using local media and social media platforms to showcase the achievements of students from government schools. This can motivate others and increase confidence in the system.
Opposition Slams Delay in Reforms
The TDP has been regularly criticising the YSRCP-led state government for not acting quickly on school-related issues. While some steps have been taken under the Nadu Nedu programme, Lokesh believes they are not enough and are limited to a few schools. He said that improving education should not be about photoshoots or inaugurations, but about day-to-day changes in classrooms.
He urged the government to release a white paper on the current status of government schools, including data on dropout rates, vacancies, infrastructure gaps, and student performance. Only with transparency, he said, can accountability be achieved.
