Jagan alleges sharp decline in A.P. government school enrolment

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YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy seeks an explanation from the government over the contrasting trends in school admissions. | Photo Credit: File photo

YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Sunday raised concerns over what he described as a sharp decline in enrolment in government schools in Andhra Pradesh, citing UDISE+ data to question the State government’s claim that more than 1.10 lakh students had shifted from private to government schools.

In a post on X, Mr. Jagan compared enrolment figures for 2023-24 and 2025-26 and said the number of students in government schools had declined from 40,50,116 to 34,93,450, a fall of 5,56,666. The number of government and government-aided schools had also declined during the period, he said. Government schools numbered 44,222, compared with around 45,000 earlier, while aided schools fell from 991 to 797.

In contrast, enrolment in privately managed schools increased from 45,53,380 in 2023-24 to 48,40,296 in 2025-26, according to the figures cited by Mr. Jagan.

“If more than 1.10 lakh students had shifted from private schools to government schools, enrolment in the public education system should have increased,” he said, alleging that the figures contradicted the government’s claims.

Mr. Jagan said the decline was particularly concerning as government schools played a crucial role in providing quality education to children from economically weaker sections. He accused the TDP-led coalition government of weakening the public education system and reversing the gains made during the YSRCP government.

Recalling initiatives undertaken between 2019 and 2024, Mr. Jagan said the Mana Badi–Nadu Nedu programme covered infrastructure development in 56,703 government schools, welfare hostels and junior colleges. The previous government had also introduced digital learning initiatives, including tablets for Class VIII students and teachers, interactive flat panels for higher classes and smart televisions in primary schools, he said.

He also referred to the introduction of English-medium education, bilingual textbooks, spoken English training and the proposed International Baccalaureate system.

Mr. Jagan said the latest enrolment trends raised questions about the direction of public education policy and demanded that the government explain the decline in government school enrolment alongside the increase in private school admissions.

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