Rajya Sabha member Lingamaneni Ramesh is making a strong push to bring quality education and advanced healthcare to underserved regions of Andhra Pradesh. In a direct appeal to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday, he requested crucial budgetary support for establishing 13 new Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) and two additional All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

Key facts

  • Andhra Pradesh has 28 districts, but JNVs are present in only 15.
  • The estimated cost for 13 new JNVs is ₹1,096 crore over five years.
  • The Union Cabinet approved 28 new JNVs nationwide in December 2024.

Bridging the Education Gap

Mr. Ramesh highlighted a stark disparity: while the state has 28 districts, the residential school network of JNVs only serves 15. This leaves 13 districts without access, cutting off talented students, particularly from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, from a quality education. His proposal seeks in-principle approval and multi-year budgetary allocations to change this. He also called for consultations with the state government and the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti to identify locations and secure land.

Expanding Healthcare Access

Beyond classrooms, the MP’s vision includes hospitals. He noted that AIIMS-Mangalagiri was established as promised in the 2014 Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, but more is needed. Two new AIIMS, he argued, would dramatically improve access to tertiary and super-speciality care in North Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema—regions currently underserved. These institutions would also expand medical education, specialist training, and research. He requested initial funds for feasibility studies and detailed project reports, followed by capital support for construction.

Extending residential school network to uncovered districts will benefit talented students from rural areas, while the two additional AIIMS will improve access to tertiary and super-speciality care.

The Road Ahead

The appeal now rests with the Finance Ministry. If approved, the projects could transform opportunities for thousands, offering a ladder to students dreaming of a better education and a lifeline to families in need of advanced medical care. The clock is ticking as budget deliberations approach, and many in Andhra will be watching closely.