Metro India News | AMARAVATI

The Andhra Pradesh government is set to introduce significant reforms in the education sector, focusing on transparency in teacher transfers, curriculum updates, and cost-saving measures in school supplies. Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh, addressing the Legislative Assembly, outlined the government's vision for the next four years, emphasizing efficiency, integrity, and modernization in the education system.

For the first time in Andhra Pradesh’s history, a transparent teacher seniority list will be published, ensuring clarity in service records. Minister Lokesh stated that seniority lists have traditionally been chaotic, but this time, errors can be rectified directly at the District Education Office (DEO).

The government also plans to introduce the Teacher Transfer Act in the upcoming Cabinet meeting. The act aims to eliminate lobbying in transfers, making the process entirely merit-based. Lokesh reiterated that teachers play a pivotal role in education and should be free from unnecessary administrative and political interventions.

The AP government is revising the school curriculum to instill moral values and promote gender equality. Changes in textbooks for grades 1 and 2 will ensure equal representation of men and women in household activities, challenging stereotypes. Lokesh stressed that similar changes should reflect in the film industry, urging a shift away from gender-biased dialogues.

The government is also enhancing English medium education by providing better teacher training and incorporating bilingual textbooks in Telugu and English. To further strengthen the system, a permanent policy for aided institutions is being formulated to resolve long-standing operational challenges. The minister stated that the government has implemented transparent procurement processes in school kits, nutritious food items, and other essentials, leading to significant savings.

Lokesh emphasized that while cost-cutting is essential, quality will not be compromised. The third-party monitoring system ensures the proper implementation of school kit distribution, and students' textbook burdens are being reduced by adopting a semester-wise system based on the Maharashtra model. In the next three years, Andhra Pradesh aims to set a global benchmark for education. The government is planning a world-class teacher training institute in Amaravati, in collaboration with experts, to attract educators from across the country and beyond.

Recognizing the importance of moral education, the government is introducing ethical studies into the curriculum under the leadership of spiritual scholar Chaganti Koteswara Rao. Gender equality lessons will also be integrated, ensuring students grow up with a balanced perspective on social roles. Additionally, to commemorate Constitution Day, the state will introduce a children’s constitution (“Bala Rajyangam”) to help students understand their rights and duties in a simple, engaging manner. Minister Lokesh reaffirmed that the next four years will focus entirely on improving learning outcomes.