In its ongoing efforts to reform public policies, the NDA government has now turned its focus on the education sector. Following changes in policies related to sand and liquor, the government is now preparing to revive an initiative aimed at reducing student dropouts in government junior colleges.

IT and Education Minister Nara Lokesh has announced plans to reinstate a government-funded mid-day meal scheme, initially introduced by the TDP in 2018. The program was designed to encourage students to pursue higher education at junior colleges by providing quality mid-day meals, which were seen as an effective incentive. However, the scheme was halted by the YCP government shortly after it came into power.

Lokesh observed that many students were dropping out of studies after completing class X, likely due to economic pressures. To address this issue, he proposed the return of the mid-day meal program to encourage students to continue their education. The scheme, if reintroduced, is expected to help reduce the dropout rate in government colleges and improve the state's academic landscape.

While the exact timeline for the program’s implementation is yet to be confirmed, Lokesh has already planned a statewide parent-teacher meeting on December 7, which will be attended by CM Chandrababu Naidu. This meeting aims to further engage with the education community on this reform.