Lokesh vows to revive trust in govt education system

On 04 Jan 2025 17:21:10

Minister for IT and HRD Nara Lokesh urged radical reforms in government education to restore public trust, citing the trend of students

• Introducing reforms in intermediate curriculum

• Academic guidance cell to improve education quality

• Minister launches Dokka Seethamma Mid-Day Meal Scheme

Minister for IT and HRD Nara Lokesh urged radical reforms in government education to restore public trust, citing the trend of students choosing private institutions due to waning confidence in the system, despite quality teaching in government schools and colleges. Lokesh spoke at the launch of the "Dokka Seethamma Mid-Day Meal Scheme" for intermediate students in government junior colleges at Payakapuram, Vijayawada.

He emphasized the government's commitment to restoring faith in public education, acknowledging the low enrollment in government intermediate colleges. "Before strengthening intermediate colleges, we must revitalize government schools," he said, outlining his vision for the State's education, including the formulation of the Andhra Model of School Education to restore the former glory of government institutions. The minister also spoke about upcoming reforms in the education system, including major changes in the intermediate curriculum, internal assessments, and provision of EAMCET and NEET study materials from next year.

"We are increasing the college timings by one and a half hours, grouping students based on abilities, and appointing caretakers to guide their studies," Lokesh explained.

Lokesh stressed the importance of collaboration from donors, alumni, voluntary organizations, parents, public representatives, and teachers to transform government schools and colleges. He pointed to the reforms being introduced, including special training programs in key subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and English, in 29 government intermediate colleges. The government is also introducing a pilot project with IIT Madras to enhance the quality of teaching.

"We are also setting up an Academic Guidance and Monitoring Cell to track and improve the quality of education. We will be giving five-star ratings to colleges based on their infrastructure and academic performance," he added. Lokesh vowed to keep politics out of education, focusing on job fairs, and to inspire students by linking prominent educationists' names to government schemes. The government is focused on improving infrastructure,

including leak-proof classrooms, clean drinking water, and textbook distribution, addressing issues neglected by the previous government. Lokesh emphasized his commitment to ensuring every student in a government school progresses to a government college for intermediate education. Alongside academic reforms, the "No Drugs Bro" campaign is combating student drug abuse, while the mid-day meal scheme, costing Rs. 86 crore annually, focuses on student nutrition. Lokesh urged students to persevere and highlighted the importance of the upcoming April exams for all involved in education.