Lokesh for Strict Monitoring of Mid-Day Meals, Pushes for Digital Learning
Lokesh directed officials to introduce it for Class IX students across the state in the first phase, with plans to extend it further.
Vijayawada:Education minister Nara Lokesh has directed officials to enforce strict quality standards in mid-day meals and expand innovative learning systems in government schools.
Reviewing the Samagra Shiksha programmes on Wednesday, the minister assessed student welfare, digital learning initiatives and infrastructure development. He asked officials to adopt a stringent approach to ensure quality in mid-day meals and improve academic standards.
Officials informed the minister that global supply disruptions, including those linked to the Iran conflict, have affected availability of petroleum-based materials and delayed supply of student kits. Quality control measures are being implemented in the distribution of Student Mitra Kits, they said.
Taking note of the response to the clicker-based revision system, Lokesh directed officials to introduce it for Class IX students across the state in the first phase, with plans to extend it further.
Reviewing digital initiatives, he sought details on educational content on the LEAP app and called for expansion of its content base. He also directed officials to create awareness among parents to increase usage of the app for tracking student progress.
Officials said feedback on mid-day meals is being collected through the LEAP app, with responses received from 6,719 schools. The minister directed that the system be automated to improve transparency and efficiency.
He also reviewed the role of School Management Committees, issues related to the Right to Education and special education initiatives. Officials informed that Autism Support Centres at Chinakakani and Bapatla are ready for inauguration, with 28 centres under Phase II to be operational by June and a total of 95 centres by November.
Lokesh suggested collaboration with national institutions for training professionals to manage these centres. He also reviewed admissions in Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas and recruitment of staff.
The minister approved the design for the proposed State Central Library in Amaravati and directed officials to expedite its construction with a target for completion by 2028.