TDP state president hails AP govt for spotlighting Class X toppers in govt schools

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) state president and Gajuwaka MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao on Friday praised the Andhra Pradesh government’s decision to publicly recognise meritorious Class X students from government schools, terming it a “timely and progressive step” that could transform the aspirations of students across the state’s public education landscape.

The state government had recently taken out newspaper advertisements spotlighting toppers from government institutions across Andhra Pradesh — a move that corrects a long-standing imbalance, as such visibility had almost exclusively been the preserve of private and corporate schools.

“Recognition is not merely symbolic; it plays a decisive role in shaping students’ confidence,” the MLA said, adding that public acknowledgement of merit both validates individual effort and fosters a broader culture of aspiration among peers.

Rao was particularly vocal about the backgrounds of the recognised students, many of whom hail from economically and socially disadvantaged sections of society. Their stories, he argued, carry a message far beyond academic achievement. “Highlighting such students at the state level sends a strong message that merit can emerge from any section of society,” he said.

Crediting Education Minister Nara Lokesh for driving the initiative, Rao said it reflects a clear grasp of how recognition reinforces self-belief in young learners. Pointing to the Minister’s 100-day action plan, he said that improvements in accountability and student outcomes are already visible on the ground.

Schemes such as LEAP, he noted, show that academic performance is now being actively complemented by recognition — creating a more balanced and motivating environment in government schools.

Rao expressed confidence that such efforts would be sustained and scaled up, ensuring students from government institutions continue to receive the visibility, support, and opportunities they deserve.