Vijayawada: The State government has accorded administrative sanction for the release of Rs 717.91 crore as the first instalment under Samagra Shiksha programme for the financial year 2026-27. The funds will be utilised for implementing activities related to elementary education, secondary education and teacher education approved by the Project Approval Board (PAB). School Education Department Secretary Kona Sasidhar issued GO Rt No 132 on Wednesday, sanctioning Rs 717,91,35,667 from the Budget Estimates (BE) 2026-27 under the centrally sponsored Samagra Shiksha scheme. The sanctioned amount will be debited to the relevant Heads of Account specified in the Finance Department’s budget release orders. The government has directed the Director of School Education and the State Project Director, Samagra Shiksha, to take necessary follow-up action for implementing the approved programmes.