Andhra Pradesh Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh said that the state government has provided financial assistance of ₹8,454 crore to 67,01,653 students under the Thalliki Vandanam scheme. He stated that the people’s government is committed to ensuring that all eligible students receive support under the welfare program.
Replying to questions raised by YSRCP members in the Legislative Council regarding the Thalliki Vandanam scheme and the number of students registered in the UDISE database, Lokesh explained that according to UDISE data, a total of 79,51,903 students from Class 1 to Class 12 are registered across the state. Out of them, financial assistance has been extended to 67,01,653 students under the scheme, amounting to ₹8,454 crore.
Lokesh said that some opposition leaders are spreading incorrect information by claiming that there are 86 lakh students registered in UDISE. He clarified that assistance has been provided to 84.27 percent of the eligible students listed in the UDISE database. The government’s clear policy, he said, is to extend benefits to all eligible students without discrimination.
The minister also compared the current government’s performance with that of the previous YSRCP administration. He said that during the previous government’s tenure, 81,72,224 students were registered under UDISE, but financial assistance was given to only 42,33,098 students, which accounts for just 52 percent. In contrast, the current coalition government has ensured that nearly 85 percent of eligible students receive support under the scheme.
Providing further details, Lokesh noted that during the 2020–21 academic year around 83 lakh students were registered, but only about 44 lakh students received assistance. In 2021–22, around 82 lakh students were registered while only 43 lakh students received benefits. Similarly, in 2022–23 about 80 lakh students were recorded in UDISE, but assistance reached only around 42 lakh students. He said that while the previous government supported only about 52 percent of students, the present government has increased the coverage to 84.27 percent.
Lokesh also invited members to share details of any students who may not have received assistance despite being eligible. He assured that the government is ready to review such cases and extend the benefits accordingly. The aim of the government, he reiterated, is to ensure that every eligible student receives financial support under the Thalliki Vandanam scheme.
Addressing concerns about partial assistance in some cases, the minister explained that in the Social Welfare department, the state government initially releases the funds and later receives reimbursement from the central government. Both funds are combined and distributed to beneficiaries. If there are any gaps in payments, he said, the details should be submitted so that the issue can be resolved.
Lokesh further stated that the government will also take steps to ensure that children of sanitation workers are fully covered under the Thalliki Vandanam scheme in the coming period. He emphasized that the government remains committed to strengthening education support schemes and ensuring that financial assistance reaches deserving students across Andhra Pradesh.