When YS Jagan first visited government schools, what he saw was disturbing. Crumbling buildings, blackened washrooms, dirt instead of benches. Jagan decided — this will not do.
The Nadu-Nedu programme was launched to completely transform government schools in Andhra Pradesh. In one phase, thousands of schools were repainted, new toilets were built, drinking water was installed, furniture arrived, library books came, fans and lights were fitted.
This was not just beautification. Jagan believed that when a poor child comes to school, they should not feel inferior. A good environment motivates a child to learn.
Nadu-Nedu didn’t just improve infrastructure — school attendance rose, teacher absenteeism fell, and parents’ confidence grew. Sometimes even children from private schools shifted to government schools — this was Jagan’s greatest victory.
Nadu-Nedu has today become a brand for Andhra Pradesh. Visitors come, take photographs, and say — schools like these are needed all across India.