SFI reports poor facilities at tribal schools in Andhra Pradesh

The Students’ Federation of India has reported serious infrastructure deficiencies at schools in Maredumilli mandal of Andhra Pradesh’s Alluri Sitharama Raju district. An SFI state-level team visited primary, ashram and residential schools on Sunday as part of its “School Bachao” campaign. In a statement, state secretary Prasanna Kumar said some schools were operating without proper buildings, while others were housed in structures in poor condition.

The federation also said ashram schools lacked Auxiliary Nurse Midwife services. According to the statement, students who develop health problems must travel several kilometres to the area hospital for treatment. The group highlighted the situation at Vejuwada village, where about 20 students were reportedly attending classes under a tree for seven years.

Prasanna Kumar said villagers had built a shed after the government failed to address the lack of a school building, allowing classes to continue there. He said the absence of a properly equipped building reflected what he described as government neglect of tribal students. The federation called for permanent buildings, toilets, drinking water, electricity and other basic facilities at schools across the tribal region.

SFI also urged the authorities to immediately approve and construct a new building for Vejuwada School. Until construction is completed, it called for safe temporary facilities for pupils and teachers. The visit was attended by SFI assistant secretary Prasad and leaders Lova Raju and Bhaskar.

Tribal organisation representatives Shanti Raj and Sirimalli Reddy also participated. The statement did not include a response from government officials or provide a timetable for construction. The federation said students, parents and villagers had repeatedly urged authorities to act on the conditions affecting education in the area.