Jagan alleges sharp drop in A.P. government school enrolment, questions state claim

YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Sunday alleged 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. He said the number of students in government schools had fallen from 40,50,116 to 34,93,450, a decline of 5,56,666. He also stated that the number of government schools dropped to 44,222 from around 45,000 earlier, while government-aided schools reduced from 991 to 797 during the same period.

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.

Mr. Jagan argued that if more than 1.10 lakh students had shifted from private schools to government schools, enrolment in the public education system should have risen. He alleged that the figures contradicted the government's claims. He expressed particular concern that government schools play a crucial role in providing quality education to children from economically weaker sections.

The former chief minister accused the TDP-led coalition government of weakening the public education system and reversing the gains achieved during the YSRCP government between 2019 and 2024. He recalled initiatives such as the Mana Badi–Nadu Nedu programme, which covered infrastructure development in 56,703 government schools, welfare hostels, and junior colleges. He also mentioned digital learning initiatives, including tablets for Class VIII students and teachers, interactive flat panels for higher classes, and smart televisions in primary schools.

Mr. Jagan referred to the introduction of English-medium education, bilingual textbooks, spoken English training, and the proposed International Baccalaureate system as steps taken by his government. He said the latest enrolment trends raised questions about the direction of public education policy.

He demanded that the government explain the decline in government school enrolment alongside the increase in private school admissions. No immediate response from the State government was available to the allegations.

The exchange comes amid continuing political rivalry between the YSRCP and the ruling TDP-led coalition in Andhra Pradesh. Education statistics from the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE+) are often cited by both sides to support their positions on school performance and policy outcomes.