SIX MONTHS PROGRESS CARD

■ 16,347 teachers recruited

■ Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) conducted, 1,87,256 candidates qualified

■ A star rating system based on parameters like student attendance, academic performance, and infrastructure quality has been introduced across over 44,000 schools

■ From January 2025, a mid-day meal scheme will be implemented across 475 junior colleges

■ Plan to launch a comprehensive 

“One School-One App” dashboard to monitor school performance

kiranmai tutika | AMARAVATI

Ever since the TDP came to power in Andhra Pradesh, school education has been given top priority.  A slew of measures have been taken to rejig the education sector. Nara Lokesh, Minister for Education and IT, is spearheading the initiative.

As part of the reforms, recruitment of 16,347 teachers under the Mega DSC initiative was taken up. This recruitment process is set to conclude before the upcoming academic year to address teacher shortages across the state. Ensuring transparency, a Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) was conducted, qualifying 1,87,256 candidates.

Additionally, the controversial GO 117, introduced by the previous administration and criticized for disadvantaged rural students was scrapped. In its place, a fresh draft policy for teacher recruitment has been introduced.

9,197 vacant teaching posts were adjusted and filled. The minister also organized a mega Parent-Teacher Meeting on December 7, 2024, across 44,000 schools, fostering stronger school-community ties.

Incorporating spiritual leader Chaganti Koteswara Rao’s insights, moral education is being integrated into the curriculum to instill values in students. The state has partnered with global organizations like UNICEF, Pratham, and J-PAL to modernize teaching methodologies, further strengthening the quality of education.

Efforts to bring 84,640 out-of-school children into the mainstream include setting up Non-Residential Special Training Centers (NRSTCs) and seasonal hostels. A unified database consolidating inputs from departments like ICDS, Health & Family Welfare, and School Education has been initiated.

Notably, 80% of enrolled students have already been issued APAAR IDs. In collaboration with IIT Madras, Andhra Pradesh is also advancing students’ digital skills.

To evaluate and enhance school performance, a star rating system based on parameters like student attendance, academic performance, and infrastructure quality has been introduced across over 44,000 schools. Principals are undergoing leadership training to improve school management, while advanced tools are being deployed to assess teachers’ skills.

The mid-day meal program has also been revamped, featuring region-specific menus. From January, diet charges in KGBV schools will increase, ensuring better nutrition for students. Furthermore, career and psychological counsellors have been appointed to support students’ academic and mental well-being.

Junior colleges in the state are witnessing significant changes as well. From January 2025, a mid-day meal scheme will be implemented across 475 junior colleges.

Over the next six months, the government plans to launch a comprehensive “One School-One App” dashboard to monitor school performance, organize a state-level science expo, and host national-level sports meets.

Holistic report cards and health profiles for students will continue to be issued. New uniforms and school bags will be distributed to all students from grades 1 to 12 by the next academic year.

The curriculum is set for a major overhaul in the 2025-26 academic year to align with evolving educational needs. Through partnerships with IIT Madras, the Vidya Shakti program will enhance teaching methodologies.

Online leadership courses for school principals and a focus on integrating digital and physical education infrastructure are also on the anvil.