Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Jagan Challenges Naidu Over Tribal School Relocation Controversy
The government changed a tribal residential school in Visakhapatnam into a Centre of Excellence.
It planned to do this with help from a private coaching institute.
Many students had to move to different places during the school year.
Their parents and tribal groups protested against the move.
Police stopped some opposition leaders from visiting the protesting families.
Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy criticized Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu over the decision.
He said students should not be forced to change schools in the middle of their education.
His party asked the government to listen to families and let affected children continue studying where they choose.
The Andhra Pradesh government decided to convert the Marikavalasa Tribal Welfare Residential School into a Centre of Excellence with a private coaching institute.
Hundreds of tribal students were abruptly relocated during the academic year, prompting protests from parents, student groups and tribal organisations.
Police placed opposition leaders, including former Deputy Chief Minister Pushpa Sreevani, under house arrest or detained them while they sought to visit protesters.
YSRCP President Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy criticized Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu over the relocation and police action.
Jagan said similar changes at Kota in Nellore and other campuses had disrupted more than 2,000 students and demanded a review of the policy.
- Who
- The Andhra Pradesh coalition government, tribal students and their families, protesting tribal organisations, opposition leaders, and Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.
- What
- The Marikavalasa Tribal Welfare Residential School was converted into a Centre of Excellence, causing student relocations and protests.
- When
- The relocation occurred in the middle of the academic year; no specific date was provided.
- Where
- Marikavalasa in Visakhapatnam, with similar concerns reported at Kota in Nellore and other campuses.
- Why
- The government converted the school into a Centre of Excellence in partnership with a private coaching institute; Jagan opposed the move and said it disrupted students.
- School affected
- Marikavalasa Tribal Welfare Residential School in Visakhapatnam
- New designation
- Centre of Excellence
- Private partner
- A private coaching institute
- Students affected
- More than 2,000 students across four Gurukulams and other campuses, according to Jagan
- Protesters
- Parents, student organisations and tribal bodies
- Police action
- Opposition leaders were placed under house arrest or detained while attempting to visit protesters
- Main demand
- Stop dismantling functional Schools of Excellence and avoid mid-term displacement of students