Special Coaching For IIT, NEET Aspirants In Govt Colleges
Focus on quality education: Lokesh
VIJAYAWADA: Education minister Nara Lokesh has asked officials to organise special coaching programmes for Intermediate students in government junior colleges, to help them secure high ranks in IIT and NEET examinations.
Reviewing the performances of the Intermediate, higher education and skill development departments at his Undavalli residence on Wednesday, the minister said improving the educational standards was a priority. Officials must set up dedicated coaching centres in four AP residential schools and four Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas in each region.
Officials told the minister that nearly 70 per cent of Intermediate answer sheet valuation has been completed. The academic calendar commenced on Wednesday, while first-year admissions would begin from April 6. Free textbooks would be distributed to students in government colleges by April 19.
Lokesh directed officials to ensure zero dropout at the Intermediate level and take measures to improve student retention. He also called for upgrading all government schools to at least a three-star rating by providing them basic amenities.
Funds of ₹2,034 crore, he said, are being mobilised under the ‘Mana Badi–Mana Bhavishyathu’ programme, of which works worth ₹770 crore were in progress.
Lokesh warned the officials that any lapse in the quality of mid-day meals would invite action and that “surprise inspections” would be conducted.
Reviewing adult-age education, the minister said 24.74 lakh learners passed examinations this year, increasing the literacy rate from 73 per cent to 83 per cent, and set a target of achieving full literacy next year.
In the skill development sector, officials said 1.95 lakh people have secured employment and 6.87 lakh have been trained so far, with over 71,000 currently undergoing training. Plans are under way to organise a workshop in Amaravati with participation from national and international construction companies.
Lokesh also reviewed proposals for a Construction Centre of Excellence in Amaravati under the national academy of construction and a skill excellence centre in Mangalagiri. There are apart from the reforms in higher education, including private university regulations and a unified data platform.