AP Aims At Shift Of 2 Lakh Students From Private To Govt Schools: Lokesh

Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh government has set a target of attracting two lakh students from private schools to government schools in the next academic year.

Stating this on Tuesday, education minister Nara Lokesh said on Monday that 1.06 lakh students had shifted to government schools this academic year.

Speaking at a programme in Tadepalli to felicitate meritorious students from government educational institutions, Lokesh said the government's education reforms were aimed at improving the quality of public education and restoring confidence in government schools.

A total of 55 Class X students and 61 Intermediate students, recognised as Shining Stars for their academic performance, were honoured. Class X students received a cash award of ₹30,000, a medal and a certificate, while Intermediate students were presented with laptops and medals.

Congratulating the students, Lokesh said their achievements had restored the reputation of government educational institutions. Their performance had also reflected positively on the government's efforts to strengthen the education sector.

The minister announced that a statewide Parent-Teacher Meeting would be organised in July. Comparing education with farming, he said sustained effort and patience were essential to achieve lasting results.

Referring to 'Dream Walls' and 'Gratitude Walls' introduced in schools, Lokesh observed that many students aspired to become doctors, engineers and IAS officers, but very few expressed an ambition to enter public life. He encouraged young people to consider politics as a means of effecting social transformation.

Lokesh said the government was implementing reforms with students at the centre of policy making. He noted that the 'One Class-One Teacher' system was being introduced in 10,000 schools and that efforts were continuing to strengthen the mid-day meal programme.