Our children are gems in the soil. Ministers Announce Rewards for outstanding performance in examinations

Tribal and Social Welfare Students Shine in Board Exams: Ministers Announce Rewards, Expansion of NEET Coaching Centers

Vijayawada, May 7, 2025:In a powerful testament to the capabilities of government school students, particularly from social and tribal welfare institutions, a grand felicitation ceremony was held at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram to celebrate their outstanding performance in SSC and Intermediate public examinations. The event was graced by Andhra Pradesh Ministers Dr. Dola Sri Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy (Social Welfare) and Gummadi Sandhya Rani (Tribal Welfare, Women & Child Welfare), who awarded merit students with certificates, cash prizes, and mementoes.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Dr. Veeranjaneya Swamy emphasized that these achievements rival those of corporate educational institutions, showcasing that “our children are gems in the soil.” He added that for the first time, merit students from social and tribal welfare schools and hostels were being recognized with such incentives.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s vision is to elevate government educational institutions to the level of top private ones, the minister said. Reinforcing this commitment, Rs. 143 crore has been allocated for renovations and infrastructure development in social welfare hostels—a record in the state’s history. Further, from this year, the number of free NEET coaching centers will be increased to 10, improving chances for more students to gain admission to prestigious institutions like IITs and medical colleges.

Minister Gummadi Sandhya Rani expressed her pride in presenting awards to tribal students on the death anniversary of revolutionary freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju. A total of 315 students across the state were recognized for their academic excellence in SSC and Intermediate exams. Among them, 34 merit students were given cash prizes: Rs. 20,000 for first place, Rs. 15,000 for second, and Rs. 10,000 for third.

Additionally, 36 dedicated teachers and staff members from the Social and Tribal Welfare Departments were felicitated. The Minister highlighted how tribal students have made the state proud by excelling academically, aided by government support such as digital classrooms, nutritious food, hostel accommodation, and hygiene kits.

Minister Sandhya Rani acknowledged the visionary steps of former Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao in establishing the Gurukula school system, which laid the foundation for today’s success stories. Chief Minister Naidu is now accelerating this vision by enhancing facilities, including the construction of modern buildings and the introduction of digital education tools.

Across Andhra Pradesh, 551 ashram schools, 1,958 tribal primary schools, and 199 residential schools currently serve over 2.36 lakh students. All essential supplies—from bedding to cosmetics, stationery, plates, and glasses—are provided free of cost. This year, 1,25,976 students are benefiting from post-matric scholarships, with tuition reimbursement amounting to Rs. 81.29 crore and maintenance grants of Rs. 7.75 crore already credited to student accounts.

In the 10th class exams this year, 6,722 ashram school students and 3,766 from Gurukulas passed, with 44 ashram schools and 12 Gurukulas achieving 100% pass rates. In the Intermediate second-year exams, 91% of Gurukula students passed—significantly higher than the state average of 83%. Of 93 students trained for IIT-JEE, 81 qualified for the Advanced level, and 25 are expected to secure IIT seats, while 50 are projected to enter NEET.

Principal Secretary of Social and Tribal Welfare M.M. Naik praised the achievements of the students, emphasizing that awards earned at a young age leave a lasting impression. He stressed that education is the key to uplifting tribal communities and that every student, with proper support, can reach their goals. These achievements, he said, will serve as a guiding light for future generations.

Also present at the event were Social Welfare Secretary V. Prasanna Venkatesh, Tribal Welfare Secretary G. Gauthami, and Directors Lavanya Veni and S. Bhargavi, alongside students’ parents, teachers, and hostel wardens.