CM Naidu Calls for Curriculum Overhaul, Better University Rankings

Vijayawada: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday directed officials to implement major government schemes with meticulous planning and avoid delay.

Stressing that effective delivery and public satisfaction are key to achieving desired outcomes, the CM also underscored the need to restructure college curricula to make them align with present-day demands, while also pushing for improved university rankings, enhanced road safety measures, faster housing implementation, and technology-driven disaster alerts.

The chief minister launched the ‘Aware 2.0’ mobile application developed by the real-time governance society to enhance public alert systems and governance efficiency.

Chairing a high-level review meeting on RTGS at the secretariat, the CM said the higher education system must undergo a comprehensive transformation. It must remain relevant in a rapidly evolving job market. Alongside traditional academic streams, institutions should introduce demand-driven courses and continuously update curricula to equip students with industry-ready skills, he said.

He also called upon universities, including Andhra University, to focus on improving their national and global rankings.

Stressing the role of governance in education, Naidu directed the higher education council to function more proactively, with the education department taking a leadership role in driving reforms.

The CM insisted on high standards in welfare programmes, stating that there should be zero complaints regarding the Mid-Day Meal scheme.

Turning to youth engagement and public health, he asked the sports authority to step up its activities and organise events such as 5K runs to promote fitness and awareness among young people.

On road safety, Naidu advocated a shift to preventive strategies rather than relying solely on enforcement. He highlighted the importance of public awareness campaigns, especially on helmet usage and adherence to traffic rules, to reduce accidents and fatalities.

Addressing concerns over lightning-related deaths during heavy rains, the CM directed officials to strengthen the early warning systems. Alerts should go beyond mobile messages, he said, urging the activation of field-level staff and deployment of network-based technologies to warn people in specific tower locations about potential lightning risks.

Reviewing the housing sector, the chief minister instructed officials to accelerate construction activity. In addition to ongoing TIDCO housing projects, he set a target to complete and distribute another five lakh houses to beneficiaries without delay.

He noted that the large-scale housing programme has been receiving positive feedback from the public.