Former AP CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has debunked Education Minister Nara Lokesh's claims of a massive jump in literacy rates, citing official central government surveys that show a much lower figure.
- Minister Nara Lokesh claimed AP's literacy surged from 72.6% in 2024 to 82.1% in 2026.
- Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy countered this using PLFS data, stating the rate is actually 71.4%.
- Jagan highlighted a decline in government school enrollments according to UDISE+ data.
A fierce political battle has erupted in Andhra Pradesh over the state's literacy statistics. Former Chief Minister and YSRCP President Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has launched a scathing attack on IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh, labeling his recent claims regarding a massive spike in literacy rates as "misinformation propaganda."
The controversy began when Nara Lokesh took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce that Andhra Pradesh's literacy rate had shot up to 82.1% in 2026, compared to 72.6% in 2024. Lokesh credited this "historic transformation" to the state's current administration and the Akshara Andhra drive, claiming the state was among the lowest in India when he took charge.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that literacy rates are more than just numbers; they are a benchmark for the success of governance and social welfare. When political leaders present conflicting data, it creates confusion among the electorate and undermines the credibility of state institutions. The discrepancy between ministerial claims and central surveys suggests a significant gap in how progress is being measured and reported.
The use of unverified or premature statistics in public discourse can severely damage the trust between the government and the citizens.
In response, Jagan Mohan Reddy cited the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) conducted by the National Sample Survey Office. According to the PLFS for the calendar year 2025, the state's literacy rate for the age group of seven and above stands at 71.40%, not the 82.1% claimed by the Minister. Jagan pointed out the absurdity of claiming 2026 statistics before the year has even concluded.
| Data Source / Year | Literacy Rate (%) |
|---|---|
| Nara Lokesh's Claim (2026) | 82.1% |
| PLFS Data (2025) | 71.4% |
| PLFS Data (2023-24) | 72.6% |
| PLFS Data (2018-19) | 69.1% |
Furthermore, Jagan utilized UDISE+ data to argue that the current government's policies are actually hurting the public education system. He noted that enrollment in government schools has dropped from 40.50 lakh in 2023-24 to 34.93 lakh in 2025-26, while private unaided school enrollments have seen an increase. He accused the government of prioritizing "red book governance" over actual educational accessibility.
Historical Background
Education has been a central pillar of political discourse in Andhra Pradesh for decades. While the YSRCP administration focused on massive investments in school infrastructure and welfare schemes, the current TDP-led government emphasizes digital transformation and private sector integration. This clash of ideologies is now manifesting as a war of statistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the core of the dispute between Jagan and Lokesh?
The dispute is over the accuracy of the literacy rate in Andhra Pradesh, with Lokesh claiming 82.1% and Jagan citing central data of 71.4%.
2. What did Jagan say about school enrollment?
Jagan alleged that government school enrollment is declining due to current state policies, while private school enrollment is rising.
