Andhra Pradesh top State in India for access to education

AMARAVATI: Andhra Pradesh has achieved the 'Atti Uttam' (excellent) ranking among all States for offering excellent educational access and infrastructure, as per the latest data released by the Performance Grading Index (PGI) of the Union Ministry of Education.

The PGI assessment involved a comprehensive framework with a total score of 1,000 points spread across 73 indicators, categorised under outcomes and governance & management.

Speaking about the ranking, Praveen Prakash, Principal Secretary of Education, Andhra Pradesh, stated, "We are optimistic about achieving an even higher ranking in the upcoming assessment later this year, owing to the successful outcomes of several initiatives undertaken by the State government in the last four years."

He emphasised that the State's efforts in promoting education encompassed various facets, including incentivising parental engagement through the Vidya Kanuka scheme. "The Government has been providing top-tier infrastructure to rival private schools, while also ensuring quality digital instruction," Praveen said.

Andhra Pradesh's Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) for primary education in 2018-19 was 84.48, contrasting the national average of 99.21. Over the last four years, GER had surged from 84.48 to 100, according to official data.

The State Budget allocation reflected a substantial commitment to education, with approximately ₹66,722 crore disbursed across ten educational schemes, including initiatives like Jagananna Ammavodi, Jagananna Vidya Kanuka, Jagananna Goru Muddha, and Nadu-Nedu.