Focus On Quality Education, Boost Student Numbers In Government Schools: Lokesh
Education Minister Nara Lokesh, aiming to enhance the enrollment rates in government schools, has stressed the need for high-quality education in these institutions.
Vijayawada:Education Minister Nara Lokesh, aiming to enhance the enrollment rates in government schools, has stressed the need for high-quality education in these institutions.
The minister was speaking at a ceremony where he honoured the headmistress of Penamaluru zilla parishad high school, Durga Bhavani, with the title of 'Shining Teacher' for her exemplary work.
Lokesh praised Bhavani for her outstanding performance and commitment, saying his goal for the next four years is to increase enrollment in government schools. He aimed at seeing a day when government schools place display boards signaling 'Admissions Closed', just as top private schools do now. “Only then can we truly consider ourselves successful.”
Under Bhavani’s leadership over the past five years, the Penamaluru zilla parishad high school has seen remarkable accomplishments. Notably, in the 2025 tenth-grade public examination results, 54 students scored over 500 marks. Seven of them secured admissions into prestigious IIITs.
For three consecutive years, several students received NMM scholarships and the school organised its first-ever graduation day event in government schools in the state.
The school was selected under the PM Shri Yojana scheme, which encourages community mobilization through wall arts, dance, music classes and computer training. Bhavani has transformed the school into a hub of innovative initiatives where students tackle real-life challenges through the Atal Tinkering Lab. Inventions include a machine for drying damp grains and an alcohol-sensing helmet, among others.
During the event, Lokesh received new ideas from Bhavani on ways to strengthen government schools. He acknowledged the exemplary performance of teachers.
“Our focus for the next four years will be on improving student learning outcomes,” the minister said, adding that the Learning Excellence in Andhra Pradesh (LEAP) programme would strengthen government schools with the cooperation of teachers and parents.
