The article details the success of the Andhra Pradesh government’s ‘Mana Badi – Nadu-Nedu’ scheme, a comprehensive program aimed at transforming public schools across the state. Launched in January 2019, the scheme focuses on providing basic infrastructure like clean drinking water, separate toilets for boys and girls, electricity, digital classrooms, and furniture to all government schools.
The initial phase prioritized schools with minimal facilities, and the program has now entered its third phase, focusing on enhancing the quality of education beyond infrastructure. This includes introducing bilingual textbooks, digital learning materials, and improving teacher training.
The impact has been significant. School enrollment has increased, particularly in government schools, reversing a trend of students moving to private institutions. Dropout rates have decreased, and learning outcomes are showing improvement, evidenced by better performance in board exams.
The scheme’s success is attributed to a bottom-up approach involving village education committees, parent-teacher associations, and local communities. These committees actively participate in identifying school needs and monitoring the implementation of the program.
‘Mana Badi – Nadu-Nedu’ isn’t solely about infrastructure; it also emphasizes creating a conducive learning environment. Schools are being painted attractively, and gardens are being developed to make them more inviting. The government has also focused on providing lab facilities and libraries.
The program’s budget has been substantial, with over ₹16,000 crore allocated to date. The state government aims to complete the scheme by the end of 2024, ensuring all schools meet the required standards. The initiative is being viewed as a model for other states looking to improve their public education systems, demonstrating that investment in infrastructure and community involvement can lead to positive educational outcomes. The scheme has also boosted the confidence of teachers and parents in government schools.
