Lokesh seeks prioritization of attendance and learning

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh Minister for Education and Information Technology, Nara Lokesh, directed officials on Friday to prioritize student attendance and learning outcomes in government schools during the current academic year.

The minister reviewed the progress of the School Education Department at his residence in Undavalli, where he held a meeting with senior officials to assess ongoing educational initiatives and reforms. During the review, officials informed the minister that approximately 106,000 students had newly enrolled in government schools this academic year, many of whom had shifted from private institutions.

Officials noted that out of 7,620 upper primary schools in the state, 3,515 schools, representing 46.13 percent, had reached their maximum student intake capacity. The meeting was informed that 159 schools had been upgraded into model primary schools this year as part of the government's efforts to improve educational standards. The issue of regulating high fees charged by private schools also came up for discussion during the meeting. Lokesh instructed officials to study the fee regulation mechanisms adopted by other states and explore suitable measures that could be implemented in Andhra Pradesh.

Officials further briefed the minister on a proposed pre-pilot project involving an AI Tutor system for Mathematics and Science subjects. Under the first phase, scheduled to begin on September 5, the AI-based learning initiative will be introduced for students of Classes 9 and 10 in 175 LEAP schools. The minister suggested integrating the AI Tutor with classroom clicker devices in the future to enhance interactive learning. The meeting also discussed the regularization of IERPPS personnel and the recruitment of guest lecturers for High School Plus institutions.

Foundation Stone for State Central Library in Amaravati Soon

The review also covered plans for establishing a State Central Library in Amaravati, a District Central Library in Visakhapatnam, and a Skill Excellence Centre in Mangalagiri. Minister Lokesh examined the proposed architectural designs for the buildings and offered several suggestions for their improvement. Officials informed the minister that preparations are underway to lay the foundation stone for the State Central Library in Amaravati next month.