Prepare plan to upgrade all schools to four-star status by 2029, Lokesh directs officials
Andhra Pradesh Education Minister Nara Lokesh on Monday instructed officials to formulate a comprehensive roadmap to upgrade every school in the State to four-star status by 2029, with at least 1,000 schools targeted for five-star status. The directives were issued during a review of school infrastructure and skill development programmes held at his residence in Undavalli on October 5.
Statewide upgrade plan and timelines
Calling for an accelerated push on infrastructure, Mr. Lokesh asked departments to expedite ongoing works across schools and to prioritise phased improvements. He set an immediate target to eliminate the lowest rating tiers within a year, directing that all zero-star schools be upgraded to one-star status and all one-star schools to two-star.
Focus on underserved regions and model institutions
The Minister emphasised the need to give special attention to schools in Agency areas. He also instructed officials to prepare detailed plans to develop 175 LEAP schools—one in each Assembly constituency—positioning them as benchmarks for quality and innovation in school education.
Current status of school ratings
Briefing the Minister, School Infrastructure Commissioner Ranjit Basha shared the State’s current distribution under the school rating framework: 1,685 one-star schools, 15,618 two-star schools, 19,099 three-star schools and 7,172 four-star schools. The targets set for 2029 are intended to move the entire system up the quality ladder while pushing a significant cohort into the top tier.
Technology and innovation push
To strengthen digital literacy and encourage innovation from the school level, Mr. Lokesh directed that computer laboratories and Atal Tinkering Labs be established in 7,000 high schools across the State. He underscored the importance of creating technology-enabled learning environments that support both academic achievement and practical problem-solving skills.
Leveraging Central schemes for skill development
Officials were asked to make effective use of Central government initiatives to broaden training opportunities for students. Among the schemes highlighted were the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme and the Prime Minister’s National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme. The Minister stressed that these programmes should be integrated into the State’s efforts to enhance employability and industry readiness among youth.
Language training for global opportunities
In a bid to improve employment prospects, especially in international markets, Mr. Lokesh asked departments to introduce training in foreign languages, including German and Japanese. He said these skills could open up additional pathways for young people seeking jobs in global and high-skill sectors.
Next steps
Following the review, departments are expected to submit a time-bound action plan aligning infrastructure upgrades, lab installations, LEAP school development and skill programme integration with the 2029 targets. The Minister’s directives place particular emphasis on year-one milestones to lift lower-rated schools, with sustained progress towards universal four-star status and a select expansion into five-star institutions.
The initiatives outlined aim to raise overall educational standards in Andhra Pradesh, strengthen school infrastructure and enhance workforce readiness, while giving priority to underserved regions and future-focused skills.
