Lokesh’s Stress on AI, Global Standards for AP Residential Schools
The board of governors approved the development of 10 AP residential schools as Centres of Excellence. The Tadikonda and Kodigenahalli schools are already functioning as Centres of Excellence.
Vijayawada: Education minister Nara Lokesh is aiming to turn Andhra Pradesh’s residential schools into talent factories by stressing on international standards and making AI Skilling compulsory so as to prepare students for a technology-driven world.
At the 59th governing body meeting of the AP residential educational institutions society (APREIS) on Thursday, Lokesh called for a major upgrade of residential education, combining academic excellence with modern infrastructure, technology, sports and industry-linked vocational training.
The board of governors approved the development of 10 AP residential schools as Centres of Excellence. The Tadikonda and Kodigenahalli schools are already functioning as Centres of Excellence. The board also cleared the setting up of an IIT-JEE/NEET Academy at the APR Junior College in Nimmakuru, Krishna district, from the next academic year.
Six residential schools will be upgraded into junior colleges, Lokesh said and asked officials to examine developing the Bhupathipalem residential school in Jaggampeta constituency as an education and sports hub with a world-class sports ecosystem.
With technology changing rapidly, computer laboratories and AI skilling will be made mandatory in APR junior colleges. Officials were also told to introduce vocational courses in areas where residential schools operate, aligned with local industry requirements.
The meeting approved a staffing pattern based on student strength and gave in-principle approval for critical infrastructure and permanent buildings. Physical education teachers would be upgraded as physical directors.
Besides, a committee would be constituted to frame service rules for APREIS institutions.
The retirement age of APREIS employees was raised from 60 to 62 years, while guest faculty remuneration would be made comparable with that offered by other educational societies. The APREIS secretary would be authorised to spend up to `1 lakh on students’ medical emergencies. Proposals for automated smart kitchens in all residential institutions would also be prepared.
Officials informed Lokesh that AP residential institutions had produced nearly 27 IAS officers, 20 IPS officers, 13 IRS officers and four IFS officers, besides many others who have reached prominent positions.
At the 78th board of Intermediate education meeting, chaired by Lokesh, an increase in remuneration for staff involved in conducting and evaluating Intermediate examinations was approved for up to 25 per cent.
The board decided on stringent action against serious evaluation lapses. It also resolved to digitise all certificates issued since 1978 and integrate them with blockchain technology. The retirement age of Intermediate board employees was raised from 60 to 62 years.
This year, students appearing for Intermediate theory examinations would be provided 32-page answer booklets.